Staff Reports

Eastvale – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Jurupa Valley station conducted a driving enforcement operation on January 24, 2024 and cited 34 drivers for hands-free cell phone violations.

“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle,” Riverside Sheriff’s Office Deputy Comstock said in a news release. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors that help make our roads safer.”

There has been distracted driving laws in California since 2008. “Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving,” stated the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) news release. “This includes talking, texting, or using an app.”

If you use a handheld cell phone, you will be fined. However, if you violate the law a second time within 36 months of the first conviction, a point will be added to your record.

“If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot,” stated RCSD. “Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.”

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