HONOLULU -- The Honolulu Police Department said the number of drivers using their cellular phones while driving has gone down significantly.

Police issued 38 citations and seven warnings since the ban started on Wednesday.

The majority of motorists have begun complying with the new law, police said.

The areas with the most citations were East Honolulu with eight tickets, the Kailua-Kaneohe area with six tickets and Waikiki with five citations, police said.

"The purpose of the law is to at least reduce the number of distractions and to make our roadways safe for every one,"

AT&T said that within a 24-hour period at the start of the cell phone ban, it saw a huge jump in sales of hands free devices. The company nearly sold out of their cheaper models in just one day.

Drivers must use hands-free devices for using phones while controlling a vehicle. The police define use as anytime you have something in your hand, which you'll use for dialing, texting, e-mails or video games.

(Read the cell phone ban law)

Emergency responders such as firefighters, police officers and ambulance personnel are exempt. The law also exempts bus drivers and any driver using a handheld cell phone to call 911.

Drivers are not allowed to make a call while stopped in traffic.