Last Friday, the Davis Police Department (DPD) began their effort to eliminate the use of handheld cell phones while driving by issuing tickets. This will end on Dec. 9.
The DPD teamed up with the California Office of Traffic Safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the California Highway Patrol and 36 other law enforcement agencies across Sacramento as part of a federally funded pilot program that will test tactics that may be used in the future.
Drivers found using their handhelds will receive a first-time ticket of a minimum of $159. The second offense will cost $279.
The DPD said their goal is not to issue tickets, but to raise more awareness about distracted driving.
— Claire Tan
