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Three new insights into California's evolving driving laws

Stories by Fresno Bee journalists, with AI summarization

California's evolving driving laws mainly address distractions, traffic stops, and impaired driving. Recent articles highlight how these changes aim to improve road safety. One article discusses California's rules on cellphone use while driving. It details how texting at red lights is illegal, and only hands-free use is permitted. Drivers cannot hold their phones while using map apps either. Another article investigates the racial implications of Fresno's police traffic stops. Critics argue that non-moving violations are used disproportionately against people of color. Some suggest changes to policy, following examples in other states where pre-text stops are limited. A third article outlines efforts in Clovis, where a new grant assists in combating DUI offenses. The grant provides resources for more checkpoints and education about impaired driving, especially related to cannabis use. These steps intend to curb impaired driving incidents and enhance public awareness.

Fresno police motorcycle officer D. Verduzco issues a citation to a motorist who was stopped across a caution zone as a train traveled through Fresno at McKinley and Blackstone avenues Monday morning. By JOHN WALKER

NO. 1: WE ASKED FRESNO POLICE CHIEF ABOUT TRAFFIC STOPS AND RACE. HERE’S WHAT SHE SAID

Critics say police should focus on public safety. | Published April 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Thaddeus Miller

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Research shows that distracted driving is as dangerous as driving drunk.

NO. 2: TEXTING AT A RED LIGHT IS ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA. WHAT ABOUT MAKING A CALL?

Here’s what counts as “distracted driving” under California law. | Published July 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Fernanda Galan

The City of Clovis Police Department is seen Friday, April 11, 2025 in Clovis. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 3: CLOVIS POLICE WILL INCREASE DUI ENFORCEMENT WITH HELP OF STATE GRANT

The Clovis Police Department will ramp up enforcement of DUI violations with the help a new grant awarded by the California Highway Patrol. | Published August 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Leqi Zhong

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.