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California driving lesson · Vehicle Safety & Distraction

Distracted driving, phones & carbon monoxide

A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Vehicle Safety & Distraction
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
76, 77

Anything that takes your eyes, hands or mind off driving is a distraction, and cell phones are the main source. California has strict phone rules, and even stricter ones for minors.

Common distractions:

  • Looking at a phone, navigation system, children, or pets
  • Changing music or volume
  • Applying makeup or shaving
Handbook p. 76 ↗

Know the rule

Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal. Adults should use a phone only in hands-free mode when necessary.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Phone rules for adult drivers:

  • Don't answer if it rings; let it go to voicemail
  • To return or make a call, pull safely off the road
  • Do not send or read texts or emails while driving
  • Mount the phone on the windshield, dashboard, or center console without blocking your view
  • Use only the single swipe or touch feature on the mounted phone
Handbook p. 77 ↗

Know the rule

It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or wireless device to answer calls or send or respond to texts while driving.

Handbook p. 77 ↗

Know the rule

Exception: minors may use a cell phone to call for emergency assistance.

Handbook p. 77 ↗

Know the rule

Self-driving vehicles and vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) may respond to road situations differently than a human driver would.

Handbook p. 77 ↗

Carbon monoxide

A deadly, odorless gas released from the exhaust pipe of all gas-powered vehicles.

Handbook p. 77 ↗

Know the rule

Never start your vehicle inside a garage with the door closed.

Handbook p. 77 ↗

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Tiredness
  • Yawning
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Ringing in the ears
Handbook p. 77 ↗

Know the rule

If you have any of these symptoms, have your exhaust system checked.

Handbook p. 77 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 17 and your phone buzzes with a text from your mom while you drive. Don't read or answer it. As a minor you may not use a phone to answer calls or send or respond to texts while driving. The only exception is calling for emergency help.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Which symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are listed in the handbook?
  1. Blurred vision and chest pain
  2. Tiredness, dizziness, and headache
  3. Fever and chills
  4. Itchy eyes and sneezing

Answer: Tiredness, dizziness, and headache

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, headache, and ringing in the ears.

Handbook p. 77 ↗
Why should you never start your vehicle inside a closed garage?
  1. It can drain the battery
  2. It can overheat the engine
  3. It produces deadly carbon monoxide
  4. It fogs up the windows

Answer: It produces deadly carbon monoxide

Never start your vehicle in a closed garage because it produces carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas.

Handbook p. 77 ↗
Is it legal for an adult to use a handheld cell phone while driving?
  1. Yes, if only for a few seconds
  2. Yes, if stopped at a red light
  3. Yes, if using speakerphone while holding it
  4. No, it's illegal

Answer: No, it's illegal

Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal for adult drivers.

Handbook p. 76 ↗
Where may you mount your cell phone in the vehicle?
  1. On the windshield, dashboard, or console
  2. In a cup holder, face up
  3. Hanging from the rearview mirror
  4. In your lap

Answer: On the windshield, dashboard, or console

You may mount your phone on the windshield, dashboard, or center console as long as it doesn't block your view.

Handbook p. 77 ↗
Under what exception may a minor use a cell phone while driving?
  1. To text a parent about being late
  2. To use a navigation app
  3. To call for emergency assistance
  4. To call a parent hands-free

Answer: To call for emergency assistance

Minors may use a cell phone while driving only to call for emergency assistance.

Handbook p. 77 ↗
What should you do if your phone rings while driving and you must return the call?
  1. Answer immediately, holding the phone
  2. Answer on speaker while holding it
  3. Answer at the next red light
  4. Let it ring; pull over to call back

Answer: Let it ring; pull over to call back

Let calls go to voicemail while driving; if you must return one, pull safely off the road first.

Handbook p. 76 ↗
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