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SLO police cite 10 drivers for cell phone violations

December 12, 2023

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

San Luis Obispo police officers issued 10 citations to drivers for hands-free cell phone violations during a distracted driving enforcement operation on Monday. 

The operation, which was funded through a state grant, took place citywide, the San Luis Obispo Police Department announced Tuesday morning. 

Under current California law, drivers may not hold their phone or other electronic devices while driving. The law prevents drivers from using handheld phones to talk, text or use an app. 

Offenses for using a handheld phone while driving are punishable by a fine. Drivers who violate the hands-free law twice within 36 months will have a point added to their driver’s record. 

The police department says if you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Likewise, silence your phone or put it somewhere you cannot reach while driving, police say. 


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Maybe SLOPD could hand out a few citations to the oblivious people driving through town with their high beams on?


6

Same with fog lights! If it’s not foggy, you shouldn’t be using them.


5

Is the public supposed to applaud SLOPD’s revenue generation by citing victimless “crimes?” Seems like even more taxes in a city beset by taxes.


-14

Victimless crimes? In 2021, 140 people were killed in California in crashes involving a distracted driver, an increase of 27.3% from 2020. Mobile devices remain the biggest the biggest distraction for drivers, whether it is texting, taking pictures, emailing, or using apps.


16

Only 10 cell phone violations? I see drivers holding cell phones against their ears while driving all of the time. Its really scarey when drivers are tailgating with cell phones held against their ears.


25

“Somewhere you cannot reach” is terrible advice lol. If i get into a crash and am pinned? Personally I’d prefer to have my phone within reach….


14

Any LEO’s cited?, oh thats right they are allowed to hold their cell phones while driving, its not like they have anything less to be distracted about.


34

Good question. I am unaware of any special LEO exemption for “hands free” but maybe there is one? I have seen SLOPD officers talking on their phones while driving several times. But again, maybe they have an exemption. Even with training, certainly they are human, and susceptible to the same limitations of human psycho-motor skills as the rest of us mere mortals.


5