Police began a new campaign Wednesday to crack down on residents using cell phones while driving.

Authorities say local police officers will join state patrols in looking for drivers holding cell phones while driving. According to police, drivers using an earpiece or headset, but holding their phone while driving, will also be ticketed.

Gov. Jodi Rell says the campaign, which she referred to as "Hang Up or Pay Up," was created to combat the number of drivers disobeying the ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Police issued more than 10,000 tickets for talking while driving last year.

Tickets issued for illegal cell phone use will cost drivers $100.