Menifee Police To Search For Distracted Drivers Next Week

MENIFEE, CA — Police in Menifee will set up an operation to monitor for drivers violating California's hands-free cell phone law on Monday Dec. 15, authorities said.

The Menifee Police Department announced on Thursday that the operation will take place from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. Extra officers on the roads will scan for distracted drivers and those using their cell phones.

Nearly 72 percent of drivers surveyed said that their biggest safety concern was distracted driving caused by texting, according to a 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey.

“Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Chief Chris Karrer said. “Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach.”

Some 56,000 tickets were issued in 2021 alone by the California Highway Patrol for distracted driving.

According to state law, drivers cannot hold a phone or any other electronic communications device while driving. This includes talking, texting or using an application. The crime is punishable by a fine. However, violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction could result in a point added to a driver's record, Menifee police said.

Drivers are urged to pull over to a safe parking spot to take important phone calls, texts or emails.

Other dangerous distractions include eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting or taking off clothing, and talking with passengers or children in the back seat, police advised.

Funding for next week's operation comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety.