Connecticut police departments kicked off their annual campaign to stop distracted drivers as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Police say fines have increased and violating Connecticut's distracted-driving laws can be costly.

Drivers who are ticketed will be fined $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Stamford and Norwalk police departments are two of many departments cracking down on distracted driving.

The "U Drive. U Text. U Pay" enforcement period begins today and was started by the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office.

Police say there were nearly 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving in Connecticut in 2020.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.