A statewide ban on texting and driving takes effect Tuesday, July 1, and Doña Ana County Sheriff’s deputies will be enforcing the new law with added patrols.
Under the new law, drivers are prohibited from sending or reading text messages and/or emails – even if they are stopped at a light or stuck in traffic.
Drivers also are banned from conducting Internet searches on any hand-held wireless device.
Drivers who pull over to receive a message on their phone or to use their phone in any way will not be penalized. Other exceptions include using your phone to call for emergency assistance or law enforcement, or using a voice-operating system to send or receive text messages.
The law does not apply to navigation or GPS systems.
The penalty for a first-time violation is a $25 fine and $50 for any subsequent infractions.
Information from Dona Ana County