Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a new bill that is now a law. He is making it illegal for anyone aged 16 or 17 to use a mobile phone, pager, laptop, or handheld computer while driving a vehicle. The law will come into force on July 1, 2008 (the same day that California's ban on non-hands-free mobile-use while driving takes effect). First time offenders will be fined $20 and repeat offenders will attract $50 fine. Statistics show that young motorists are more likely to end up in car accidents which result in death. Almost 13.6% of all fatal accidents are caused by teenagers, and studies show that car crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16-19.

"The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted," said Schwarzenegger in a statement, adding, "We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers." He then paused and remarked, "We just don't want to say 'Hasta la vista, baby' to young drivers anymore."
Source