The Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced on May 30 that it will conduct an enforcement operation in Laguna Hills on June 1, focusing on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current California law, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This restriction includes talking, texting, or using an app. The department said that using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. A second violation within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to the driver’s record.
Sergeant K. Ishii said, “A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone. That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
The department advised drivers who need to make important calls or program directions to pull over safely before doing so. It also recommended silencing phones or placing them out of reach before driving.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department extends its operations across Orange County and includes nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff across various commands and divisions. The agency advances community safety through resources like missing persons alerts and emergency preparedness programs and implements state laws including AB 481 for military equipment oversight and SB 384 for sex offender registration, according to the official website.
