CONTACT: Sgt. Tim Koznek, Traffic Division

PHONE: 805-781-7312

DATE OF EVENT: July 24 – July 25, 2026

TYPE OF EVENT: Distract Driving Enforcement Operation

PLACE OF OCCURRENCE: City Wide San Luis Obispo

DETAILS:

On Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 the San Luis Obispo Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant Tim Koznek said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.