Deputy Police Chief Talks Cell Phone Ban Enforcement

The Highland Park Police Department is preparing a three-week-long crack down on hand-held cell phone use while driving in an initiative that begins April 1.

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief of Support Services George Pfutzenreuter explained to Patch how that enforcement will take place. He also described how enforcement has gone since the city enacted an ordinance banning hand-held cell phone use while driving in June of 2011.

"Our focus is on school zones and our downtown district," Pfutzenreuter said.

There will be officers on bicycle making stops in downtown Highland Park, according to Pfutzenreuter, who explained that the stop signs along Central Avenue will allow police to spot ordinance violations and flag down the drivers.

"We've had a lot of success using our bicycle unit," Pfutzenreuter said.

Since the ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone was enacted, 1,277 warnings and 541 traffic citations have been given to drivers, according to Pfutzenreuter. Giving a warning or a citation is up to the officer, according to Pfutzenreuter.

Those who receive a citation get a minimum fine of $50 for a first time offense and a maximum penalty of $500 for multiple infractions. 

"The enforcement helps bring people into compliance," Pfutzenreuter said. "Hopefully they realize this is for the safety of everybody."

What makes enforcement especially important is the possibility that some drivers simply don't know hand-held cell phone use while driving is against the law in Highland Park. While many surrounding suburbs have similar bans, there's no statewide legistlation.

"Not everybody sees the signs," Pfutzenreuter said, referring to the signs advising drivers about the ban throughout the city.

At this time, legislation is pending in Illinois to establish a statewide hand-held cell phone use while driving restriction, according to the Highland Park Police Department.

"Hopefully, [drivers] realize this is for the safety of everybody," Pfutzenreuter said. "Your focus should be on driving… not talking on the cell phone."

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