Riverside County Sheriff to Run Distracted Driving Enforcement in La Quinta, California, on November 19: Hands-Free Violations Targeted, Second Offense Within 36 Months Adds a Point
La Quinta, Riverside County, California — The Riverside County Sheriff Office announced on November 10, 2026, that it will conduct an enforcement operation on November 19 in the City of La Quinta 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, including talking, texting or using an app, the Sheriff Office said, adding that 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 record, according to the announcement.
Deputy Brandon Telles said a driver focus should be on the road, not their phone, and that a text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to the driver and other people on the road.
The Sheriff Office said drivers with an important phone call or a need to program directions should pull over to a safe parking spot, and should either silence their phone before driving or put it somewhere they cannot reach.
The reporting supervisor for the announcement is Sergeant Christopher Williams, and the operation will be run by the Thermal Station.
Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Sheriff Office said.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：一名驾驶者在行车中分心使用手机的分心驾驶示意画面。Cpl. Melissa Wenger 供图，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons / Photo: Distracted driving kills, keep your eyes and mind on the road 130417-M-RR352-002. By Cpl. Melissa Wenger, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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