While cellphone technology and driving play an important role in the daily lives of many people across New York, the two should generally not be mixed. There are numerous reasons for this, with safety and legality being at the top of the list.

The reality is that it only takes a momentary lapse of concentration for a devastating accident to occur. Not only can this put you at risk, but it also jeopardizes your passengers, other road users as well as pedestrians. Texting while driving is not worth it from a legal standpoint either, and here’s some further explanation why.

The Law in New York Prohibits Texting and Driving

There are laws in place that aim to prevent distracted driving and cellphone use when in control of a vehicle is illegal, other than when appropriate hands-free technology is utilized or in the case of emergencies. If you have a cellphone in close proximity to your ear, it is likely that law enforcement will deem that you were engaged in a call.

Depending on whether it is your first offense, the penalties for being engaged in a call while driving can vary from a $50 dollar fine to larger sums as well as penalty points on your license. If you accumulate a certain number of points over a specific period, you could even find yourself facing a license suspension.

It is important to note that the use of any portable device while operating a vehicle is restricted in New York. This includes games, computers, cameras and cellphones. If law enforcement catches you using such instruments “conspicuously,” you could find yourself in hot water legally. Again, the severity of penalties ranges from a $50 fine to potential license revocation, depending on your level of offense and previous record.

Being stopped by law enforcement does not mean that you are automatically guilty, you also have a right to present your case. Having sound legal knowledge and a support network around you could make this process run a lot more smoothly.