April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and California agencies treat it as an enforcement period, not just a hashtag. CHP and local departments run extra patrols during the national "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign window, writing tickets for exactly the behavior most drivers think they can get away with at a red light.

What California law actually says

• Holding a phone while driving is illegal, period. Vehicle Code §23123.5 requires the phone to be mounted and limits you to a single tap or swipe.
• Texting, scrolling, and app use in the hand are covered by the same section: if it's in your hand while the wheels move, it's a violation. Red lights count as driving.
• Drivers under 18 cannot use a phone at all, even hands-free (Vehicle Code §23124).
• Since July 2021, a second hands-free violation within 36 months adds a point to your record, which is where the insurance pain starts. Our California cell phone law guide covers the details.

The base fine looks small on paper, but court assessments multiply it several times over, and the possible point on a repeat offense follows you for 36 months. The traffic school option does not hide distracted driving points from a second offense within the window.