Anyone using a telephone or device while driving will be ticketed, and, the Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley Police Departments have announced they are cracking down on the troublingly prevalent trend.
April is Distracted Driving month, and the high desert police departments have announced a focus on ticketing drivers who are dividing their attention. Use of a smart or cellular phone, video game system, tablet, or any other device is considered distracted driving and can be met with a citation and fine.
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.
If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.
