I think the cops pulling people over for cell phone use is an example that they will enforce any law no matter how ridiculous, and with whatever amount of force they want. Yes, I know they don’t make the laws but they never seem to have many qualms about exerting their power. Every single commute I see drivers pulled over being forced to show their papers. I’m sick of it.
It is a citation offense. Write her a ticket, tell her to stay off the phone, then LEAVE!
That is all that should have happened.
The key thing here isn't even laws. When I was in New Mexico, I brought up the issue of firearm restrictions (which are pretty plainly prohibited by the State's Constitution) to law enforcement -- I either got justifications* or excuses**, so it can't be the violation of laws that's the issue here. It is, IMO, instead the power that they wield; as it is the multitude of laws and the ability to selectively-enforce them are nothing less than blank checks on power. (Look at the Costco shooting from a few years back, or how government officials are generally safe from arrest/punishment [Gunwalker], or no-knock raids, or property-seizure [on the assumption you're guilty]; all of it is this: power unconstrained.)
* - "We don't allow guns in courthouses, so we can have a state-law prohibiting them on university campuses."
** - "It's not something we can do anything about." (Despite actual laws against fraud, malfeasance, conspiracy, deprivation of civil rights, etc that could apply.)
Given the financial realities of California and ruined cities like LA, cops and highway patrol officer are becoming bag men for their rulers.
I think the cops pulling people over for cell phone use is an example that they will enforce any law no matter how ridiculous, and with whatever amount of force they want.
This includes laws that they routinely break themselves.