So far, thousands caught using their cellphones while driving

CARSON CITY - Thousands have been ticketed for violating a new state law prohibiting the use of cellphones while driving.

According to the Office of Traffic Safety, the Metropolitan Police Department issued 2,261 tickets in the first quarter of this year, while the Nevada Highway Patrol's northern command handed out 1,645 tickets.

Since the law took effect Jan. 1 , 1,007 drivers have been convicted of a first-time violation and four drivers have already been cited twice.