Police to Target Distracted Driving in Friday Enforcement Operation

Pasadena police will conduct a distracted-driving enforcement operation on Friday, July 10, focusing on drivers suspected of violating California’s hands-free cell phone law, according to a Pasadena Police Department statement.

The department said officers will be looking for motorists who are holding a phone or electronic communications device while driving. State law prohibits drivers from talking, texting or using apps on a handheld device. A violation carries a fine, and a second offense within 36 months of a prior conviction adds a point to the driver’s record.

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

Police advised drivers to pull into a safe parking spot if they need to make an important call or program directions. The department also recommended silencing phones or placing them out of reach before driving.

Funding for the enforcement effort comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety grant through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.