The New York City Police Department today announced a citywide crackdown beginning Thursday at midnight on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, as part of its focus on traffic infractions linked to death and injury.

The NYPD reminds all New Yorkers that the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle is illegal. In addition, driving while texting or talking on a cell phone is dangerous and endangers both drivers and pedestrians.   

Individuals using hand-held cell phones while driving inNew York City face a fine of $130.  During 2009, the NYPD issued on average 617 summonses a day to drivers using hand-held cell phones.  On October 22^nd, 2009, 7,463 summonses were issued for this infraction during an initiative similar to the one planned for Thursday. 

The 24-hour initiative begins Thursday, January 21^st at midnight.  The NYPD encourages safe driving and asks the public to use seatbelts and to use a hands-free device for car phones.  

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