Can You FaceTime While Driving In California?

In this digital age, people are more connected than ever before. This includes attempting to stay connected when they shouldn't, like when behind the wheel. Distracted driving is not just cell phones either, as it is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel. Since many people are now making video calls more frequently, they are asking: Can you FaceTime while driving in California?

Distracted Driving Laws In California

In California, they have separate distracted driving rules based on the age of the driver. There is a statewide ban on texting while driving, so no one is allowed to use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand.

If you are over the age of 18, you can use your cell phone while driving if it is in a hands-free manner, such as a speaker phone or voice commands. You can never use the phone while holding it, unless it is for an emergency. If you are under the age of 18, you are prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason, even in a hands-free manner. You can use a handheld device in an emergency to call law enforcement or another emergency service provider.

Using FaceTime While Driving In California

There are different aspects to consider when thinking about using FaceTime while driving in California. If you are under the age of 18, you cannot FaceTime, as you are prohibited from using a cell phone in any manner.

If you are over the age of 18, then you can technically use FaceTime in a hands-free manner while driving. To do this, you would have to start the conversation while in park, place your cellphone in some kind of phone mount before you start driving. When you are done talking, you would need the other person to end the call.

While it is technically legal to FaceTime while driving if you are over 18, you should keep in mind that FaceTiming and driving can be very distracting. You are going to be more focused on that phone call than you are focused on the road, which is where your eyes should remain at all times. It's always better to pull over to make the phone call or wait until you are out of the car to talk on the phone, especially if you plan on video chatting.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.