California prohibits use of electronic devices by teens while driving

The Ventura County Star reports:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Thursday that bans 16- and 17-year-old drivers from using cell phones, pagers, walkie-talkies, laptop computers and other devices, even if they have “hands-free” features.

Introduced by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB33 passed on a bipartisan vote in both the state Senate and Assembly and will take effect next July.

If cited, a teen driver faces a fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.