Hawaii County police have issued 1,959 citations for using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving since the law took effect Jan. 1, 2010.

A fine for violating the Hawaii County ordinance starts at $97 and can go up to $500 if the use of a mobile electronic device causes a collision.

Police also issued 38 citations to drivers who allegedly caused an accident while using a mobile device.

The Hawaii Police Department is reminding the public that it is illegal to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving, except when using the device with a hands-free mechanism. The ban includes cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, laptops, hand-held video games, and digital cameras.