If you’re holding your phone while driving in Los Angeles, even just to glance at your GPS you’re probably breaking the law. As of June 2025, California’s hands-free law is being enforced with a new level of strictness, and Los Angeles drivers are already feeling the impact.
What’s being called the “No Touch” phone law isn’t a brand-new statute, but a court ruling and law enforcement shift have made it much more serious. Here’s what every L.A. driver needs to know to avoid tickets, crashes, and liability and what to do if you’re hit by someone who’s distracted behind the wheel.
What changed in June 2025?
California Vehicle Code § 23123.5 has prohibited handheld phone use while driving since 2017. But for years, many drivers believed they were still allowed to hold their phone — as long as they weren’t actively texting or talking. That loophole is now closed.
On June 3, 2025, the California Court of Appeal (Sixth Appellate District) ruled in People v. Nathaniel Porter that merely holding a phone — even without touching the screen — is a violation. According to the court, this behavior is exactly what the law was designed to prevent: visual and mental distraction. This interpretation means holding your phone to view a map or check music — even at a red light — is now illegal.
What’s illegal under the new standard?
Here’s what L.A. drivers are no longer allowed to do while operating a vehicle:
- Hold a phone in your hand — even if you’re not touching the screen
- Use your phone for navigation, music, or calls unless it’s properly mounted
- Swipe, tap, or unlock your phone unless the action is minimal and hands-free
- Glance down at your phone while holding it — yes, even at stoplights
The only legal way to interact with your device is by using voice commands on a mounted phone (e.g., Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), and only with minimal physical contact.
Los Angeles drivers: CHP is watching
The California Highway Patrol has already begun enforcing the “No Touch” rule across Los Angeles County. Drivers are being pulled over for holding their phones in hand — no texting required. And with traffic officers patrolling high-traffic corridors like the 405, 101, and the downtown interchange, you’re more likely than ever to get cited.
Sasha Bojat, founding attorney at Bojat Law Group, stresses that the law’s purpose goes far beyond handing out tickets.
“We’ve seen firsthand how distracted driving can ruin lives. The updated ‘No Touch’ standard sends a clear message — if your eyes are on your phone, they’re not on the road. And that split second is often all it takes for a crash to happen.”
Attorneys across Los Angeles are already seeing an uptick in accident cases involving distracted driving. That’s not a coincidence — it’s a reflection of how common this behavior is, even with laws in place.
Penalties for violating the law
Penalties for violating this section of the Vehicle Code begin with a base fine of twenty dollars for the first offense and increase to fifty dollars for subsequent offenses. With administrative and court fees added, the real cost to drivers is usually much higher. But more importantly, the potential consequences of distracted driving go far beyond fines. A two-second glance at a screen may be enough to cause a life-altering crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,300 lives were lost to distracted driving in the U.S. in 2022. In California alone, 148 deaths were linked to distraction-related crashes that same year.
Steps drivers should take to remain safe and within the law
If you need to interact with your phone, the safest and most legal approach is to set your route, playlist, and notifications before driving. Make use of Do Not Disturb While Driving features to avoid distractions altogether, and if a call or message simply can’t wait, pull over to a safe location before using your phone. The aim of this law—and the court’s ruling—isn’t about punishment. It’s about preventing crashes, injuries, and loss of life caused by something as simple as a momentary glance at a screen.
Injured by a distracted driver in Los Angeles?
At Bojat Law Group, we’ve represented numerous victims whose lives were changed because another driver failed to stay focused on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, you may have the right to seek compensation. Holding a phone while driving is now a clear violation of California law, and it may be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Our team is here to help you recover medical costs, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. We understand the serious impact these crashes can have on your life, and we’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s careless phone use behind the wheel, contact Bojat Law Group for a free consultation. You can reach us at (818) 877-4878 or visit our website to schedule a free case evaluation.
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