(WBNG Binghamton) - You know driving while texting or using a hand held phone is against the law in New York. But do you know its going to cost you more if caught?
" When you hear that noise go off it's almost like its suspense you have to know who it is, you got to know what they want and I know for me I get excited every time I hear it so I look and I see," says Brent Fallon of Endicott.
As technology on cell phones grows, so has people's addiction to the devices.
Due to fatal accidents caused by texting while driving, New York State will now be charging you $150 dollars and adding three points to your license if you're caught.
Police will no longer need a traffic violation to pull over someone seen using a cell phone.
One local department is enacting new procedures to catch violators.
"We'll probably start off with some unmarked car, these cars will be out at the traffic lights looking for people text messaging while they're sitting at the light, and as they pull away the officer's can go ahead and enforce the new law," says Lt. Gerald Mullins of the Vestal Police Department.
How else can they spot a driver texting or phoning?
Mullins says officers look for some of the same signs as they do for drunk driving, like swerving.
"Well it will be much easier to make the charge for one, I regard texting as more dangerous than cell phone talking because you have to completely take your eyes off the road to sit there and type," says Broome County Sheriff, David Harder.
"Frankly people think that they're the exception to the rule and I'm glad that there is a law against it because it is deadly to do that and I always remind my kids about it and other kids too," says Barbara Schwerd of Westchester.
The new law applies to anything you do on your phone from texting, emailing, playing games, or sending pictures.
Police, firefighters, and EMTs are exempt from this law.
Also, if you have an actual emergency and are in contact with an emergency responder.
The law does not penalize drivers using a handheld device that is affixed to a surface or using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle.
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