Effective July 1, legislation prohibits drivers 18 years old and older from using hand-held mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle, unless the driver uses a hands-free device.

Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine offense with additional penalty assessments. A first offense is approximately $76 and each subsequent offense is approximately $190.

The law allows drivers to use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes and drivers of commercial phones are able to use push-to-talk phones.

The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

The new law does not specifically prohibit text messaging.

An officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer's opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely.

Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication to speak or text while driving in any manner, including the use of hands-free devices.