Politics & Government

Stronger Penalties For Distracted Driving to Take Effect Friday

Higher fines Enacted.

Senator Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, chairman of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee, announced that higher fines for distracted driving will take effect on Friday. 

The new penalties were included as part of the state budget.

“Texting and talking on the phone while driving puts lives at risk," he said. "Distracted drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a regular driver."
Higher fines will be given to individuals who repeatedly text and drive or who drive while talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device. 

The new maximum fines are:

  • 1st offense: $150 maximum fine
  • 2nd offense within 18 months: $200 maximum fine
  • 3 or more offenses within 18 months: $400 maximum fine
The fines are in addition to the five penalty points which offenders receive on their driving record for each violation.

Prior to the new rules, drivers faced a maximum fine of $150 per violation for texting while driving and $100 per violation for talking on a non hands-free cell phone while driving, in addition to driver license penalty points. Repeat offenders did not face any enhanced penalties.

"Higher fines for individuals who repeatedly text or talk on the phone while driving will give motorists another incentive to keep their eyes on the road, not their cell phone," Fuschillo said. 


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