A national police campaign targeting unrestrained passengers and motorists using cellphones resulted in the issuing of 38 infringement notices in the Waitaki District in a four-day period.
An Oamaru police spokesman said the initiative, including plain-clothed officers, had been run before but never to this extent.
It came 12 months after the use of a cellphone while driving was made illegal. The bulk of the 38 tickets issued were for people not wearing seat belts, and about 15% were for the use of cellphones.
The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $150, and that for using a cellphone while driving $80.
