A reminder for drivers crossing into California or heading out on a road trip: the rules on using your phone behind the wheel are getting renewed attention this month.
As the California Highway Patrol marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the agency is urging drivers to follow the state’s hands-free law and stay focused on the road.
Officers say distracted driving continues to cause hundreds of crashes across California each year, with violations of the hands-free cellphone law remaining a concern. In 2025, the CHP issued more than 111,700 citations for distracted driving, nearly 20% more than the year before.
The risks go beyond a ticket. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed, and nearly 325,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes across the United States in 2023.
“Every crash caused by distracted driving can be avoided. 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.”
State data shows distracted driving contributed to more than 3,400 crashes between 2020 and 2025, injuring more than 1,600 people.
Under California law, a driver is not allowed to hold or use a cellphone while driving unless it is operated hands-free. If a driver cannot use those features, they are expected to pull over in a safe place before using a device, unless it is an emergency call to 9-1-1.
Troopers will be stepping up enforcement and education efforts throughout April, including a zero-tolerance campaign from April 6 to 13 and a 24-hour enforcement period starting at 6 a.m. April 28.
Officials say simple steps can reduce risk, including setting navigation and music before driving, placing phones out of reach, and avoiding eating or other distractions while behind the wheel.
They are also encouraging parents to talk with children about safe driving habits. Federal data shows 7% of drivers ages 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were distracted, the highest share among age groups.
For drivers in Northern Nevada, it serves as a reminder that distraction behind the wheel remains an issue everywhere, especially for those traveling into California, where the law is strictly enforced.
