Drivers should be aware that the sixty-day grace period has ended and Pima County’s Hands-Free ordinance will go into effect and be fully enforced.

In an ongoing effort to combat distracted driving, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department will begin issuing tickets for drivers who violate the ordinance.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, The ordinance (10.34.020) states: “A person may not use a handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway unless that device is specifically designed or configured to allow hands-free use and is used in that manner.”

There are several exemptions to this ordinance, including use of a two-way radio and use of a handheld electronic device such as a cell phone in case of an emergency. Drivers should understand that it is a civil traffic offense to violate this ordinance.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, during the sixty-day grace period, officers issued 4 citations, 361 written warnings, and 386 verbal warnings.

. Remember, don’t drive distracted…just drive. For more information on the ordinance, please visit the website of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.