Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation To Be Held In Riverside County June 12

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — Law enforcement will be conducting an operation aimed at drivers suspected of violating the state's hands-free cell phone law, authorities announced on Thursday.

California's "no-touch" cell phone law, also known as Vehicle Code 23123 and 23123.5, makes it illegal for motorists to hold or physically interact with their cell phone for any reason while driving, including when the vehicle is stopped at a red light. Devices must be securely mounted and can only be operated using voice commands or a single tap, or swipe.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Motorists were advised to pull over to a safe parking spot if they must take a phone call or program their navigation.

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