New texting-while-driving laws take effect Saturday, November 1st in New York. The new laws increase the penalties and fines for drivers found talking or texting while driving.
Michael Taheri speaks about the tougher dwi laws in the following news story: Link to story
For drivers under 21 years old with a junior license, first time texting or talking convictions will result in a 120-day license or permit suspension.
The new laws also introduce fines for texting or talking while driving. A maximum fine for a first offense will increase from $150 to $200. A second offense will increase fines from $200 to $250. A third or more in 18 months increased from $400 to $450.
The violation for drivers convicted of DWI or DWAI three or more times within 15 years is now a D felony. Fines are anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.