Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Camarillo Police Department’s Traffic Bureau would like to remind motorists that a new cell phone law takes effect on January 1st 2017.

On Jan 1st, 2017, the existing cell phone law, California Vehicle Code 23123.5, is being repealed and a new cell phone law, which was signed by Governor Brown on September 2016 (Assembly Bill 1785) is being put in its place.

California Vehicle Code 23123.5. now states:
(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while driving.

(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the vehicle.

(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the driver’s hand while the driver is operating the vehicle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on a vehicle’s windshield in the same manner a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted pursuant to paragraph (12) of subdivision (b) of Section 26708 or is mounted on or affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road.

(2) The driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

This new cell phone law means if drivers intend to use their cellphones while operating a motor vehicle, drivers must have their cell phones mounted to the dashboard, center console, or windshield and can only use a “feature” on the phone with a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

A violation of this law is an infraction. The base fine for the first offense is $20.00 and $50 for each subsequent offense.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “The percentage of drivers text-messaging or visibly manipu¬lating handheld devices increased from 1.7 percent in 2013 to 2.2 percent in 2015. Since 2007, young drivers (age 16 to 24) have been observed manipulating electronic devices at higher rates than older drivers. Data shows the average time your eyes are off the road while texting is five seconds. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.”

Nature of Incident: New cell phone law, effective January 1st , 2017
Report Number:
Location: California
Date & Time: January 1st , 2017
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Police Department Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Prepared by: Sergeant Sean Britt #3572
News Release Date: 12/22/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Sean Britt #3572
Approved by: Captain Cory Rubright

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

On December 19, 2016, at approximately 3:20 P.M., a multi-vehicle traffic collision occurred resulting in a fatality in the unincorporated area of Ventura County. The collision was on SR (State Route) 126, at Center Street, Piru.

Jonathan Castro, 26 years old, of Tulare, was the driver and only occupant of a GMC Savana cargo van traveling eastbound on SR-126 approaching Center Street at an unknown speed. Maria Del Carmen Paniagua, 41 year old, from Piru was stopped in a Ford using the left turn lane on eastbound SR-126 to turn onto northbound Center Street. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC cargo van driven by Mr. Castro drifted into the turn lane and collided with the rear of the Ford. As a result of the collision, the Ford was pushed into the westbound lanes of SR-l26 where it collided with the 2003 Chevrolet being driven by Mr. Jose Samuel Martinez. The Ford driven by Mr. Ramon Palomo and the Chevrolet driven by Mr. Oscar Magana became involved almost simultaneously as the initial collision unfolded.

As a result of the collision between the Ford driven by Ms. Paniagua and the Chevrolet, driven by Mr. Martinez, Ms. Paniagua was ejected from the Ford. Initial indications show that Ms. Paniagua was not wearing a seat belt. In the Ford being driven by Ms. Paniagua was her four years old daughter and her two year old grandson. Both children were seated in the rear seat of the Ford using child restraint systems. Both children in the Ford sustained severe injuries. In the Chevrolet driven by Mr. Martinez were two passengers, one seated in the right front passenger seat and an infant in the left rear seat. No known injuries to the infant are known this time.

This incident resulted in the full closure of all westbound and eastbound lanes of SR-126 for approximately five hours. The Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Ventura County Air Unit, and Caltrans all responded to assist with medical care, emergency air and ground transportation to local hospitals and traffic control.

There is no indication at this time that alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this collision.

This collision is under investigation by the CHP (California Highway Patrol) Moorpark Area office. Any witnesses to this collision are encouraged to contact the CHP’s Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.