A traffic conviction based on using a handheld device such as a cellphone, tablet, or other electronic device while driving can be a serious problem. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, and a cell phone ticket can trigger significant penalties. A New York City cell phone violation lawyer can help you fight a cell phone or other electronic device ticket and save you money in fines and driver’s license points.
In 2017, NYC police issued a total of 34,736 cell phone and texting tickets, a small increase over 2016 when 33,464 such violations were written. Manhattan saw the smallest increase of the five boroughs and had the lowest number of female drivers ticketed for the offense, just 22%.
How to Handle NYC Cell Phone Violation Tickets with Legal Help
The definition of “using a handheld electronic device” in NYC is very broad, and even holding a device near your ear can be construed as being illegally using the device. As such, these types of tickets can be difficult to beat.
NYC Cell phone violation tickets carry fines of between $50 and $200. If you have a second offense within 18 months, the fines rise to between $250 and $450. Each offense also adds 5 driver responsibility points to your driving record, and accruing 11 or more points within 18 months can result in license suspension. A NYC traffic lawyer will often be able to postpone your court date so that you do not have to appear in person and can instead send someone on your behalf.