By Bill Lindelof blindelof@sacbee.com
California Highway Patrol officers in the Sacramento region handed out more than 200 citations to drivers they caught talking on cell phones during a 24-hour crackdown earlier this week.
The cell phone enforcement day was aimed at citing drivers using their cell phones without a hands-free device to cut down on distracted driving.
During the campaign that began 6 a.m. Tuesday, officers handed out 216 citations for talking on the cell phone while driving and 12 tickets for texting while driving.
They also issued 52 verbal warnings for non-compliance with the cell phone law and arrested two suspected drunk drivers as a result of a cell phone stops.
During a similar crackdown last year, CHP and local officers issued 588 citations during a two-day period.
Cell phone violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for the second offense. When court costs and other fees are added to the fines, the total cost of the violation exceeds $100 for the first offense, officials said.