Honolulu Cell Phone Ban Starts July 1

Police will be giving out fines — not warnings — to drivers who violate Honolulu’s new ban on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

Maj. Thomas Nitta, commander of the Honolulu traffic division, says officers will ticket drivers caught with electronic devices in their hands while driving. The fine is $67 for a first offense, and judges could charge up to $500 for subsequent offenses.

Nitta says there’s no grace period for drivers once the law goes into effect July 1.

The measure allows motorists to use handsfree mobile phones.

It prohibits text messaging, the use of laptop computers, e-mailing and electric games while driving if the person at the wheel has a handheld device.