Teen drivers have much to learn, and California law ensures it’s done safely. From cell phone bans to curfews, these laws are in place to prevent serious accidents. Nevertheless, accidents still happen, especially when young drivers ignore these important rules. If your teen was injured or another teen’s negligence caused harm, you don’t have to face the situation alone.
How California Teens Earn Their License
Earning the right to drive independently is a journey, not a single step. In California, teens must follow a structured path through the provisional licensing program, gaining supervised experience and building critical skills before they can drive without supervision. The following steps outline how a teen can progress from a learner’s permit to a full California driver’s license.
1. Instruction Permit (Starting at Age 15 1/2)
Teens must complete an approved driver education course and pass a written driving test available from the DMV website. Once they receive an instruction permit, they can only drive with a licensed driver of at least 25 years old seated beside them.
2. Provisional License (Starting at Age 16)
After holding the permit for at least six months and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), teens can take a behind-the-wheel driving exam. If they pass, they are issued a provisional license, but restrictions still apply for the next 12 months.
3. Full License (After Age 18 or After 12 Months of Safe Driving)
Teens who complete the one-year probation period without any violations or accidents can apply for a full license, granting them the same privileges as any other California driver. To apply, teens must also show a California insurance proof certificate demonstrating they are properly insured.
Restrictions for Teen Drivers in California
Teen drivers face several important restrictions during their first year of driving. These rules are based on crash data showing that the first 12 months behind the wheel are the most dangerous for young drivers.
Teen drivers face a higher risk of accidents because of their lack of experience, especially during late-night hours, when traveling with peer passengers, or when distracted by cell phones. California’s teen driving restrictions target these high-risk behaviors to keep young drivers and everyone else on the road safer.
Under California teen driving laws, a provisional license holder may not:
- Drive between 11 PM and 5 AM, unless they have a valid exception.
- Carry passengers below 20 years old, unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older.
- Operate a cell phone, including through the use of a hands-free device.
Teen Cell Phone Use While Driving Is Against the Law
Teen drivers are especially vulnerable to distraction behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers are six times more likely to crash when dialing a phone, and texting increases the risk by twenty-three times. Studies show that one in three teens admits to texting while driving. Even talking on the phone, whether handheld or hands-free, takes a driver’s focus off the road and sharply reduces their ability to react to sudden hazards, roadway incidents, or dangerous weather conditions. For teen drivers without any experience, these distractions can be deadly.
Because of these dangers, California passed Vehicle Code §23124, which strictly prohibits drivers under 18 from using any wireless device while operating a motor vehicle. Teen drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone for any purpose while driving, including texting, calling, playing music, or using navigation apps. This restriction applies even when using a hands-free device.
In practical terms, this means:
- Texting or calling while driving is completely prohibited.
- Teens cannot use voice commands, Bluetooth systems, or other hands-free features.
- Accessing apps for directions, music, or any other purpose while driving is illegal.
As a parent or guardian, reminding your teen to keep their phone out of reach while driving could make all the difference. Their safety and the safety of others depend on it.
What Happens If a Teen Breaks These Rules?
Violating California’s teen driving laws can result in more than a traffic ticket. These laws are in place to prevent accidents and save lives, and ignoring them may carry serious legal and financial consequences.
Teens who disregard California’s driving laws may face penalties for violating key restrictions, such as:
- Fines and citations
- Delayed eligibility for a full license
- License suspension or revocation
- Higher insurance rates
- Liability in a personal injury lawsuit
A single citation for illegal cell phone use or unsafe driving can dramatically raise a family’s insurance premiums. It may also limit future job or scholarship opportunities that require a clean driving record. The long-term cost of one mistake can far outweigh the fine itself. Breaking teen driver rules doesn’t just lead to tickets, it could impact someone’s health, future, or life.
How Our Law Firm Helps Families After a Teen Driving Crash
Whether your teen was injured in a crash or a distracted teen driver harmed your family, we understand the stress and uncertainty that follow. Our car accident lawyers are here to help you take the next steps with confidence.
Our skilled car accident attorneys can:
- Investigate the crash and uncover evidence, such as phone use, driving training records, or prior violations.
- Handle communication with insurance companies to protect your financial interests.
- Pursue damages for medical expenses, missed school, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
We handle every case with care and compassion because we understand that a serious accident can instantly change a teen’s life or affect an entire family.
Recommended Reading:
- Parents’ Checklist for Responding to Teen Car Accident
- Can Cell Phone Records After a Car Accident Be Used Against You?
Your Family Deserves Support After a Teen Driving Accident
For over 20 years, our firm has been a trusted advocate for victims of negligence, fighting to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. If a distracted driver injured your teen or harmed someone you love, now is the time to act. We’re here to protect your rights and help your family confidently move forward.
Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We have no fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
