120 Citations Issued During Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation

Sixty-three drivers were cited for violating California’s hands-free cell phone law during a distracted driving enforcement operation on Monday, police reported.

During the enforcement operation, which occurred from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 47 drivers were cited for texting, 16 drivers were cited for using their phone without a hands-free device and 57 were cited for other violations.

“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, some drivers continue to use their phones when they are behind the wheel,” Pasadena Police Department Lieutenant Anthony Russo said. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors so that drivers are only focused on the task of driving.”

California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under the hands-free cell phone law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic devices while driving. They can only use their phone in a hands-free manner.

Russo said that if you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

In addition to phones, other distractions include eating, putting on makeup, reaching for objects on the floor, changing clothes or using a car’s in-dash touchscreen.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.