Bill would increase fines for using cellphones while driving
State lawmakers sent two road-related proposals to the governor Tuesday, one that would hike fines for Californians who use a cellphone while driving and another that would exempt hybrid drivers from toll charges in car-pool lanes.
The cellphone bill, SB 1310 by state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), would increase the current fine for driving while using a hands-on phone or text messaging from $20 to $30 for a first offense, and from $50 to $60 for a subsequent offense.
Lawmakers also gave final approval to a bill that would exempt drivers who own low-emission and hybrid vehicles from charges when they use “high-occupancy toll,” or HOT, lanes. Currently, drivers must pay to use those lanes if they are not carrying passengers.
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-- Michael J. Mishak and Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times