Cell Phone Use While Driving Prohibition Enforcement

Florence Police Officers have spent the last five months educating the public on the new ban of driving while on the cell phone when violations have been observed and motorists stopped. The efforts were to attempt to change habits of people driving while talking on a cell phone with the phone in their hands. Last month alone there were 56 traffic stops made for this specific violation with both verbal and written warnings issued.

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The Florence Police Department will begin issuing citations when a traffic stop is made for this violation. As a reminder restrictions on mobile communications while driving is a primary offense which means police officers seeing a driver with a cell phone or who are seen texting may be stopped and issued a citation. The minimum fine for this Class D violation is $142.

Press Release This information is from the Florence Police Department...

The “Restriction on Mobile Communications While Driving” law was aimed to reduce distractions for drivers so the roads are safer for all motorists. Drivers are prohibited form using a mobile communications device for talking and texting while driving unless the driver meets specific exemption. People are reminded that distracted driving becomes unsafe driving, which is what this new law is designed to prevent.

Specifically the new law covers drivers of all ages. Drivers age 18 and over can use a mobile communications device while driving is they use a hands-free accessory. Drivers under 18 are not permitted to use any such device at any time, except in emergencies. There are some exemptions for use of these types of devices in the course and scope of employment.
The exemptions may be found in HB 2377 at:
Exemptions
For further information, please contact Sarah Huff, Administrative Assistant, at 541 997-3515 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

1The minimum fine for this Class D violation is $142.

2Drivers age 18 and over can use a mobile communications device while driving if they use a hands-free accessory.

3Drivers under 18 are not permitted to use any such device at any time, except in emergencies.