Indio Police Cracking Down on Distracted Drivers Today

The Indio Police Department is conducting a distracted driving enforcement operation today, targeting drivers caught using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel.

Under California law, drivers cannot hold a phone or any electronic device while operating a vehicle, whether they're talking, texting, or using an app. Getting caught once means a fine. Getting caught a second time within three years means a point added to your driving record.

Sgt. Peter Fuentes says the message is simple: put the phone down. "That text, phone call, email, or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road," he said.

If you need to take a call or punch in directions, officers are advising drivers to pull over to a safe spot first, or silence your phone before you even start driving.

The operation is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.