Well, starting today, Cuomo added another notch to his belt. In just over a month, he was able to push through an amendment that makes texting and driving a primary offense in New York. I was the first to point out the loophole in the old law back in October, 2009 and have written about the dangers of texting and driving in over a dozen posts. I am, therefore, openly welcome the new law.
Under the new, more restrictive law, the mere holding of any electronic device while driving is now unlawful. Previously, a motorist could be issued a traffic ticket for driving while texting if he or she was also committing a separate different moving violation.
The penalty for violating the newly-enacted distracted driver law is $150 and 3 points. The new law also increases from 2 to 3 points the penalty for violating New York’s cell phone law.
Congratulations Govenor Cuomo and New Yorkers. Enactment of this law is well overdue.