For National Distracted Driving Awareness month, police departments across the state are partnering with the Connecticut Department of Transportation for their ‘Put the Phone Away or Pay’ campaign.

In Connecticut in 2021, there were over 5,600 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in nine fatalities and more than 850 injuries. That's why police and the DOT want to emphasize safety, not just this month but at all times.

"We're just focusing more on operators that are on their cellphones,” said Fairfield Police Officer Eamonn Monks.

That means drivers must be completely off any and all devices with their eyes on the road. Drivers over the age of 17 are permitted to use hand-free functions.

"Whether you're using the GPS or you're trying to change the music, it's got to be down on the seat next to you or in a cup holder. You just can't have your hands on it,” said Monks.

As per the campaign, tickets for first offenses are $200, second offenses are $375 and third offenses are $625.

"You can't have anything in your hand while operating a motor vehicle,” said Monks.