Portable Electronic Devices
Texting, emailing, surfing the web, or any other use of a smart phone, tablet, laptop or other portable electronic device while driving is generally prohibited in New York state. In January 2011, this was upgraded to a 3 point violation with maximum fine of $150.
Our Fees
If you are seeking an attorney to go to court for you, please consider our office. In most cases, our fee to defend a 1225-d Portable Electronic Device ticket in Albany is a flat $195. Some courts in the area, like the village of Ravena and town of Coeymans, require a personal appearance and, in cases like these, we usually charge $295. However, please contact us to share the details of your case including the circumstances of your traffic stop and where the ticket was issued. Tell Us About Your Ticket →
About VTL 1225-D
"§ 1225-d. Use of portable electronic devices. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion."
While there are exceptions for emergency situations and authorized professionals, using a portable electronic device while driving is illegal in New York state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in 2011 alone, over 3,000 highway fatalities were attributable to distracted driving. Studies like these have recently influenced New York lawmakers to step up the enforcement of 1225-d and 1225-c with "Operation Hang Up" and other campaigns targeting cell phone use, texting, and distracted driving. In the first few months of 2012 alone, over 65,000 portable electronic device tickets were issued statewide.
