5 Cited As South Bay City Targets Distracted Drivers

TORRANCE, CA — Five motorists were given citations last week for driving while using a handheld mobile device in Torrance, police announced Tuesday.

The citations were administered from Sept. 23-27 during two districting driving operations, according to the Torrance Police Department.

Drivers utilizing any handheld mobile device while operating a motorized vehicle are subject to paying a fine, and a second offense within 36 months can result in a point added to the driver's record.

"Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle," Sgt. David Koenig said in a statement.

He said to make the roads safer, the department aims to reshape the behavior of motorists who continue to violate the law. Police advised motorists who must take an important phone call or need to program directions to pull over at a safe parking spot and, before driving, either silence the device or put it somewhere out of reach.

"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, or using an app," according to Koenig.

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