CHP urges drivers to follow hands-free cell phone law; officers report more violations as distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes annually
East County News Service
April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes across California each year, and violations of the state’s hands-free cellphone law remain an ongoing concern.
As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol is urging drivers to put down their phones and stay attentive to help make roads safer for everyone.
Every year, CHP officers issue more citations to drivers violating California’s hands-free law, highlighting the ongoing challenge to change driver behavior. In 2025, the CHP issued over 111,700 citations for distracted driving, nearly 20 percent more than in 2024.
The consequences of distracted driving extend far beyond just a citation and can include crashes resulting in serious injury or death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,275 people died and nearly 325,000 others were injured in Distraction-related crashes in the U.S. in 2023.
Any activity that diverts attention from driving — such as using a cellphone, eating, adjusting controls or interacting with passengers — increases the risk of a crash.
“Every crash caused by distracted driving can be avoided says CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. Too often, drivers look away from the road, risking their lives and those of others. No text, call or notification is more important than safety. Put your phone down, eliminate distractions and drive as if someone’s life depends on it — because it does.”
Safe driving requires full attention. Road conditions and traffic can change quickly, and distractions reduce reaction time. In California, distracted driving was reported to have caused over 3,400 crashes between 2020 and 2025, injuring more than 1,600 people, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
LOSE THE DISTRACTIONS
California law prohibits drivers from holding or using a cellphone while driving unless the device allows hands-free, voice-operated use. Drivers who cannot use hands-free features — except to dial 9-1-1 — should ask a passenger for help or pull over and park in a safe location before using a device.
Drivers can reduce risk by eliminating distractions:
- Enable “Do Not Disturb” or use apps that block notifications
- Place phones out of reach
- Set music or podcasts before driving
- Secure pets and loose items
- Avoid eating or drinking while driving
TALK TO YOUR TEENS
According to the NHTSA, 7 percent of drivers ages 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were distracted — the highest proportion among all age groups.
The CHP encourages parents and guardians to demonstrate safe driving habits and discuss the risks of distracted driving with teens.
The CHP’s Start Smart program provides driver safety education for newly licensed teens and their parents. Classes are offered at CHP offices and community locations statewide. For more information, contact your local CHP Area office.
EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The CHP will conduct statewide education and enforcement efforts throughout April, including a zero-tolerance campaign that began April 6 and goes through April 13.
CHP officers will also conduct a 24-hour Maximum Enforcement Period beginning at 6 a.m. April 28 to reinforce that distracted driving is dangerous and preventable.
Last year, the CHP deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles across the state to help combat reckless and aggressive drivers who are putting lives at risk on California’s highways. These vehicles are designed to blend into traffic and detect these dangerous motorists before they realize they are being monitored.
The CHP urges all drivers to eliminate distractions, stay focused and help keep California’s roads safe not just in April, but every day of the year.