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The Redwood City Police Department reports it will be actively looking for drivers violating the state’s hands-free cellphone law throughout the month of April as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Under California law, it is illegal to hold a phone or electronic communications device while driving, including when stopped at a red light. Motorists may use a phone in a hands-free manner — through speakerphone or voice commands — but never while holding it. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cellphone for any reason.
Violations are punishable by a fine and repeat offenses within 36 months can result in a point on the driver’s record.
University of California, Berkeley, has reported that 3,522 people were killed in distracted driving crashes nationwide in 2021. In California, 140 people lost their lives in such crashes that same year.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk when driving distracted, especially those between the ages of 16 to 24.
“Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly,” Police Chief Kristina Bell said in a press release.
