NYPD Targets Cell Use While Driving
A 24-hour crackdown took place Tuesday in the city to enforce a new law prohibiting use of hand-held cellphones while driving.
The New York City Police Department carried out a 24-hour citywide crackdown on the use of hand-held cellphones while driving earlier this week. The crackdown began at midnight March 15 and is part of the department's focus on traffic infractions linked to deaths and injuries.
Using a hand-held cellphone while driving a vehicle is illegal, according to the department, which added in its news release, "In addition, driving while texting or talking on a cell phone is dangerous and endangers both drivers and pedestrians.
Individuals ticketed for using hand-held cellphones while driving in New York City face a fine of as much as $100 and also will receive two penalty points on their licenses as a result of a new law that took effect on Feb. 16, 2011, and prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones while driving.
NYPD officers issued an average of 611 summonses per day during 2010 to drivers who used hand-held cellphones as they drove.