Junction City Limits Drivers’ Cellphone Use

Police in Junction City are putting drivers on notice: They’ll soon be enforcing a new ordinance that limits use of cellphones by motorists.

The city commission approved the law in early June. It bans motorists from talking or listening on a cellphone unless it’s a hands-free device.

Police Chief Tim Brown said Thursday his department has held off on enforcing the ban until the city put up signs notifying drivers of the law. The signs are now up, and Brown said police will begin enforcing the law Sept. 15.

Officers will issue warnings for the first four weeks, but violators will receive tickets beginning in mid-October.

Drivers will still be allowed to hold cellphones to their ears in limited circumstances, such as talking to law enforcement in emergency situations.