Effective Monday Junction City police will begin issuing citations to motorists caught talking on their cell phones while driving.

These will not be warning tickets!

Police Chief Tim Brown explained the citations will require those receiving one to appear in court. “We’ve been in a four-week warning phase.” He added, “We’re going to go forward with this on Monday morning so I want the public to be aware that starting Monday if you’re found driving with a phone up to your ear there’s a very good real possibility if you’re spotted by a police officer you’ll be given a citation. ” That includes a mandatory court appearance and a possible jail sentence and fine up to $500.

There will be officers out next week in unmarked cars.” Those unmarked patrol cars will be used for five days next week in the enforcement of the new ordinance.”