sbsheriff
In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, the Goleta Police Department issued 142 citations during the month of April to drivers who violated the state’s hands-free cell phone law.
“Next to speeding, this is probably one of the most violated laws on our roads, despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law. Many drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle.” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors that help make our roads safer for everyone.”
California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, using an app or even if stopped at a red light.
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 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.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office provides police services for the City of Goleta.
I bet they could cite 142 people a day, if they tried.
“Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving.” – Not sure that’s true. Holding a phone, without more, can’t possibly be illegal. If so, then holding a drink, burger, paper map, sunglasses, anything, would also be illegal, or should be.
“This includes talking, texting, using an app or even if stopped at a red light.” – “or even” what? Or does it mean “even if stopped….?”
I wonder because often times, when stopped at a long light, I’ll pick up my phone to look to see if someone had been trying to contact me, the time, why it’s beeping, etc. Is it truly illegal to pick up an object to look at while behind the wheel?
Yes, it is. Pretty simple. Read CA Motor Vehicle Code 23123, 23123.5, 23124. You cannot touch your mobile phone when oprating a motor vehicle. Period. Not for a second. Not while stopped at a traffic light. Not ever. Well, there is one exception: when calling emergency services. 23124 applies to drivers under 18. They cannot even use their phones hands-free speakerphone.
I once observed a driver on Upper State on a video call while driving. Traffic light turned red and wouldn’t you know it? They ran into the car in front. Who would think?
But not to worry if you are driving in Santa Barbara City. There is no enforcement of “the rules of the road.” Feel free to keep making a left turn after the light turns red, or just run through any red light you wish. Please make sure you don’t hit another car, bicyclist or pedestrian.
Am I correct in interpreting this to mean *only* the Goleta police dept was participating in a program for the month of April?
“Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”
What about other law enforcement agencies? What about the the other 11 months of the year? I mean I’m glad that GPD cited 142 drivers in April, like Ahchooo implies it’s a drop in the bucket, but the article sorta implies that it was just a special program for April. Changing behavior will take longer than a month, and I hope our LEOs continue to enforce the law
The “Goleta Police Department” is the sheriff’s office, so I imagine the entire sheriff’s dept. was part of the increased enforcement month (or week, or 5 days).
It was a federal effort; I don’t know how it is disseminated through the states.
“During a portion of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, from April 4 through 8, you may see increased law enforcement on the roadways as part of the national paid media campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay. ” https://www.nhtsa.gov/april-distracted-driving-awareness-month