It's been an expensive lesson for hundreds of Tri-Cities motorists who continue to use their cellphones while driving.

During a distracted driving enforcement blitz last month, Coquitlam Mounties handed out 552 tickets related to using an electronic device.

The force handed out 314 tickets during a similar campaign in February 2012.

The fine for being busted using a device like a cellphone or audio player is $167.

"I see many drivers are not getting the message," said RCMP Traffic Services Sgt. Dave Fee in a statement.

"Nearly twice as many drivers this year than last received a ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act for using an electronic device."

Police note the research indicates cellphone users are three to four times more likely to be involved in a crash, while the rate is 20 times higher for texting drivers.

"I hope those drivers learned their lesson," Fee said. "If you are driving distracted, you are a danger to yourself and other road users."

Though the distracted driving campaign ended last week, Coquitlam RCMP warned officers would continue to watch for distracted drivers.

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