Nearly 1,000 drivers cited for hands-free law violations
ATLANTA - A Georgia agency says nearly 1,000 drivers have been cited for violating the state's new hands-free law that went into effect in July.
The Georgia State Patrol says state law enforcement officers have issued 961 citations as of July 31 under the new law, which makes it illegal for drivers to handle their cell phones or other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
MORE: Don't dial and drive: Georgia mandates hands-free cell use
The figure does not include citations by local police or sheriff's officers.
More than 60 percent of the citations went to drivers accused of illegally holding phones. The Georgia Department of Public Safety says another 244 drivers got tickets for failing to exercise due care.
There were also 65 citations given for texting while driving.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.