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Texting-and-driving sting underway By Staff reports Aug 15, 2019 04:25 PM A A Police are on the look-out this month for distracted drivers who are using their cellphones while driving. The Grants Pass Department of Public Safety announced it’s conducting special traffic enforcement all month to catch drivers using mobile electronic devices. A mobile electronic device includes, but is not limited to, any device used for text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the Internet or producing emails, police said. Using a device means holding it in your hand or using it for any reason, they said. To legally use a mobile electronic device in Oregon, drivers must be stopped in locations where they can safely remain stationary or be pulled over on the side of a road or off the roadway. It’s not legal to use a device while stopped at a red light or stop sign, or in other temporarily stationary situations, police said. Drivers can use hands-free devices that allow them to keep both hands on the wheel. A first citation for distracted driving carries a fine of $265. Further citations can increase the fine to $2,000, police said. Police are on the lookout for people using their cellphones while driving.