Drivers in Perris, Calif., are being put on notice as the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office gears up for a crackdown on distracted driving, particularly focusing on those breaking the hands-free cell phone law. Set for April 26th, deputies from the Perris Station will be on the lookout for drivers talking, texting, or using apps on their phones in an attempt to enforce road safety, reports the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

In the Golden State, it's a no-go to have your paws on the phone while driving. Operating a vehicle, offenders caught holding their electronic devices are slapped with a fine. Get nabbed a second time within three years, and it’ll ding your driving record with a point, not to mention the hit to your wallet. According to Sergeant Jeremy Bracey, "A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone." He also pointed out, "That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road."

The push for compliance comes with a stern but straightforward remedy from the authorities: If you must make a call or check your route, do yourself a favor and steer to a safe parking spot before you tap that screen. And before those wheels roll, make sure your phone is out of reach or silenced, lest it tempt you back into digital distraction, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department advises.

The operation isn't just a flash in the pan. It’s fueled by a grant directed at driving home the message that attention to the road is paramount, coming from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the dollars of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For drivers ensnared by the lure of a buzzing phone, avoiding the temptation may save more than just a run-in with the law—it could save lives.