New York

Quick Stats:
State Name: New York
State Handheld Ban: Yes
Text-Message Ban: No
School Bus Driver Ban: No
Novice Driver Ban: No
Enforcement Type: Primary

New York was the first state in the USA to pass a law prohibiting use of cellphones while driving, unless a hands-free device present. The law, introduced in November 2001 carries a fine of up to $100 for any driver caught in the act. This NY law is the first of many to come. In the following years, we see many other states joining, along with many countries in the world.

Since 2001, The New York Police Department had passed out almost 300,000 tickets within the first 3 years for violating the nations first hands-free law. That's an impressive $30 million for the state of NY to sit on.

New SMS Ban Proposal

Since the tragic accident involving five teenage girls who were killed June 07 - a new bill (A09520) was introduced for a full text-messaging ban on New York. This follows the belief that the driver of the car was texting someone at the time of the accident.

Under the proposal, those nabbed texting while driving could be hit with fines of up to $100 - the same penalty that applies now when police catch drivers gabbing on cell phones. This seems to be gaining momentum in 2008 and will probably be passed soon.