NEW YORK—Beginning on Saturday June 1, drivers caught texting while driving will face increased penalties in New York State thanks to measures introduced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday, May 31.
Under the new law, drivers will be docked five points on their driving record, an increase from three points which the governor enacted in 2011. If a driver is docked more than 11 points on their record in an 18-month period, their license will be suspended.
Fines will not increase, however.
Cuomo is also calling on the State Legislature to pass new laws stiffening penalties for young and new drivers convicted of texting while driving.
The penalties would be the same as reckless driving and speeding: 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.
Cuomo called the legislation “common sense” and believed the Legislature would be able to pass a bill by the end of the legislative session, which is June 20.
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