New Penalties Under New York Anti-Texting Law

Texting or using any handheld device while driving is against the law in New York State as of Tuesday.

Officials from the NHTSA say 16% of deadly accidents in 2009 were linked to distracted drivers. The new legislation takes effect immediately. Any driver using a handheld device can be pulled over, be subjected to a three-point penalty on their license and a fine of up to $150.

Previously, drivers texting or talking on the phone without a hands-free device could only be pulled over if they had been found to have committed another violation. Cuomo said this new law will be aggressively enforced.