Huntington Beach police handed out 620 tickets to cell-phone wielding drivers last month, slightly up from last year when police focused on the problem as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
In April of 2018, Huntington Beach police issued 609 tickets for handling a cell phone illegally while driving.
Under the most recent law regarding cell phone use while driving, phones must be mounted on a dashboard, windshield or center console. Also, drivers are allowed only a swipe or tap of a finger to activate or turn off a function.
A first-time offender faces a $162 fine.
Huntington Beach police advise drivers to pull over and park in a safe spot if a call or text is urgent. Drivers who cannot resist the temptation to use a phone should consider putting it out of reach such as in the backseat or trunk.
