APD to Begin Targeted Enforcement for Cell Phone Use while Driving
May 25, 2023
ALBUQUERQUE – Due to an increase in distracted driving throughout the city, the Albuquerque Police Department will begin targeted enforcement looking for cell phone related infractions.
The operations will begin Saturday May 27th and will run through Friday June 2nd. The zero-tolerance operation will be conducted by APD’s Traffic Division and officers from the Field Services Bureau will be looking for violations in between calls for service.
Drivers will be cited for either 66-7-374 Texting While Driving and/or § 8-2-1-24 Driver’s Prohibited Acts. As stated, this is a zero-tolerance policy, therefore, any driver pulled over for a cell phone violation, will receive a ticket.
If an officer pulls over a driver for cell phone use and finds other infractions, the driver will also be cited for the additional violations.
“This is about improving the quality of life for the Albuquerque community, said Chief Harold Medina. “We began targeted operations with license plate violations, then red light runners and now cell phones, with the goal of increasing driver attention and to hopefully prevent fatal crashes.”