View this article online: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/east/2014/11/04/257177.htm
New York state is imposing tougher penalties on motorists who use hand-held mobile phones while driving.
Beginning Saturday, young and new drivers caught texting or using a cell phone without a hands-free device face a 120-day license suspension. A second offense will lead to a year-long suspension.
More experienced motorists with also face steeper fines for repeat offenses. Currently, drivers found to be using a hand-held phone twice within an 18-month period are fined $200. 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.