On April 5, 2024, the Concord Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. 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 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Lt. Renee Williams said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
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 is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
15 comments
Was this the result of a Desaulnier townhall gabfest?
Yep there it is, ho after the middle class on their phones trying to live their lives instead of the crime.
WHY DO THE POLICE ALWAYS NEED A GRANT TO DO THEIR JOBS?????
Should I start a ‘Blinding Headlights’ Foundation……and if I donate enough – the police can start doing something???
What about a Tinted Windshield foundation???
So ridiculous.
We call them “mobile lighthouses.”
It’s the Germans’ semi-subtle revenge for losing WWII
This is needed for sure. Cell phone drivers now create the second most traffic deaths in the nation. Drunk drivers are number 1. Driving around Concord on a daily basis, I see folks texting or on their phones constantly. Lights turn green, and they just sit there! Following some, I see them unable to drive in a straight line! I have been a bike rider for nearly 60 years. Today, it scares me every time I go for a ride. My truck is a 2015. With my cell phone, safely tucked away in the glove compartment, I can ask my truck to call a number, and talk to a friend without ever having my hands leave the wheel! I understand some cannot afford this luxury, not found on older vehicles, but pulling over to make a call saves lives!
A green light does not mean proceed and enter. And if you tailgate…
Good most time I see people on their phones is at the intersection. Totally distracted
Good.
Would be better if they would crack down on red light and stop sign runners, and all the other dangerous bad habits that drivers have acquired knowing there are no traffic patrol officers out there
… put a focus on solving real crimes – vehicle theft, cat converter theft, vandalism, reckless drivers, home burglaries, assaults, batteries, home invasions, etc etc …. even the grants for DUI checkpoints aren’t being very productive
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone.”
End of story.
Some are hands free, they sit the phone on the panel behind the steering wheel, and watch movies while driving. How are they going to catch these idiots?
So they only enforce this when they tell you they are for one day?Cool….
This is a waste of money. The federal government keeps getting us into further debt to fund these grant programs.
I have rode my bikes around concord mostly up and down Yagnacio into Walnut creek and back and down Concord Blvd from the Pavillon to Down Town Concord and back for over 35 years. Whenever I see some one drifting into the shoulder they are mostly talking on their phones. Since I can clearly see into most cars I see a lot less people holding their phones which is great!
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