(Long Island, NY) “Texting while driving is a serious problem that has negatively impacted far too many lives,” Assemblyman Hennessey (D- Medford) said. “I’m the father of two boys so I face these fears every day my children get into a car. We need all drivers, especially young drivers, to understand that any message they think they need to read or send can wait – their lives, as well as others, may depend on it.”
Currently, probationary and junior licensed drivers face a 60 day suspension for traffic violations such as speeding or reckless driving. If another violation occurs within six months, probationary license drivers will have their license revoked for six months and junior license drivers will have their license revoked for 60 days. This new legislation would impose these same penalties on drivers with probationary and junior licenses for texting while driving (A.7739).
“Using mobile devices while driving is dangerous and can be deadly but there are still some drivers who insist on using their phones, putting themselves and others at risk,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber. “The department remains committed to keeping Suffolk County roadways safe and supports an increase in penalties aimed at stopping people from texting behind the wheel.”
From 2005-2011, there has been an approximate 143 percent increase in cell phone-related crashes in New York State. In 2011-2012 there was a 234 percent increase in the number of tickets issued for texting while driving, Assemblyman Hennessey noted.
“By increasing the penalties for texting while driving, we are sending a clear message that drivers must focus on driving, not reading or sending text messages,” Assemblyman Hennessey concluded.
| License Holders |
Current Law
Cell Phone and Texting Convictions |
New Law
Cell Phone and Texting Convictions |
||||
| Suspension | Revocation | Points | Suspension | Revocation | Points | |
| Probationary | No | No | 3 | 60 days for first conviction | 6 months for subsequent conviction within 6 months of license restoration | 5 |
| Junior | No | No | 3 | 60 days for first conviction | 60 days for subsequent conviction within 6 months of license restoration | 5 |
| All others | No | No | 3 | No | No | 5 |
