California joined five other states -- New York, Washington, Connecticut, Utah and New Jersey -- and banned the use of hand-held devices while driving. The Golden State passed legislation barring the use of cell phones while behind the wheel without a hands free device.

As of July 1, California motorists seen with their cell phones to their ears will receive fines starting at $20 and going up to $50 with following offenses - an expected penalty assessment adding up to $190.

The same day, drivers in Washington State caught chattering with phone in hand will be whammed with a $124 ticket, though in Washington, motorists can get a hand-held cell phone ticket only as a secondary violation, meaning they must be caught for another offense, like speeding. However, drivers in California can be pulled over just for holding a cell phone to their ear.

Without an adjustment period for traffic participants, California Highway Patrol officers began ticketing the first day the law was enacted. In the San Gorgonio area, Banning, Beaumont and Hemet, CHP officials reported 17 citations by mid-afternoon. Riverside police reported 10 citations Tuesday.

The law states that drivers must use a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth remote listening set or a wired earpiece, while driving and talking on the phone. All drivers younger than 18 are prohibited to use a cell phone.

Authorities are especially targeting cell phone users, regardless of any other driving violations. Much like seat belt laws, the driving violation concerning cell phone use goes on a driving record, but does not shorten any points off a license at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Police said the new law was entirely enforced after around 18 months of awareness campaigning - publicity and messages on freeway digital signs.

"Inattention in traffic collisions is the No. 1 cause that made it unsafe," said CHP officer Chris Blondon. "When someone's paying attention to road and their conversation, hopefully no one will get hurt or killed."