New York State Police issued 22,867 tickets during this year’s “Operation Hang Up” enforcement period, including 4,607 for distracted driving violations.
The statewide crackdown ran from April 7 to April 14 and focused on drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel. Police targeted behaviors such as texting, talking on a phone without a hands-free device, and other forms of distracted driving.
Troop T, covering the New York State Thruway, led the campaign with 771 distracted driving tickets. Troop G followed with 966, while Troop F issued 657. The effort reflects a continued push to reduce crashes linked to inattention on the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,275 people died in distracted driving crashes nationwide in 2023. New York’s penalties range from a $50 fine for a first offense to $450 for a third offense within 18 months. Probationary and junior drivers face license suspension or revocation for repeat violations.
Last year’s campaign in April 2024 resulted in 21,768 total tickets, including 4,056 for distracted driving.
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