By COLlive reporter
New York state is imposing tougher penalties on motorists who use hand-held mobile phones while driving, the Associated Press agency reported.
Beginning Saturday, young and new drivers caught texting or using a cell phone without a hands-free device face a 120-day license suspension, it reported. A second offense will lead to a year-long suspension.
But Fitche BenShimon says he noticed heightened patrols in the Crown Heights neighborhood already on Friday, which can result in steeper fines for repeat offenses by experienced motorists.
“This undercover cop just pulled me over along with another 7 cars on President and Albany,” the musician reported to his friends and fans on Facebook.
“He’s camped out for the day. Even if you touch your phone (not by your ears) you get a ticket. #notfun #lottapoints,” he concluded and attached a photo of the vehicle. BenShimon later added, “turns out they are here for a month already, and have their daily routine.”
Currently, drivers found to be using a hand-held phone twice within an 18-month period are fined $200, AP said. As of Saturday, the penalty will increase to $250.
The $50 fine for a first offense will remain unchanged.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says driving habits develop early and the tougher penalties will remind younger drivers that texting while driving is unsafe and unacceptable, the news agency reported.
Most of the US don’t worry about people talking on their phones in their vehicles, and the studies have proven time and again that accidents have not increased as a result. I bet it has lots to do with the people living in the tri state area…
WISH THERE WOULD BE A BLITZ ON THIS DANGEROUS MOB.USE IN MY AREA OF LONDON,WHERE KIDS ARE OFTEN AT RISK ON THE SCHOOL RUN.HEAVY PENALTIES CONCENTRATE THE DRIVERS MIND WONDERFULLY !!
It is a dangerous habit. Kill it before it does you.
Why don’t you write to him?
He doesn’t read this website.
huh? video what?
Like all the other NORMAL comments above just DON’t USE THE PHONE PERIOD.
It’s illegal while driving.
What part of this don’t you get?
COL thanks for the heads up!!
I wonder what Gov. Andrew Cuomo is going to do to prevent early “knock-out the Jew” habits developing in the youth of Crown Heights.
Get your selfes dash cameras both ways inside video and out
Can COL please post the law details. for example:
can you touch it in a holder?
GPS?
Music?
bluetooth?
etc.!
Noone should be using a phone in any way while driving!!!
this is one of the better laws. There is no excuse for texting or talking while driving – it is pure idiocy, and, i’d argue, against halacha – putting your life, the lives of those in your car, other cars and pedestrians at imminent risk.
Its the law and its a good one and it sure saves life’s
I really shouldnt be allowed to talk on the phone at all while driving, it takes away ur real awareness of whats going on around you,
Worse is driving up Kingston and getting caught up with all the surfing people walking that u keep looking at
Stop breaking the law!
Talking or texting while driving causes many accidents
Where can I find out more details about using a phone in the car?
If its in a holder can I press the buttons?
Its for our own safety, we should thank them.Dina demalchusa dina.
Higher penalty is just a excuse to take more money from hard working people study has shown it does not lower the use of phones #timetomoveoutofny
Video the police it will save u in court