At least half a dozen Cape Town motorists had their cellphones confiscated by traffic police on Thursday.

Traffic officials began enforcing the city's new cellphone by-law at the start of July.

If a motorist is caught chatting or texting on their phone while driving, their mobile will be confiscated for 24 hours.

First-time offenders will also have to fork out for a R500 fine.

Nelson Mandela Boulevard was jam-packed with traffic as officials pulled over motorists after spotting them fiddling with their cellphones.

One woman in her BMW looked confused as officers started writing out her fine, but eventually she complied before removing her SIM card, and reluctantly handing over her device.

She will only be able to retrieve it from the Gallows Hill Traffic Department on Friday.

Cape Town Councillor JP Smith said officials had to make the by-law work as the Road Traffic Management Corporation may want to encourage other municipalities to implement the law.

Authorities believe this would help reduce road accidents.