Prince George RCMP issued tickets to 46 drivers caught using their cellphones while behind the wheel in February.
A further five tickets were issued for driving while the view or vehicle controls are obstructed, RCMP said Tuesday.
The tickets carry a hefty penalty. First-time offenders pay $543 in total costs, made up of a $368 fine plus four demerit points adding $175. Total costs go up to $888 for a second offence and increase for each subsequent offence.
Use of a cell phone includes "just holding it," "just plugging it in" and using it while stopped at a red light, Prince George RCMP said.
The total was reached halfway through a campaign against distracted driving. A month-long campaign was scheduled to begin March 1 but the practice was such a concern in Prince George that the detachment's traffic services officers opted to begin the campaign a full month early.
"Many people still choose to use their phone while driving in our community" said Sgt. Matt LaBelle. "Our hope is that drivers do the right thing and leave the phone alone."
Distracted driving includes hand-held use of cell phones, reading while behind the wheel or allowing a pet on your lap.
If drivers need to make a phone call or check messages, they are advised to use a hands-free device or park their vehicle in a safe place off the road, when it is safe to do so. A safe place does not include the shoulder of a highway.
Drivers are five times more likely to crash if when they're using a hand-held phone, RCMP said.
