The New York State Police issued more than 21,500 tickets during this year’s 'Operation Hang Up' traffic enforcement period. This special traffic detail, which took place from April 1 to April 8, 2024, targeted drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide in 2022, 3,308 people were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving.
During the April 2023 Operation Hang Up campaign, State Police issued more than 23,000 total tickets, including 4,246 tickets for distracted driving. The tickets written were a combination of talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device while driving.
2024 Distracted Driving Tickets Issued by Troop:
TROOP | CELL PHONE | TEXTING | TOTAL DISTRACTED | TOTAL V&T TICKETS |
A | 50 | 141 | 191 | 1,922 |
B | 40 | 89 | 129 | 1,606 |
C | 92 | 190 | 282 | 1,529 |
D | 121 | 368 | 489 | 2,459 |
E | 104 | 160 | 264 | 2,336 |
F | 166 | 536 | 702 | 2,527 |
G | 153 | 299 | 452 | 1,667 |
K | 147 | 347 | 494 | 2,178 |
L | 51 | 184 | 235 | 1,578 |
M | 42 | 194 | 236 | 1,050 |
T | 182 | 400 | 582 | 2,916 |
TOTALS | 1,148 | 2,908 | 4,056 | 21,768 |
Current New York State law includes the following penalties for distracted drivers:
- For a first offense, the minimum fine is $50 and the maximum is $200
- A second offense in 18 months increases the maximum fine to $250
- A third offense in 18 months results in a maximum fine of $450
- Probationary and junior drivers face a 120-day suspension of their license for a first offense, and one-year revocation of their permit or license if a second offense is committed within six months
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