Las Cruces Police issued 75 citations on Wednesday during a second consecutive day of traffic enforcement operations. Officers handed out 64 citations and made one felony arrest during a two-hour traffic enforcement operation on Tuesday.
Today’s two-hour traffic enforcement operation began at 11 a.m. and was held onMissouri Avenue near Triviz Drive. The operation yielded 25 citations to drivers who were using a cell phone and another 16 to motorists who were not properly buckled-up. One person was arrested on a misdemeanor charge.
During Tuesday’s two-hour operation near Solano Drive and Main Street LCPD officers wrote 33 citations to drivers using a cell phone and 10 for motorists who were not using a seat belt. Yesterday’s operation also resulted in the felony arrest of one man who was found to be in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine. Three other motorists were arrested Tuesday on misdemeanor charges.
This week’s traffic enforcement operations are intended to emphasize enforcement of the city’s cell phone ordinance and motorists who are not properly using seat belts.
Additional traffic enforcement operations are planned in the near future.
Motorists are reminded that Las Cruces’ cell phone ordinance prohibits cell phone use while driving within city limits. The ban includes engaging in a phone call or creating, sending and reading text messages or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle. Dialing, texting or otherwise manipulating an electronic device while driving – or while stopped at a red light – is not considered lawful or safe.
Engaging in a conversation on a cell phone is permitted within city limits if the driver is utilizing a hands-free device and its use does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
The city’s cell phone ordinance went into effect Feb. 5, 2010, with the intended purpose of requiring motorists to focus their attention on driving.