Henderson bans police use of handheld phones while driving

By Kyle B. Hansen

Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 | 3:19 p.m.

You still have two months to legally use your cellphone while driving in Nevada, unless you are a Henderson Police officer.

A new policy took effect today for the department that bans officers from using handheld phones to call, text or read while driving, similar to a state law that takes effect Oct. 1 for all citizens.

The idea is for officers to lead by example, Police Chief Jutta Chambers said.

“While law allows officers to use their cell phones in the performance of their duties while driving, we want to set an example for our citizens by driving safely and free from the distractions of handheld cellphones and texting,” she said in a statement. “I hope the new law will make the roadways a little safer for the officers and motorists.”

The start date of the law has been the subject of some confusion, with many thinking the law took effect July 1.

But motorists have until Oct. 1 to buy headsets if they want to drive and talk at the same time, and even then, police will issue warnings until Jan. 1. After that, penalties for talking or texting behind the wheel will be $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second and $250 for the third.

The law does have some exceptions. Motorists can use a phone while driving to report a safety hazard or criminal activity or to get medical assistance. Police officers, both under the law and under the Henderson policy, can use handheld phones for emergency communication.