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Las Cruces Police Continue Crackdown On Drivers

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The Las Cruces Police Department conducted a traffic enforcement operation Thursday that netted 26 citations for drivers who violated the city's cell phone ordinance and another 31 tickets for various other traffic offenses.

The operation was conducted between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, on north Telshor Boulevard. Traffic officers also arrested two individuals who had misdemeanor warrants issued for their arrest.

A similar operation conducted Aug. 3 along Missouri Avenue netted 94 traffic citations during a four-hour period. Last week's operation included 51 citations that were issued to motorists who violated municipal ordinance 27-12-6-12.18 that prohibits drivers from using a cell phone without a hands-free device.

The Las Cruces Police Department will continue conducting similar traffic enforcement operations throughout the year.

The city's cell phone ordinance went into effect Feb. 5, 2010. The penalty for violating the ordinance is $92. That includes a $56 fine plus the $36 mandatory court fee.

The 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.

Engaging in a conversation on a cell phone is permitted within city limits if the driver is utilizing a hands-free device and the use does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.