Hello, my name is Irvine Stewart. I'm a counselor/client advocate at Deaf Community Services of San Diego. Starting January 1, 2009 a new law will go into effect where writing, sending, or just reading a text-based communication while driving will be against the law for all drivers in California.

This new law applies to electronic wireless communication devices used to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail.

Violating this law is punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. With the addition of penalty assessments, fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.