State Police Crack Down on Distracted Driving in 'Operation Hang Up' Campaign

New York State Police issued over 4,600 tickets during a weeklong enforcement effort aimed at curbing distracted driving. The initiative, refereed to as "Operation Hang Up," ran from April 7th to April 14th and targeted drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel.

In total, troopers issued 4,607 citations across the state for offenses including texting, holding a phone while talking, and other illegal uses of electronic devices while driving. The campaign was part of a broader effort to reduce accidents and promote safer driving behavior on New York roads.

Under current New York State law, drivers caught using electronic devices face escalating fines. A first offense carries a fine ranging from $50 to $200. Repeat violations within 18 months can lead to fines of up to $450.

For probationary and junior drivers, the penalties are even stricter. A first offense results in a 120-day license suspension and a second offense within six months triggers a one-year revocation.

The campaign comes as distracted driving remains a serious issue nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people lost their lives in crashes linked to distracted driving in 2023.

State Police Crack Down on Distracted Driving in 'Operation Hang Up' Campaign