21 Menifee Motorists Cited In Distracted Driving Sting

MENIFEE, CA — Police cited 21 drivers for violating California’s hands-free cell phone law during a distracted driving enforcement operation conducted Monday, Dec. 15, authorities said.

The operation took place from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., during which officers stopped 37 drivers for hands-free cell phone violations and other unsafe driving behavior, according to the Menifee Police Department. Of those cited, 21 were ticketed specifically for hands-free cell phone violations, while 16 others were cited for additional dangerous driving behaviors.

“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle,” Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer said. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors that help make our roads safer.”

California has had distracted driving laws in place since 2008. Under current law, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone or other electronic device while driving, including for talking, texting or using apps. A second violation of the hands-free law within 36 months of a prior conviction results in a point being added to a driver’s record, in addition to fines.

Police urged motorists to pull over to a safe location if they need to make a call or program directions and to silence or place phones out of reach before driving. The enforcement effort was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.