Ignorance of the law will be no excuse for drivers receiving a $67 first-offense ticket on or after July 1 for operating electronic devices while driving, police said yesterday.

Police are using as many resources as they can to get the message out that when that law goes into effect, it will be illegal for drivers to use their hand-held cell phones, iPods or any other portable electronic equipment while their engines are running.

The law is sure to affect a lot of people. About 4 out of every 5 Hawai'i residents subscribe to a wireless service, according to 2007 figures from the Federal Communications Commission.

Department of Transportation overhead message boards began flashing reminders for drivers yesterday afternoon.

University of Hawai'i campus security e-mailed information about the law to current students, and will probably inform incoming freshmen during orientation, Capt. Donald Dawson said.

Honolulu Police Department Maj. Thomas Nitta said police are also reaching out through city agencies and press conferences, and if police pull drivers over for an unrelated offense they'll remind them of the new law. They're also reaching out to airports so visitors can be informed about the law.

The law exempts 911 calls while driving.

Drivers can still use hands-free devices. Communications technology consultant Lori Tokunaga encouraged drivers using hands-free devices for the first time to take certain steps such as familiarizing themselves with the controls, adjusting the headset and checking the settings before using it in their cars. She also encouraged those accustomed to using headsets to make sure it's turned on and connected properly before starting their cars.

"Make sure to read the instructions first," she said.