Starting Tuesday, drivers caught using a cellphone without an earpiece, speakerphone or other hands-free device could be cited, and officers say they're eager to enforce the new law.

There will be no grace period.

Simi Valley Police Sgt. Jeff Malgren said there's a prevalent Ican'twait attitude among officers because they've seen drivers on cellphones cruise past stop signs, make unsafe lane changes and drive recklessly fast or dangerously slow; he said the officers want to prevent accidents.

"(Cellphones are) just another distraction," Malgren said.

Camarillo Police Officer Marco Hinahon said his department is ready.

"We're just going to get out there and enforce it," he said.

Drivers using handheld cellphones are blamed for nine deaths and more than 1,300 collisions statewide last year, according to preliminary statistics from the California Highway Patrol. In 2006, eight people were killed and nearly 1,400 collisions were caused by drivers using cellphones, the department said.

In addition to the handheld restriction, the law bans drivers from using the walkie-talkie or "push-to-talk" feature on their phones.

The fine for the first offense is $20, and $50 for succeeding violations.

Officer Brandon Mumme, spokesperson for East Ventura County CHP, said people incorrectly assume they'll pay only $20 for the first ticket, but that's only the base amount. Tack on penalty fees, and the first violation could cost as much as $76, and each one thereafter $190.

The offense is reportable to the DMV, which could affect insurance rates, although drivers won't receive a point for the offense on their driving record. (Enough points accumulated on a driving record within a certain period of time could lead to a suspended license.)

An exception to the handsfree law are emergency calls, and drivers of farm vehicles, tow trucks and commercial vehicles are exempt from the pushto-talk ban.

The new law does not outlaw text messaging.

Hinahon said the rationale behind that assumes mature drivers are more experienced. Drivers who lose control of their vehicles while writing a text message can be cited for an appropriate violation, he said.

The new law also prohibits drivers under 18 from text messaging or using a cellphone or any other electronic communication device, hands-free or not.

The reason: Statistics show teen drivers are involved in more crashes because they lack experience and tend to take more risks, the CHP said.

Are drivers ready for the new law? Malgren has his doubts.

"It would surprise me if everybody suddenly complies," he said.