Q&A for How to Fight a Cell Phone Ticket in California

If your phone was not being used in a hands-free manner, it is still illegal. A separate law prohibits texting or any other use of a wireless device while driving. However, the law contains exceptions for: emergency services professionals while operating an authorized emergency vehicle turning on or off a mounted GPS, so long as only one tap or swipe is required to do so (read more about the law as it applies to GPS), or using a manufacturer-installed system that’s embedded in the vehicle.

Typically not, unless you were doing something else, like simultaneously driving erratically because of the phone use. There will be no points on your record for this ticket, thus there is no need for traffic school.

If you were not on the phone, then you haven't done anything wrong. You can fight the ticket per the instructions in the article.

The total for a first violation will likely exceed $150, and a second or subsequent offense can cost over $250. A violation of the handheld cellphone ban will not count as a point on your driving record (California uses a "point system" for moving violations).