Pasadena Police to Target Suspected Hands-Free Phone Law Violators in Friday Enforcement Operation

The Pasadena Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation Friday, Nov. 6, focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law, the department announced in a news release Monday.

The department is focusing on the dangers of distracted driving. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, according to the release. That includes talking, texting or using an app.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, the release said. A driver who violates the hands-free law a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will have a point added to his or her record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Lt. Mathew Campeau said in the release. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

Drivers who have an important phone call or need to program directions should pull over to a safe parking spot, the release said. Before driving, drivers should either silence their phones or put them somewhere they cannot reach.

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the release.