FAQs
What are your business hours?
Our business hours are:
Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm
Closed on Holidays
If you are stopped at a red light, can you text while sitting at the red light?
No, it's against the law. If you are stopped at a light or a stop sign, you are still in control of that vehicle and need to be able to react.
If you are sitting in a traffic jam and your car is not moving, is it illegal to text while driving?
Yes, it is still illegal. Again, you are still in control of the vehicle and should focus 100% of your attention to its safe operation.
If you have parked your car in a parking space, but the car is still running, are you allowed to text while driving?
Since you are legally parked, you can send your text.
If you have pulled over to the side of the road but are not in a parking space, and the car is still running, is it illegal to text while driving?
As long as the vehicle is stopped in an area that is not prohibited. We recommend that you pick a safe place to stop -- for example, a parking lot -- and remember to never stop on the freeway.
Is it illegal to type directions into a digital map or GPS program on your phone while driving?
No. The law does not say you can't type directions into a map or GPS program on your phone. However, we do not recommend that you do this activity while driving. This should be done before you begin driving.
Is it illegal to read directions from your map or GPS program on your phone while driving?
No. However, we do not recommend that you do this.
Who is the Chief of the Foster City Police Department
Is it illegal to type directions into a GPS device that is separate from a phone while driving?
No. Again, however, we do not encourage or recommend that you do this.
Is it illegal to read texts that you receive while driving?
Yes. Texting (composing, sending or reading) while operating a vehicle on public roadways is illegal.
Is it illegal to read e-mails that you receive while driving?
Yes.
If you have a service that allows you to recite text messages that are typed onto the phone by voice recognition software, is that illegal to use?
If you are using a hands-free device, that is using voice-recognition software ... technically you're hands-free, so you'd be OK.
What are the penalties for texting while driving?
They are similar to the cellphone law that went into effect July 1, 2008. The base fine for a first violation is $20; subsequent violations are $50. However, the total cost of the citation will be significantly higher than the base fine with the addition of local court costs and program fees. The exact penalty varies from county to county.
If you get in an accident while texting while driving, are the penalties harsher?
The penalty for violating that law remains the same. However, if your texting contributed to the collision, the officer could charge you with a host of other violations including reckless driving, unsafe speed for conditions, etc. If the collision should involve bodily injury or great bodily injury, you could also be charged with violation of VC 21070, which includes an additional base fine of $70-$95 (plus penalties and assessments).
Does Foster City have a neighborhood watch program?
