FARGO — The Fargo Police Department will conduct grant-funded distracted driving enforcement throughout the month of April for Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
In the city of Fargo, prohibited use of a wireless device and distracted driving carries a $200 fine. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications devices including cellphones. A violation carries a $20 fine and up to four points on a recipient’s driving record.
The Fargo Police Department encourages motorists to avoid distraction while driving with these five tips from the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero strategy:
- Silence cellphones and turn off the vibration mechanism and notifications.
- Designate a texter. Ask a passenger to handle tasks such as texting, place a call or reprogramming GPS.
- Ask family, friends and colleagues to respect the drive. Set cellphone boundaries and politely ask them not to call or text during commuting hours.
- Place phones in the glove compartment or trunk.
- Download a distraction-free app on mobile devices.
