The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in Palm Desert is set to conduct an enforcement operation on August 12, 2025, aimed at drivers who may be violating California’s hands-free cell phone law.
State law prohibits motorists from holding a phone or any electronic communications device while driving. This includes making calls, texting, or using applications. Offenders are subject to fines, and repeat violations within 36 months can result in a point being added to the driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” said Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Don Olson. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
Officials recommend that drivers pull over to a safe location if they need to make a call or program directions. Drivers are also advised to silence their phones or place them out of reach before starting their journey.
This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information about careers with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, interested individuals can visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
