Orange County deputies cracking down on drivers using phones in school, construction zones

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Put down the phone!

The Orange County Sheriff's Office cracked down on drivers who were not obeying the "hands-free" law on Thursday.

Deputies spent their morning out and about looking for drivers who were possibly on their cellphones while going through school and construction zones. 

RELATED: Florida Highway Patrol to ticket motorists for texting and driving starting Wednesday

"Remember, you cannot be holding any electronic device in school zones and construction zones when workers are present," the Sheriff's Office said. 

In an update, the Sheriff's Office said they handed out 50 citations for "hands-free" law and 26 citations for other violations

"You have to realize that you are driving a deadly weapon," Master Deputy Mike Johnson told FOX 35 News. 

A law went into effect on Jan. 1 banning cellphone use in school and construction zones. 

"It’s a primary violation, which means if an officer looks over and sees you typing in that device, they can stop you for no other reason than that," Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Montes said. "They’re so engrossed in their phone, they don’t even look over and see that there’s a marked police car next to them."

The moving violation could cost you three points on your license. 

Tickets may range anywhere from $30 to more than $100.

Drivers who are caught during Thursday’s operation will receive a ticket.