The month of April is designated throughout the nation as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. One of the biggest distractions is cellphone use while driving. Texting poses the greatest danger for drivers due to the mental, physical, and visual distractions it creates.
Cellphone usage behind the wheel is so common and dangerous that most states have passed legislation to prevent the use of electronic devices when you are driving. As such, it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone or other portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle in the state of New York.
Penalties for using electronic devices while driving in New York
With the exception of making an emergency call to emergency personnel, using a cellphone while driving in New York may result in a traffic citation, fee and fine. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), fines are assessed as follows:
- A first offense carries a minimum fine of $50 and a maximum fine of $200.
- A second offense occurring within eighteen months of a prior offense carries a minimum fine of $50 and a maximum of $250.
- A third offense occurring within eighteen months of a prior offense carries a minimum fine of $50 and a maximum of $450.
- Novice and probationary drivers may face stricter penalties for distracted driving, including a 120-day license suspension or a minimum one-year license revocation.
Each offense adds a surcharge of up to $93.00 to the total fine. Additionally, your driving record will see 5 points added for each conviction of texting or using a mobile phone while driving. To save your license from being suspended, you must not accumulate more than 11 points within 18 months.
Staying safe behind the wheel means eliminating distractions as much as possible. This can help you better avoid negligent and reckless drivers. However, if you are injured in an accident caused by another driver, seek legal assistance to help you get fair compensation.