As University Park students returned from winter break and headed back to school Monday, police staked out nearby streets to enforce a new law that bans the use of handheld cellphones in school zones.

By Monday afternoon, police had handed out at least six citations to motorists accused of either talking or sending text messages while driving through a school zone.

"This is something the citizens want so we are out here enforcing it," Officer Jim Savage said of the law, which took effect Monday.

One driver who was pulled over for using a cellphone in a school zone on Lovers Lane said he forgot about the law as he was driving past University Park Elementary School.

Another driver ticketed on the same street said she was sending her husband a text message when police pulled her over.

Of the six citations written Monday morning, five went to University Park residents, University Park police Capt. E.L. Holman said.

Exceptions to the law include phoning 911 or the doctor, Capt. Holman said.

University Park joins Highland Park in enforcing a handheld-cellphone ban in school zones. Highland Park issued eight citations the first day its law went into effect in December, police said.

In both towns, violators face $75 fines. The law will be in effect during school zone hours on school days, 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m.

University Park council members had said they believed the ban would improve safety for children.

The city may consider expanding the ban citywide in the spring.