[August 19, 2011] Police issue 32 citations during enforcement operation on Missouri Avenue Tweet LAS CRUCES, Aug 19, 2011 (Las Cruces Sun-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Las Cruces Police issued 32 citations in two hours during a traffic enforcement operation Thursday afternoon on Missouri Avenue. Officers started the operation at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Of the 32 citations, 19 were issued to drivers who were using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle and eight were for not properly using a seat belt. The remaining five citations issued during the two-hour period were for driving without insurance and operating a motor vehicle with window tinting that exceeded the legal limit. The city's cell phone ordinance went into effect Feb. 5, 2010, with the intended purpose of requiring motorists to focus their attention on driving. The penalty for violating the ordinance is $92. The penalty includes a $56 fine plus the $36 mandatory court fee. The ordinance prohibits cell phone use while driving within city limits. The ban includes engaging in a phone call or creating, sending and reading text messages or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle. Dialing, texting or otherwise manipulating an electronic device while driving -- or while stopped at a red light -- is not considered lawful or safe. Engaging in a conversation on a cell phone is permitted within city limits if the driver is utilizing a hands-free device and its use does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. To see more of the Las Cruces Sun-News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lcsun-news.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]