San Francisco Spike in Cell Phone Tickets

The San Francisco Chronicle reported on their website (SFGATE.com) some interesting statistics concerning traffic tickets issued in the bay area as well as issued in all of California. This information always catches my attention, being a California traffic ticket attorney. The newspaper reported that California Highway Patrol officials issued about 30,000 tickets for people using their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. (A violation of California Vehicle Code section 23123.) Now those 30,000 people are facing tickets that come out to around $190 depending on the county you are in. The fees can vary slightly from Alameda County to Santa Calra County, and even up to San Francisco.

The CHP issued a statement regarding the tickets where Sgt. Diana McDermott (CHP Spokeswoman) stated that the tickets were issued in the month of April during part of a campaign to stop distracted drivers. (I wrote an earlier blog called “Distracted Driving” but I think wordpress deleted it somehow but you can google it and find it on one of my other blog sites.)

Of the 30,000 tickets issued last month for cell phone violations, about 5,900 were handed out to San Francisco Bay area drivers.

Officials want to remind drivers that it is illegal in California to use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, unless the phone is being used in hands-free mode, or during an emergency. Texting or reading a message on a cell phone or using an electronic device to communicate while driving is also prohibited. Further, these laws will be looking at stiffer penalties in the years to come. It is a good idea to learn how to stop using these things just like everyone learned how to wear a helmet and buckle up.

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