New state cellphone, text law starts Thursday

Law-enforcement officers statewide can begin stopping and ticketing drivers this week for speaking on the phone while holding it to an ear or texting while driving.

The state's beefed-up new cellphone law kicks in Thursday. Lawmakers this past session made either talking on the cellphone without a "hands-free" device or texting a primary offense. Drivers will be required to use devices that would make them "hands-free" while they use their phones.

No compliance means a $124 ticket. The State Patrol has said there will be no grace period.

"Drivers have known this is coming," Trooper Keith Leary said.

Leary added that drivers have had time to equip themselves to go hands-free. He thinks there will be "sharp behavioral change" among drivers accustomed to talking or texting while behind the wheel. He said he hopes the new law will help to cut down on distractive behavior behind the wheel.

The state Department of Licensing and the State Patrol start a campaign Monday to get the word out on the new law.