Nearly 12,000 caught using phone on Nevada highways

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol in 2012 issued nearly 12,000 traffic citations to motorists observed talking, texting or reading non-voice communication while driving.

And for some, this was not their first offense.

Last year was the first year Nevada banned the use of cell phones while driving.

The total fine for a first-time offense is $112.00 with zero points assessed against a driver’s license while the second, third and subsequent offenses each have four demerit points added to the monetary fine. When convicted, a second offense will cost a violator $192 while third and subsequent offenses each will total $352.

The following details the total number of citations issued for each month in 2012:

— Lake Tahoe News staff report