At what age is a driver prohibited from using a cellular phone under any circumstances in California?

A driver in California is prohibited from using a cellular phone under any circumstances until they are 18 years old. This law is designed to enhance safety on the roads, especially for younger drivers who may not have the experience to manage the distractions that come from phone use while driving.

The rationale behind this restriction is that adolescents, who are more likely to be engaged in risky behaviors and are still developing crucial decision-making skills, could be negatively impacted by the distractions posed by mobile phone usage. By setting the age limit at 18, the law aims to reduce accidents and promote safer driving habits among younger individuals.

In the context of the options provided, although 16 years old is often viewed as the minimum driving age in California, drivers under 18—rather than specifically 16—are subject to this prohibition on phone use. Thus, the age restriction is effectively enforced at 18 to encompass all drivers under that age, making the correct choice significant for understanding and adhering to California's traffic laws.