Alberta sheriffs say they'll target distracted drivers during February.

On Jan. 1, new legislation was introduced to crack down on distracted drivers. A ticket will now cost $287 and three demerit points.

Motorists who collect 15 or more demerit points over a two-year period will have their licences suspended for a month.

Sheriff Kanwarjit Ghumman said drivers must remember that even while sitting at a red light they can be charged if they're on a cellphone.

Sheriff Kanwarjit Ghumman warns that drivers using electronic devices at a red light are still breaking the law despite being stationary. (CBC)

He said things can go wrong in an instant when using an electronic device in a vehicle.

"It's only that one second that you take your eyes off the road … (that) can cost some serious damage, can cost your life or somebody else's life," Ghumman said.

Although it's only been a month, Ghumman thinks the distracted driving law is having a positive effect on driving habits.

Ghumman said he hopes the stiffer penalty will motivate drivers to put down their phones and other devices while driving.