How much does talking on cellphone while driving cost in LA county?

Answer 1

The base fine is $20 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense. That's from the LA County fine schedule (first related link below; scroll down to Vehicle Code 23123(a) on page 42).

But California and LA County both tack on additional penalties. There will be a "penalty assessment" of $29 for each $10 of the base fine, so you're up to $78 already for a first offense, $195 for a second offense. Then LA County may add additional fees; see the fee table at the second related link. Some of these additional fees don't apply, e.g. the $300 Civil Assessment Fee only applies if you don't pay or respond on time. But you will have at least another $75 in fees added on.

If you want to pay online, the system will tell you the exact amount due after you enter the citation number (or you can search by driver's license number). Instructions and the link to the payment page are the third source below. Bear in mind that if you pay online, you will be pleading guilty. You can always call the court clerk and ask questions; contact info for LA County courts is at the fourth related link.