Texting While Driving Penalties To Increase

The penalties for texting while driving are about to increase in New York State.

Starting tomorrow, those caught texting behind the wheel will receive five instead of the current three points on their driving record.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing young and new drivers with either probationary or junior licenses have their licenses suspended on the first offense for 60 days and for six months for another conviction within six months of having their licenses restored.

And Cuomo has ordered State Police to crack down on texters during the summer months starting this weekend.

He says drivers, especially young and inexperienced ones, must keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.