Deputies Nab 30 People Texting While Driving In La Quinta

Thirty cell phone violations were issued to people who were driving while texting or talking on their cell phone in La Quinta on Friday February 9th 2024.

Riverside County Sheriffs Deputy Daniel Gonzalez who patrols La Quinta, says “despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle, and 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, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. 

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 3 years of a prior conviction will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

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

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Close-Up of hands holding a mobile phone and using it to access social media.

Photo from Alpha Media Portland OR