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Is it legal to hold your phone while driving in California?

A driver holds a smartphone showing a text conversation in one hand above the steering wheel, with traffic visible through the windshield.

Which is permitted for an adult driver in California?

Answer choices

The answer

Drivers may use a phone only in a hands-free, voice-operated way. Holding the phone or reading and sending texts while driving is illegal.

A California Highway Patrol page (April 2026) says California law prohibits drivers from holding or using a cellphone while driving unless the device allows hands-free, voice-operated use. It says dialing 911 is the only exception it mentions.

The DMV handbook calls driving while using a handheld phone unsafe and illegal, says adults should use hands-free mode only when necessary, and says not to send or read texts or emails while driving. Minors may not use a phone to answer calls or send or respond to texts; the exception is a call for emergency help.

Exceptions

  • A call for emergency assistance is the exception named by the CHP page (dialing 911) and the DMV handbook (for minors).
  • The CHP page does not address phone mounting or touch rules, so this page does not state them.

Why this rule matters for safety

Handheld use takes your eyes, hands and attention off the road. The handbook says to use hands-free only when necessary.

Official sources

Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the California agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.

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