When the law went into effect a year ago Wednesday, many residents bought wireless headsets for their cell phones and made sure all their in-car calls were conducted hands-free.
In July 2008, when the law went into effect, the CHP recorded 7,779 citations for hands-free violations.
The number remained constant through the end of the year.
But with 2009, the number of citations climbed. By May 2009, the CHP had issued 12,789 citations, a 64 percent increase over July 2008.
In all, the CHP has given out 110,323 hands-free tickets.
A CHP spokeswoman said the CHP hasn't created a special task force since the hands-free law went into effect. The tickets, she said, are just the result of officers noticing violations.
The ticket carries a $20 fine, but with court fees and assessment it could mean $130 or more for a violation.
The author of the hands-free law, State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) said the law is affecting collisions and fatalities.
According to the CHP, there were 3,112 fatalities last year.
Before the hands-free law, there were 3,557 fatalities the previous year.
Law enforcement experts say it will take time to build the habit. The seat-belt law now has 90 percent compliance.
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