Message from the Bedford Police Department
During the month of April, Bedford Police officers were out enforcing the Hands-Free Law for Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Officers stopped a total of 152 vehicles when operators were seen using electronic devices while driving. Below is a summary of the results of the interactions;
- Total Stops: 152
- Written Warnings: 79
- Civil Citations: 66
- Summons: 6
- Arrests: 1
When determining an enforcement outcome, officers considered previous warnings and citations. Of note, three operators were issued citations for Use of an Electronic Device, second offense.
Six operators were issued summonses where they will have to appear in for court for various reasons, such as Unlicensed Operation, Operating After Revoked Registration, and Operating without Insurance. One operator was placed under arrest for Unlicensed Operation.
As a reminder, electronic devices should be mounted if needed to be viewed for applications such as navigation. Operators may use a cell phone to call 911 to report an emergency. If possible, safely pull over and stop before calling 911.
Penalties for violating the hands-free law are as follows;
- First offense – $105 fine
- Second offense – $255 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program
- Third and subsequent offenses – $505 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program
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