Orlando Harmon
VC-23123.5(a) is a traffic ticket issued for using a handheld device while driving. While this violation does not carry a point, some insurance companies increase insurance premiums anyway for this violation. Attending traffic school can prevent points from appearing on your driving record, potentially avoiding insurance rate increases. However, this violation is still reported on your driving record, and drivers can voluntarily choose to attend traffic school.
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What You'll Learn
Traffic school as an option to mask the violation
A violation of California Vehicle Code 23123.5, which prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, can result in a fine of $162 or the option to attend traffic school. While this violation does not carry any points, it is still reported on your driving record and could potentially impact your insurance rates.
Traffic school is an option for those who want to mask the violation from their public record and prevent insurance rate increases. However, it is important to note that this option may not be beneficial if there are no points assessed, as some insurance companies may not consider it a conviction. Additionally, if you choose to attend traffic school for this violation, you will not be able to use this option again for another moving violation within 18 months.
To attend traffic school, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including possessing a valid driver's license and having a commercial driver's license while driving a non-commercial vehicle. They must also pay an administrative fee and submit a notice of intent to attend.
Completing an approved traffic school course can help keep points off your license and prevent insurance rates from increasing. It is a beneficial option for those who want to maintain a clean driving record, as the violation will be blocked from their record.
While some sources suggest that attending traffic school can reduce the negative traffic safety impact and deter subsequent traffic crashes, it is always a good idea to consult with a legal expert for specific advice regarding your situation.
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Potential insurance rate increases
California Vehicle Code 23123.5(a) states that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless it is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking and is used in that manner while driving. Under this code, it is illegal to "write, send, or read a text-based communication" while operating a vehicle. A violation of this code will result in a \$162 fine, although it will not result in points being assessed on the violator's DMV driving record.
While a violation of VC 23123.5(a) will not result in points on your driving record, it is still reported on your record and could potentially impact your insurance rates. One source states that a violation will not affect your insurance rates, as the insurance industry in California is heavily regulated, and this is not allowed. However, another source states that a violation could impact your insurance rates, even if it doesn't add points to your license.
If you are concerned about potential insurance rate increases, you may want to consider attending traffic school to mask the violation from your public record. Attending traffic school can prevent points from appearing on your driving record and potentially avoid insurance rate increases. However, if you choose to attend traffic school for this violation, you will not be able to use it again for another moving violation within 18 months.
Additionally, a cell phone ticket could be used against you if you receive another one, resulting in an increased fine for the second ticket. Therefore, it may be wise to save traffic school for another ticket unless you are concerned about maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding any insurance impacts.
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Non-moving violation
A non-moving violation is a traffic offence that does not directly involve the driver's behaviour in relation to the movement of the vehicle. These violations focus on compliance with vehicle laws and regulations. Non-moving violations typically relate to parking, vehicle condition, or administrative issues. For example, common non-moving violations include driving without a seatbelt, using a cell phone while driving, expired vehicle registration, broken taillights or headlights, and invalid or missing license plates.
In terms of insurance, non-moving violations generally do not affect insurance rates as they do not involve dangerous driving behaviour. Moving violations, on the other hand, are considered an indication of risky driving behaviour and can lead to increased insurance premiums.
Now, regarding VC-23123.5a, this violation pertains to the use of a wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle. Specifically, it relates to driving while holding a handheld device or using a cell phone without hands-free equipment. This violation falls under the category of non-moving violations.
In California, a VC-23123.5a violation results in a fine of $162, and it is reported on the driver's record. However, it does not carry any points. While it is unlikely to directly impact insurance rates, there may be some indirect effects. For instance, drivers may voluntarily choose to attend traffic school to mask the violation from their public record and prevent potential insurance impacts. However, attending traffic school for this violation may not be beneficial, and it is advisable to save this option for more severe violations.
In conclusion, while VC-23123.5a is a non-moving violation and may not directly affect insurance rates, it is still reported on the driver's record, and drivers may consider attending traffic school to mitigate any potential indirect effects on their insurance.
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No points on the driving record
In California, a violation of VC 23123.5(a) is issued when a person is found driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone that is not specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking. In other words, it is illegal to "write, send, or read a text-based communication" while operating a vehicle.
A violation of VC 23123.5(a) will not result in any points being added to the offender's driving record. However, it is still a violation that is reported on one's driving record. The offender has the option to pay a fine of $162 or attend traffic school to mask the violation from their public record. Attending traffic school can be beneficial if one wants to maintain a clean driving record and avoid insurance impacts. However, attending traffic school for this violation may not be beneficial as it cannot be used again for another moving violation within 18 months.
While a violation of VC 23123.5(a) will not result in points, it may still impact one's insurance rates. This is because insurance companies may consider it a traffic ticket, even though it is a zero-point, non-moving violation. Therefore, it is advisable to check with one's insurance company to find out whether receiving a ticket for this violation will result in increased insurance rates.
Additionally, it is important to note that a VC 23123.5(a) violation can be used against the offender if they receive another ticket, resulting in an increased fine for the second ticket.
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Cell phone ticket impacts
In the state of California, under the California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5, it is illegal to "write, send, or read a text-based communication" while operating a vehicle. This also applies to holding a handheld device while driving. A violation of VC 23123.5 will not result in points being assessed on the violator's DMV driving record. However, this does not mean that it cannot impact your insurance.
A cell phone ticket for texting while driving will, in most cases, increase your car insurance rates. Insurance companies raise rates for drivers who display risky behaviour, and distracted driving is a dangerous behaviour that increases the chances of an accident. The increase varies depending on your insurer's policies, driving history, state, and the severity of the offense. The average percentage rate increase after a texting ticket is 28%, but ranges between 9% and 51%.
To avoid an insurance rate increase, drivers can voluntarily choose to attend traffic school. Attending traffic school can prevent points from appearing on your driving record, potentially avoiding insurance rate increases. However, if you attend traffic school for this violation, you cannot use traffic school again for another moving violation within 18 months.
In some states, insurance companies are prohibited from factoring texting and driving tickets into their rates. For example, in California, VC §12810 specifies that violations that can cause you to lose your good driver discount do not include VC §23123.
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Frequently asked questions
VC-23123.5a is a violation of the hands-free law. It prohibits driving a motor vehicle while holding and operating a wireless device unless it is designed for voice-operated and hands-free use.
It is unclear whether a VC-23123.5a violation will directly impact insurance rates. Some sources suggest that it does not carry points and should not affect insurance. However, others indicate that insurance companies may increase premiums for such violations, even without points.
You can choose to pay the fine, which is typically $162, or contest the ticket in court. Additionally, you may have the option to attend traffic school to mask the violation from your public record and prevent potential insurance increases.
It is recommended to contact your insurance company directly to inquire about their specific policies regarding VC-23123.5a violations and their potential impact on your insurance rates.
