56 Drivers Cited In Napa Police Crackdown

NAPA, CA— Fifty-six drivers were recently cited in Napa for cell phone violations, the Napa Police Department said.

The citations were handed out April 5 during a distracted driving enforcement operation, Napa police Sgt. Aaron Medina said.

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

California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under current law, it is illegal for a person who is driving to hold a phone or any other electronic device to talk, text or use an app.

Drivers who ignore the law are subject to a fine. If a driver violates the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense, a point is added to their DMV record.

"If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot," Medina said. "Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach."

Grant funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.