PV's ban on use of handheld devices while driving starts Saturday, Jan. 19

Prescott Valley Public Works crews on Thursday placed signs throughout the Town of Prescott Valley to remind drivers of the new ban on use of handheld devices while driving. The ban is now county-wide. Arizona Department of Transportation assisted the Town in obtaining permits to place the signs in public right of way. (Town of Prescott Valley)

Originally Published: January 17, 2019 8:46 p.m.

Updated as of Friday, January 18, 2019 5:11 PM

Police will conduct an information and warning campaign until Friday, March 1. After that, penalties for violating the ban on driving while using a communications device will be $100 for the first offense and up to $2,500 (as determined by the judge) for any subsequent violations within 12 months of a prior offense.

The Town Council unanimously approved the ordinance during its Dec. 20 meeting. It is similar to those approved by Yavapai County (unincorporated areas), City of Prescott and Town of Dewey-Humboldt.

Prescott Valley’s ordinance includes the use of any mobile communication device with either hand (including simply holding it to take a phone call) while driving any motor vehicle.

An exception is allowed for being safely stopped on the side of the highway or street. Certain exemptions also are provided for residents’ communications with safety and medical personnel, by safety and medical personnel in the course of their duties, and activating or deactivating hands-free use of a device.

Town workers were scheduled to install signs about the ordinance this week. The signs were planned for major roadways like Bradshaw Mountain Drive at Quailwood near Dewey, Glassford Hill Road, Lakeshore off Fain Road, and entrances into residential areas such as Viewpoint and Stoneridge.

The town is working with ADOT for additional signage on highways 69 and 89A.

For more information see http://pvaz.net/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=157