Gov. Brown Vetoes Fine Boost For California Drivers Using Phone

CUPERTINO (KCBS/AP) – Gov. Jerry Brown said using a telephone while driving is a bad thing but fines are high enough already.

The governor's office announced Wednesday that he vetoed SB28, a bill that would have increased the fines for drivers who make a call while holding the phone or send a text message.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

The bill by Sen. Joe Simitian, a Palo Alto Democrat, would have boosted the base fine from $20 to $50, and $100 and a point against the driver's license for repeat offenders. With court fees, the total penalty would have been $300 for a first offense and $528 for a repeat violation.

Brown said in his veto message that for people of ordinary means, the current fines and penalties are sufficient.

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