Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Moorpark Police Department conducted “Operation Hang-Up” during the month of March. During the operation, which focused on maximum enforcement of laws related to the use of cell phones while driving, deputies assigned to the Moorpark Police Department issued 293 citations to motorists for the illegal use of cell phones while driving and for text messaging while driving. In addition, deputies issued 148 citations to drivers of vehicles with illegally tinted windows.

The Vehicle Code prohibits a driver from using a cell phone while operating a vehicle on a roadway unless the cell phone is equipped with a hands-free feature; and from text messaging while driving. The law also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving, whether or not the phone is equipped with a hands-free feature.

Talking on a cell phone held to the ear, or text messaging, are distractions that take away from a person’s attention to their driving. The use of cell phones by drivers of motor vehicles contributes to scores of traffic collisions every year. Many of those collisions have resulted in injuries that could have been avoided if the drivers were paying attention to their driving instead of their cell phone or text conversations.

During the month of March, deputies responded to three traffic collisions that resulted in minor injuries. This is the lowest number of injury collisions in the City of Moorpark since before 2007. Although it is hard to determine if the extra cell phone enforcement contributed to the lower number of injury collisions, it is speculated that it had some effect.

The fine for a first conviction of using a cell phone while driving, along with court related fees, is around $140. Subsequent convictions result in much larger fines. Additionally, if a driver is talking on a cell phone and causes a collision resulting in the death of another person, the driver can be prosecuted for vehicular manslaughter and sentenced to prison.

Many drivers use their cell phones while children are passengers in their car. This places the children at an increased risk of harm, and it teaches the children that it is okay to disobey our laws. Adult drivers should set the example to obey laws by obeying the cell phone laws related to driving.

Although the operational period for “Operation Hang-up” is over, deputies assigned to the Moorpark Police Department will continue to be vigilant in enforcing laws related to the use of cell phones while driving, with the continued goal of increasing the safety of our roadways for all persons traveling in and through Moorpark.

Location: City of Moorpark, CA.

Date: April 1, 2010

Unit Responsible: Moorpark Patrol / Traffic

Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ron Nelson

Follow Up Contact: Captain Ron Nelson (805) 532-2705
Cell – (805) 797-6315

Approved By: Captain O’Hanlon