Ithaca Ticket Lawyer explains Using Portable Electronic Device VTL s.1225D

(image courtesy www.thenextweb.com)

You GOTTA KNOW the "Smart Phone" / "IPAD" / Portable Electronic Device --Traffic Law in New York

In the past couple weeks, the local police in Ithaca have really been cracking down on this traffic violation.  If a cop sees you using your phone in traffic....you will get the following ticket: 

Driving while Using a Portable Electronic Device, VTL s. 1225D

...this did not use to be that big of a deal.  Until June 1, 2013.  That's when this law became a VERY BIG DEAL to all New York drivers. 

On June 1. 2013, this ticket became a FIVE POINT TICKET.   That's a ton of points.  Even going up to 20 mph over the speed limit is only 4 points!!! 

That shows you how hard the NY legislature is being on "distracted driving."  

Most people break this law.  I've been guilty of it on occasion, but the consequences of being found guilty of this ticket are steep. 

Here are the penalties :

Fines $0-$150, 5 points, $88 or $93 court surcharge  

[if you are a young driver (i.e. probationary driver), you get a 120 day license suspension!  That's 4 months for a first offense.]  That's as of 11/1/14

It only gets worse if you do it a second time within 18 months.  

***In New York, your license will be automatically suspended for 31 days (for any driver) if you accumulate 11 or more points on your license.  So...if you get one of these tickets, you're half-way toward a suspension.

--THINGS TO KNOW---

Most of these tickets CAN be reduced if you hire a licensed attorney.  There are never guarantees, but in most cases a reduction is possible.  For these tickets, a point reduction is really critical to protect your New York driving privilege.  

BY:  Attorney Mike Cyr 

P:  607-229-5184
E:  mike.ithacadwi@gmail.com
www.ithacadwi.com
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Twitter:   @ithacadwi