Driving With Cell Phones

The Law

In New York State, driving while using a hand-held cell phone can result in fines of $100 or more as well as points on your driving record.

Though New York was the first state to enact a cell phone law, it is not the only state that prohibits their use.

• Several states have followed, including New Jersey
• Even more includedcell phone use under their "Driving While Distracted" laws
• Others have similar restrictions on cell phone use
• Never assume cell phone use is legal because a state does not have a specific cell phone law

The Hidden Danger

In New York, cell phone use is restricted to "hands-free" operation, meaning the driver must use an earpiece or speaker.

• Many drivers assume answering or dialing the phone is to blame
  • Most accidents occur during the conversation, not dialing or answering
• Studies have shown that "situation awareness" is drastically impaired when you are on the phone
• Hands-free or not, drivers on the phone process less information about what's going on around them.