New York Ban on Texting-while-Driving Takes Effect

New Yorkers: Put the BlackBerry away if you’re behind the wheel.

New York’s law against texting while driving went into effect Sunday.

The new law forbids the use of mobile devices for reading, typing and sending text messages while driving.

The ban on texting while driving comes with fines up to $150. It was already illegal in the state to talk on a cell phone while driving.

The U.S. Transportation Department reported that 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 were injured last year in crashes connected to driver distraction, often involving mobile devices or cell phones.

Latest Comments

• November 4, 2009 at 11:55 am

  Bingo, Wudchuck says:

  "so the NY legislators were just wasting your NY TAXPAYING dollars to create what? more revenue because they are short funds for the NY!" You got it, bud!
• November 4, 2009 at 8:28 am

  Safety says:

  Wudchuk, you have a point, but the reality is the only law we need is one against distracted driving. Wait- we have laws against reckless driving. I don't care if someone's no... read more
• November 4, 2009 at 7:07 am

  wudchuck says:

  so, if there is already a law banning the use of a cellphone while driving, why did they have to add an additional alw for driving and texting? afterall, don't you have to use... read more