During the month of April, Scotts Valley Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” said Scotts Valley Police Lt. Meredith Roberts. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
Anyone who has an important phone call or needs to program directions should pull over to a safe parking spot, according to the department. Before driving, either silence the phone or put it somewhere unreachable, police said.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
