Traffic Patrols In San Bruno, Woodside Net 134 Citations: Police

SAN BRUNO, CA — A traffic safety operation on the Peninsula netted more than 130 citations and led to two arrests this week, according to police.

The San Mateo County Saturation Enforcement Program (STEP) deployed Tuesday for the fifth time this year, as officers from multiple agencies focused on an array of traffic violations in known trouble spots.

"The participating deputies and officers remained committed to making a high volume of traffic stops in this coordinated saturation effort while maintaining the highest levels of community awareness and professionalism," officials said Thursday. "These multi-agency saturation deployments will continue through San Mateo County in 2024."

This week, STEP focused on San Carlos and Woodside, where officers made 140 traffic stops and wrote 134 tickets, police said. More than half of the citations were issued for using cell phones while driving.

Here's the breakdown from the San Mateo County Police Chiefs & Sheriff Association:

• 83 were issued for using a cell phone while driving.
• 7 were issued for failing to stop at a stop sign.
• 8 were issued for speeding.
• 2 were issued for a red-light violation.
• 1 was issued for a failure to yield.
• 1 was issued for failing to obey a posted sign.
• 3 were issued for a bicycle lane violation.
• 3 were issued for driving with expired vehicle registration.
• 6 were issued for not using a seat belt.
• 3 were issued for driving without a valid driver’s license.
• 3 were issued for driving without vehicle collision insurance.
• 2 were issued for no front license plate.
• 3 were issued for driving with an obstruction in the windshield or front window.

Police said two drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving without a license.

The agencies participating in STEP include police departments from Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Mateo, and South San Francisco, along with the California Highway Patrol and San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.