-- From Times staff reporter Susan Gilmore:

Drivers will be offered no grace period when the new law banning texting and using a cell phone while behind the wheel goes into effect on June 10. Usually, the State Patrol offers a grace period to educate drivers when a new law goes into effect, but not this time, the patrol said in a news release.

"Drivers have already had nearly two years to adjust their driving habits," State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said in the release. "We will fully enforce this law from day one."

Laws prohibiting texting and requiring hands-free devices for cell phones took effect in 2008, but have been considered secondary violations. Officers had to witness some other traffic infraction in order to make a traffic stop. The new designation as a primary offenses means police can stop drivers for a texting or cell phone violation alone.

Since 2008, the State Patrol has written approximately 3,000 tickets and given about 5,900 warnings, the news release says.

The fine for a violation is $124.