The Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced on Apr. 25 that it will conduct an enforcement operation on Apr. 27, focusing on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
This initiative aims to address the dangers posed by distracted driving, which can result in fines and points added to a driver’s record for repeat offenses. Under current law, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using applications.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
The department advises motorists to pull over safely if they need to make an important call or program directions and recommends silencing phones or placing them out of reach before driving.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department advances community safety through resources such as missing persons alerts and emergency preparedness programs according to its official website. The department operates across various locations in Orange County with nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff across multiple commands and divisions according to its official website.
In addition to enforcing traffic laws like those related to distracted driving, the department implements state laws including AB 481 for military equipment oversight and SB 384 for sex offender registration according to its official website. The agency states it is guided by integrity and respect in providing impartial law enforcement services according to its official website.
According to its official history, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department embodies the spirit of early settlers who transformed barren land into thriving communities according to its official website.
