Police Targeting Violators of New Cell Phone Law | News

LAS VEGAS -- Police are cracking down on motorists who are not following the new cell phone law which requires drivers to use a hands-free device if they are making calls.

Police set up a check point at the intersection of Charleston and Lamb Blvd's. Wednesday to ticket drivers who are not obeying the new law. Metro Police say cell phone use while driving is an addiction that drivers must break.

"Whenever that little chirp or ring goes off, everyone has a sense of urgency to look at their text message or answer their text message or answer their phone. We just want to get the message out that there is no such urgency," said Metro Sgt. Pete Kisfalvi.

Metro was at the intersection from 1 p.m. through the afternoon and pulled over dozens of drivers. Undercover officers were used to identify people talking or texting on their phones while behind the wheel. Those officers relayed the information to traffic safety officers who would then pull over the driver and issue a citation.

On Tuesday, Metro ticketed 85 of the 90 drivers they pulled over at Sahara Ave. and Rainbow Blvd. Police will be a various intersections around the valley to enforce the new law.

Driver Ronnie Singer said too many families have been devastated by inattentive drivers. She says she was hit by a driver talking on a cell phone last year. Even though she told police, the driver denied it and she had no way to prove it. She walked away with a few bruises and now advocates safe driving in hopes people realize the dangers of the roadways.

The first offense carries a fine of $50, the second offense is $100 and the third offense is $250 plus points.