The City would like to remind ALL of our employees not to hold and operate cell phones while driving any type of motor vehicle. We routinely get reports of City employees from various departments holding cell phones while driving City vehicles.
Please – if you need to use a handheld phone, please pull off to the side of the road, park, and make your call. If your City vehicle is equipped for hands-free cell phone usage, please follow the rules of the road.
The State law is pretty clear - it is illegal to hold and operate electronic devices, including smartphones while driving. This includes texting. Such devices can still be used by drivers, but there are two specific restrictions:
- First, the device must be mounted on either the dash or the windshield in a manner that does not obstruct the driver’s field of vision. Be careful the phone placement does not infringe on the deployment of airbags.
- Second, drivers must use hands-free technology, such as voice command or Bluetooth. Touchscreen use is allowed “with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.”
This code does not apply to an emergency services professional using an electronic wireless communications device while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.
Only drivers 18 or older can use hands-free devices; drivers under 18 cannot.
Law enforcement can pull drivers over for violating any of these rules. The starting fine for a first violation is $20 and $50 for any subsequent violations.
While the State law provides a “blanket minimum of restrictions,” your department may have an even more restrictive policy. This may be due to your specific job description, work environment, or other factors. Be sure to know if your department has a more restrictive policy specifically addressing your department, job function, or responsibilities.
If you have any questions, please ask your supervisor.