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Driving While On Your Phone In Tempe? That'll Be $100

The city of Tempe has banned almost all mobile device use behind the wheel.

“Now you can be cited for a primary offense where all the officer has to do is see you driving holding the cell phone,” said Tempe Police Department Sgt. Ronald Elcock.

The first ticket will cost you $100, subsequent violations within 24 months are $250 and $500 plus fees.

Tempe City Council approved the new law February 28. Police issued warnings from then until April 1.

There are a few exceptions — drivers can use hands-free devices and pick up their phone at stoplights and while pulled over on the side of the road.

“The message we want to give to the public is: it can wait,” Elcock said.

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Mariana Dale was an assistant digital editor and senior field corrsepondent at KJZZ from 2016 to 2019.