Breaking News: Cell Phone Tickets To Carry 2 Points

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.