Effective February 17, 2011, failure to use a hands-free device will be a 2-point moving violation. This traffic ticket always carried a fine (about $150) and possibly negative auto insurance consequences. Now it will also place 2 points on your driving record.
Over a decade ago, in 2001, New York became the first state to enact legislation banning using cell phones without a hands-free device. Now a decade later, the Legislature is making this offense much more serious.
Update: As of July, 2011, New York cell phone tickets carry 3 points.
2 Comments. Leave new
Its to protect the rest of us who don’t talk and text and drive….from people who do!
I hate to be so cynical, but I don’t buy this rush to “protect us from ourselves” that comes in the form of criminalizing – or at least penalizing – cell phone use in autos. I just don’t think the data supports the fact that this behavior is dangerous.
Sorry, I’m not buying it.