No Cell Phones And Driving: Torrance Police Step Up Patrols

TORRANCE, CA — Torrance police are stepping up distracted driving patrols this month and looking for drivers talking or texting on their phones, officials announced Thursday.

"The Torrance Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers that are violating the state’s hands-free cell phone law," officials said in a news release. "Under the law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while driving."

“Distracted driving is a serious issue, but one that can be easily solved simply by putting
the phone down,” Torrance police Sgt. David Koenig said. “That text, phone call, email or social
media post can wait.”

Drivers can face a $157 fine for a cell phone driving violation on the first offense, police said.

Other driving distractions can include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, reaching for an object on the floor or navigating a vehicle’s dashboard touchscreen.

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

The Torrance Police Department plans to have another distracted driving enforcement operation on Sept. 21.

Funding for the distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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