Police officers conducted a High-Visibility Enforcement operation on Thursday along Jamboree from Barranca to Campus and Culver from the 405 freeway to Campus, according to the Irvine Police Department.
During this two-hour operation, 50 citations were issued, including cell phone usage, disobeying traffic signs, and red light violations.
Most likely the officers observed quite a few “California stops.” A “California stop,” also known as a “rolling stop,” “California roll,” or “Hollywood stop,” is slang for slowing down at a stop sign or red light but not coming to a complete stop before proceeding. It’s a common practice in California (and elsewhere) where drivers reduce speed to a crawl to check for traffic, rather than fully stopping. While prevalent, it is technically illegal in California.
The updated “No Touch” Cell phone law went into effect. It’s now illegal to hold a phone at any time while driving, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. The only legal way to use a device is if it’s securely mounted and operated with voice commands or a single tap or swipe that doesn’t take your eyes off the road.
Under California’s updated “No Touch” Cell Phone Law, which became more strictly enforced in June 2025, drivers face the following penalties for violations:
Penalties for Violating the Law
- First Offense:
- Base fine: $20
- Total cost after court fees and assessments: Typically over $160
- Subsequent Offenses:
- Base fine: $50
- Total cost: Can exceed $280
Additional Consequences
- Points on your driver’s license (for multiple offenses)
- Increased insurance premiums
- Potential liability in accidents: If a crash occurs while a driver is distracted by a phone, it may be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Key Legal Requirements
- Phones must be mounted (dashboard or lower windshield corner).
- Only voice commands or a single tap/swipe are allowed.
- Law applies even when stopped at a red light or in traffic.
- Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using phones entirely, even hands-free.
- Emergency calls (e.g., 911) are permitted.
Here’s a summary of how a cell phone ticket under California’s updated 2025 “No Touch” law can affect a driver’s insurance:
Insurance Impact of a Cell Phone Ticket in California (2025)
- Premium Increase: A single ticket can raise your car insurance rates by 10% to 30%.
- High-Risk Label: Insurers may classify you as a higher-risk driver, which can lead to higher premiums or even policy cancellation.
- Record Duration: The violation typically stays on your driving record for 3 years.
- License Points: A second offense within 36 months may add a point to your license, further increasing insurance costs.
- Mitigation Options:
- Some drivers may be eligible for traffic school to keep the ticket off their record.
- Defensive driving courses might help reduce premiums.
- Shopping around for insurance can help offset rate hikes.
Irvine is the only city in the area that does these high-visibility enforcement blitzes; Irvine is one of the safest cities in the country. Anyone else see the connection between vigorously enforcing laws, public safety, and high quality of life for all– rich, poor, man, woman, gay, straight, black, white, brown or whathaveyou? Maybe if Santa Ana would focus more on enforcing law and enacting ordinances that yield safe streets and a high quality of life instead of clinging to partisan racial essentialism and identity politics, so much more of the beautiful city wouldn’t be a sketchy dump.