(Undated) - While the New Year's weekend brought a crackdown on drinking and driving, authorities across Kentucky also began handing out tickets for texting behind the wheel. 

As of January 1, anyone caught punching messages into their phone while driving will receive a ticket instead of a warning. 

In addition to not being able to text while at the wheel, drivers under 18-years-old are prohibited from using a cell phone or electronic device for any reason.

The law has been on the books since April, but officers had only been handing out the warnings.

Offenders will now get a first-time fine of $25, with each subsequent fine becoming $50.