SANDPOINT — Idaho motorists who use their mobile phones without a hands-free device could be ticketed starting on Friday.

Since the law took effect in July, Idaho State Police troopers have been working to educate motorists about the dangers of distracted driving and the state's hands-free device law, resulting in more than 700 warnings.

"There is nothing on your screen that is worth your life or the life of another," said ISP Lt. Chris Weadick. "ISP and our local law enforcement agencies are committed to keeping Idaho roads safe. The goal is to change driving behavior and save lives, and we urge all drivers to pay attention when they are behind the wheel."

The Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety said 241 people have been killed in the state between 2014 and 2018. Distracted driving is attributed to one in five crashes in Idaho, according to the state.

Idaho's "hands-free" device law went into effect July 1, allowing officers a six-month period to issue warnings when they found evidence of violations. Troopers say they have seen more drivers using Bluetooth and other hands-free device options, but more education is needed.

"If you're texting or using a device, you're not driving," said ISP Sgt. Curt Sproat. "For a lot of people, devices have become a habit, but it's a very dangerous habit when we're driving. That's why the law is in place and if a citation is the incentive some drivers need to put the device down and focus on the road, officers now have that option."

Idaho's hands-free device law requires electronic devices to be in hands-free mode while driving, including when stopped at a red light or stop sign. In other words, with few exceptions, the new hands-free law makes holding a cell phone illegal while operating a vehicle.

Activation of GPS, voice to text, and making or receiving calls is permitted with one-touch or voice command. Handheld use is allowed only if the vehicle is both stationary and not located in a public travel lane, or an emergency.

A first-offense violation of the law can result in a $75 fine, a sum which increases to $131.50 when court costs are factored in. A second-offense violation within three years can result in a $150 fine, which increases to $206.50 with court costs. A third offense within three years can result in a $300 fine, which increase to $356.50 with court costs. A third offense can also result in a 90-day driver's license suspension.

Insurance companies, meanwhile, can consider two distracted driving offenses within three years when establishing insurance rates for a driver, state police said.