Laurel police have launched an enforcement this month to make the roads safer by stopping drivers who are distracted by using handheld cellphones to talk or text.
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, city officials said some Laurel police officers have been dispatched to specifically look for drivers violating the handheld device law.
In the first two days of the operation, officials said, Laurel officers issued 36 citations for holding a cellphone while driving. The citations carry an $83 fine for a first offense, $140 for a second offense and $160 for a third offense.
In a released statement, Laurel police officer Theresa Kelliher said officers will also be looking for drivers who are distracted by eating, applying makeup or other activities while operating a vehicle.