In January, Oro Valley was the first town in Pima County to pass a "hands free" ordinance.
If you don't live in Oro Valley it's easy to forget if that there is a "hands free" ordinance which is why police are now making sure you're well aware of the law.
Driving in Oro Valley? You might be seeing these signs around... Put those phones down.... pic.twitter.com/n6SB9hxKGd
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) July 14, 2017
The city placed a total of 21, "Oro Valley hands free community" signs throughout the perimeter of Oro Valley giving drivers a heads up.
Even with the signs, Oro Valley Police Departmentare still looking for behaviors of distracted driving.
These are the signs! pic.twitter.com/OwTIPbUm1d
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) July 14, 2017
Traffic officer, Brian Kleinberg says, "I look for what people are doing as they're driving. Putting the phone to their ear or a phone in their hand."
Since January, police have handed out 1,043 warnings to drivers not obeying the law.
Kleinberg says, "the number of drivers I have seen using their phone has dropped significantly."
The hands free ordinance means you can mount your phone in your vehicle or use bluetooth. Drivers cannot check or use their phones during a stop light.
If you violate the law and are caught using your phone, expect to pay a citation:
- 1st - $50
- 2nd - $100
- 3rd - $200
