Those of us (and there are many out there) know that in the past, a New York traffic infraction for driving while speaking or texting on a cell phone involved a fine, but no points on your driver’s license. In the wake of the significant increase in distracted driving accidents, the days of no points are over. In an amendment to Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1225-c effective today, February 16, 2011, if you are convicted of or plead guilty to driving while speaking on a cell phone, as well as texting while driving, you will now be assessed two points on your license in addition to paying the associated fines.
The fine for a cell phone violation is $100, along with a Court surcharge which can run as high as $85.00. The fine for a texting while driving infraction is $150.00. According to NYSDMV statistics, distracted driving is involved in one of five crashes in New York State.
11 points on a New York State driver’s license within an 18 month period leads to a suspension of the license.
If you or a loved one is charged with a traffic infraction or a criminal offense, contact the Westchester County Traffic Lawyers at the White Plains, New York Law Office Of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 for a free consultation to discuss your case in detail.