California drivers will become more responsible as of July 1, when the Wireless Telephone Law takes effect. The law is divided into two, for under 18 and over 18 drivers, and is meant to increase the safety of all car passengers and reduce the number of car crashes caused by distracted drivers.

The new law against the use of wireless phones while driving takes effect in California on July 1, and should make drivers think twice before using one while driving. The fines will go from $20 to $50 for subsequent convictions and even more if the fines continue.

The violation of the Wireless Telephone Law is a reportable offence, but according to the California Highway Patrol, drivers won’t receive a violation point on their drivers license.

For the under 18 drivers, the law also makes another provision: they will be prohibited from using any type of device, whether for talking or text messaging, while driving. The only exception will be for emergency cases.

While discouraged to do it, over 18 drivers have not been specifically prohibited from texting page while driving; however, if an officer believes the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely, he may issue a citation.

That will probably make a lot of the young drivers very unhappy, considering that most of them are able to use their phones with their eyes shut.

The extra-measure doesn’t mean of course that the over 18 drivers are more responsible, but rather that all drivers need to learn to focus on the road, and that should be specifically done by beginner drivers.

At the same time, the decision was based on statistics that have shown a greater incidence in teen drivers involved in crashes, compared to older drivers, due to the lack of driving experience.

According to the California Highway Patrol, statistics have placed young drivers as the most vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increases their chance of getting involved in car accidents.

The California law will apply not only to Californian drivers, but also to those coming from other states, even if in those states similar laws don’t apply.