For Immediate Release

City of Surprise distracted driving law goes into effect 9/6

Surprise, AZ (September 4, 2018) Driving and using mobile devices that are not operating in a hands-free mode, is illegal within Surprise city limits effective this Thursday, September 6. 

The ordinance, which Council approved last month, penalizes driving and using a mobile communications device unless usage is in hands-free mode or if the driver is communicating an emergency situation to emergency personnel. 

Ordinance violators will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250 plus any other assessments authorized by law.

Public safety personnel operating in their professional capacity are exempt from the ordinance.

Drivers can continue to use two-way radio communication as long as they continue to safely operate the vehicle. 

To read the ordinance, please visit: http://bit.ly/2MHsDTI  

This ordinance is another tool in the city’s Drive Wise, Surprise campaign to encourage safe driving habits.