Driving, Mobile Devices, and State Laws

It's summer again, when we drive to new jobs, vacations, and other unfamiliar places both in and outside of New York. Current laws on the use of hand-held phones, texting, and other uses of mobile devices while driving, including penalties, can vary significantly from state to state and are subject to constant revision by legislators.  Justia, the free legal information site, has the current text of New York's laws on the use of mobile phones and other devices while driving.  Section 1225-c of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, relating to the "Use of Mobile Telephones," is available here.  Section 1225-d of the Law, covering the "Use of Portable Electronic Devices," (including their use for text messaging, games, and searching the Internet) is here.  For a quick look at other states' laws on these topics, check out the chart and state law maps provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Nationwide Cell Phone Driving Ban Recommended

Exams are almost over, and it will be time to drive away for holidays and a well-deserved break. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) voted unanimously this week to recommend a nationwide ban on driving while using cell phones and other personal electronic devices. Their recommendation is for all 50 states and the District Of Columbia to pass laws prohibiting use of both hand-held and hands-free personal electronic devices for non-emergency use. While the NTSB has no power to implement such a ban, federal and state regulators and legislatures can act to carry out the recommendation. Many states have texting and cell phone use restrictions in place, and a recent rule bans the use of hand-held cell phones by interstate bus and truck drivers. A current table and maps of cell phone and texting laws across the country are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Update: Distracted Driving Law Toughened in NY

In case you missed it, Governor Cuomo signed into law on July 12, effective immediately, legislation permitting law enforcement officials to stop drivers simply for using mobile devices for activities such as texting while they are driving, whether or not they are committing another offense, such as speeding. The new law, Chapter 109, makes sending or receiving a text while driving, or using a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving, a "primary" traffic offense in New York. The law calls for violators to face fines up to $150 and incur two penalty points on their licenses, but the Governor also announced that he will also "increase the penalty for using a cellular phone without a hands-free device or a handheld device while driving from two to three points through changes in state regulations". For a current comparison of cell phone and texting laws in the various states, check out this chart created by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

My turn

Usually I convey to you important, interesting, useful or fun tidbits of information and maybe even an insight once in a while.

Today is my day to ask information from you. I know you all text. Would you use a service by which you could text a question to a Reference librarian? And, would you be willing to share your cell number so that we could set up this service?

Inquiring felines want to know. Just post a comment to this message with your thoughts.

And thanks.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

CooCoo

This post has absolutely nothing to do with legal research, law school, or the practice of law. However it is indispensable information for many people who work or go to school at Hofstra.

LIRR train schedules are available via text message. To receive a text message that includes the schedule for the next five trains, send a text message to 266266 with the name of the departure station and the arrival station (i.e. "Mineola to Penn"). (Apparently 266266 spells "CooCoo.") To receive a text message that includes the schedule for future trains, include a time in your text message.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat