N.Y. legislature passed bill that will make state first in nation...
N.Y. legislature passed bill that will make state first in nation to prohibit talking on handheld mobile phones while driving, except to report emergencies. Bill (SB-5400A) passed Assembly Mon. night 125-19 after Senate passage 50-8 late last week. Gov.…
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George Pataki (R) said he would sign bill by end of this week. Beginning Nov. 1, drivers caught using handheld car phones will get verbal warning. Starting Dec. 1, tickets carrying $100 fine but no violations points can be issued even if driver has committed no other traffic violation. Until March 1, fine can be waived for first offense if drivers present proof they purchased hands-free mobile phone system. Legislation bans only talking on handheld car phone while driving. It permits manual dialing as long as drivers keep their hands on wheel. “Too many families have suffered the tragedy of seeing a loved one injured, sometimes fatally, in an accident caused by someone who was driving while using a cellphone,” said Pataki. N.Y. has about 6 million mobile phone subscribers who will be affected by new law.