Push to Ban Minors Using All Technology Behind the Wheel - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California minors are already banned from using their smartphones behind the wheel, even with a hands-free device.

Now, there is new legislation introduced in the state Senate that would expand those rules to include their use of new technology while driving.

Senate Bill 194, by Stockton Democrat Cathleen Galgiani, would broaden the state's ban on talking on the phone and texting while driving for motorists under 18, prohibiting those drivers from using any "electronic wireless communications device," even if it's hands-free.

The aim of that change is to make sure drivers with provisional licenses don't use touch-screen or voice-command technologies that have been introduced in new car models.