Doña Ana County Sheriff’s deputies will launch a project this month aimed at reducing the number of distracted drivers due to text messaging.
The campaign runs through April 30 and will include roving patrols, strategically-placed spotters and stationary police vehicles prominently placed to observe and cite violators.
In Doña Ana County, drivers are prohibited from sending or reading text messages and/or emails – even if they are stopped at a light or stuck in traffic.
Drivers also are banned from conducting Internet searches on any hand-held wireless device.
Drivers who pull over to receive a message on their phone or to use their phone in any way are not in violation of the ordinance. Other exceptions include using your phone to call for emergency assistance or law enforcement, or using a voice-operating system to send or receive text messages.
The law does not apply to navigation or GPS systems.
A ban on texting and driving went into effect in Doña Ana County on July 1, 2014. The penalty assessment for texting and driving is $86 for the first offense and $111 for the second offense.
Information from Doña Ana County