SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Highway Patrol troopers pulled over dozens of people on Tuesday who were driving and using their phones but a lot of the motorists didn't even know the law had changed.
That's why law enforcement was out in full force --pulling over any driver they see who is using a phone in a way that violates the new restrictions.
"The reason I'm pulling you over is today a new law took effect which doesn't allow you to operate your phone at all while you're diving," said UHP Trooper Brady Zaugg.
The new law says motorists can't dial numbers, change music on the phone, or enter any data into a mobile device.
Troopers say their goal is to educate and drive the message home. You can still answer a call and hold the phone up to your ear. And use phone as a GPS and dial a number in case of an emergency.
"There is a time and a place for everything and the time to be texting your friend is not while doing 70 miles an hour down the highway,” Zaugg said.
The new law states a motorist cannot manipulate a phone while the vehicle is moving but if a trooper catches you using your phone at a red light you’re OK.
