On Tuesday July 12, 2011 Governor Cuomo signed into a law a tougher ban on texting while driving. The new texting law takes effect immediately and makes texting while driving a primary traffic offense. It comes with a fine of up to $150.00 and three points off a license the same as a speeding ticket. Additional court fees vary by locality but can increase that cost considerably. Illegal use of an electronic device includes "composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving or retrieving electronic data such as email, text messages, or webpages," the Governors Office states. It also bans any viewing, talking, or transmitting images, or playing games.
New York's new law does not penalize drivers using a handheld electronic devices that is affixed to a surface or using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle; or if they using the devices in an emergency situation
