GLADSTONE – Michigan State Troopers from the Gladstone State Police Post will be patrolling school zones in Delta and Menominee Counties to make sure students are not using a cell phone or texting while driving.

Trooper Dale Hongisto says they hope the focus will eliminate traffic crashes involving young drivers from area schools.

The law known as Kelsey’s Law prohibits teen drivers with a Level 1 or 2 license from using a cell phone while driving. It is named for 17-year-old Kelsey Rafaele of Sault Ste. Marie who died in a traffic accident in 2010 in a cell phone related crash. Level 1 and 2 license holders are between 14 years, 9 months and 17 years old.

Violations of Kelsey’s Law are a civil infraction with fines up to $100 and additional costs of $100. No points are associated with the infraction and it does not impact the driver’s status in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

Another law prevents all motorists from texting while driving. The law was adopted in July 2010. Motorists can be fined $100 for the first offense and $200 for subsequent offenses.

Hongisto says traffic safety is a major part of the Michigan State Police effort.