WISCONSIN -- Starting Saturday, drivers will have one more reason to put down their cell phones while on the road.

A state law takes effect that bans using a handheld mobile device while driving through a work zone. If you're caught on the phone in a work zone, it will cost you: $40 the first time, $100 each time later. Starting Oct. 1, 2016, it will be illegal to talk on a handheld mobile device while driving in a Wisconsin road work zone.

You can view the law here: 2015 Wisconsin Act 308

The law is part of ongoing efforts to reduce distracted driving and increase safety for motorists and workers throughout the state. Drivers caught in violation face fines of up to $40 on first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses.

Why is Wisconsin doing this?

Mobile devices continue to be a leading cause of distracted driving throughout the United States. Given that Wisconsin sees an average of nearly 2,000 work zone crashes annually, the new law is a proactive step toward increasing safety and helping to ensure that drivers are giving as much of their attention as possible to the road. Wisconsin is one of 14 states with a full or partial ban on hand-held mobile devices while driving, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What about hands-free devices? Hands-free and Bluetooth devices are granted exemptions and remain legal to use. However, some studies are beginning to show that even hands-free devices can take a driver's attention off the road.



What about emergencies?