New York Realtors and Drivers Take the Pledge- Don't text and Drive- New York State Governor Cuomo Announces Increased Fines for Distracted Driving Violations Effective Friday July 26th, 2013

  Distracted driving violations in New York State  that occur on or after July 26, 2013, new minimum fines and higher maximum fines:

• For a first offense, the minimum fine is $50 and maximum fine increases to $150.
• For a second offense committed within 18 months, the minimum fine is $50 and the maximum fine increases to $200.
• For a third or subsequent offense committed within 18 months, the minimum fine is $50 and the maximum fine increases to $400.

 DMV increased the number of points earned against an individual’s driving record upon conviction for texting-while-driving and cell-phone related infractions from three points to five points.

This  new law also  imposes the same penalties on drivers with probationary and junior licenses for texting-while-driving and using a hand-held cell phone that they had received for speeding and reckless driving: 60-day suspensions for first convictions and revocations of 60 days (for junior licenses) or 6 months (for probationary licenses) for subsequent convictions within 6 months of the time a license is restored after suspension.

 Read more to Take the Pledge New York