New York Texting While Driving Defense Lawyer

Trusted Legal Support for Texting While Driving Citations

Texting while driving is one of the most common “distracted driving” offenses and carries five points. At Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C., we have extensive knowledge and experience handling traffic offenses in court.

Our founding attorney is a former traffic court judge who knows how the other side thinks and operates in these cases. We use that knowledge and experience in building effective defense strategies.

Understanding Distracted Driving

Various actions that divert your attention from the road fall under the umbrella of distracted driving.

They include:

• Personal distractions - talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, drinking, grooming, using other electronic devices, and more.
• Internal distractions - other passengers, pets, or objects in the vehicle
• External distractions - other vehicles, the roadway, the weather, and more

Fight Your Texting Ticket Today! Don't let fines and points pile up—contact us at (212) 235-1525 for a free consultation!

Understanding Fines for Cell Phone Tickets in New York

Under New York Law, if you are convicted of distracted driving or a cell phone ticket, you will face the following fines:

• First Offense: $50-$200 fine.
• Second Offense (Within 18 months): $50-$250 fine
• Third Offense (Within 18 months): $50-$450 fine

In addition to the fines, you will receive five points on your driving record and a possible license suspension.

Legal Implications of Holding Your Phone While Driving

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Section 1225c-d, it is a violation to hold a mobile phone to your ear or even in immediate proximity to your ear. This violation also includes maneuvering to gain access to your cell phone.

Consequences of Texting While Driving in New York

Texting while driving is not only dangerous, but it can also have serious legal consequences. In New York, texting while driving is considered a primary offense, meaning that law enforcement can pull you over solely for texting behind the wheel. If you are caught texting while driving, you may face:

At Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C., our dedicated texting while driving lawyers understand the complexities of New York traffic laws and can provide you with the skilled legal representation you need. We will work diligently to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a texting while driving citation.

Don't let a texting while driving ticket derail your life. Contact our dedicated New York texting while driving attorney today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

Safety Risks Associated with Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. The primary safety risks stem from the fact that texting demands visual, manual, and cognitive attention, which means that drivers are not fully engaged in controlling the vehicle or responding to changes on the road. Research shows that a driver’s reaction time can be delayed by up to 23 times when texting compared to non-distracted driving. This delay can result in missed traffic signals, failure to notice other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, and an overall diminished ability to make split-second decisions.

In New York, texting while driving is illegal because of the substantial risks it poses. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for just five seconds while texting at highway speeds can travel the length of a football field without looking. This lapse in attention greatly increases the chances of rear-end collisions, lane drifting, and side-impact crashes, which are common outcomes of distracted driving incidents.

Texting while driving also puts others on the road at risk. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers are all vulnerable to the erratic driving patterns that result from texting behind the wheel. Studies suggest that nearly 1 in 4 car accidents today are caused by distracted driving, with texting being a leading contributor.

Given the severe safety risks, both New York state law and national safety organizations advocate for strict penalties and public education to reduce texting while driving. Those involved in accidents caused by distracted drivers may face not only fines and points on their license but also civil or criminal liability if injuries or fatalities occur.

Defenses Against Texting While Driving Tickets

Getting a texting while driving ticket doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. There are several legal defenses that could help you fight the charge. A skilled attorney can challenge the citation in different ways, including:

• Lack of Evidence – The officer must prove that you were actively using your phone for texting. If there is no clear proof, the ticket may not hold up in court.
• Using Your Phone for Legal Purposes – In New York, certain phone activities are allowed, such as using a GPS app (if mounted) or making a hands-free call. If you were using your phone legally, your ticket may be dismissed.
• Mistaken Identity – Sometimes, an officer may mistakenly believe you were texting when you weren’t. If you can provide evidence—such as witness statements or phone records—you may be able to fight the ticket.
• Emergency Situations – If you were using your phone to contact emergency services, this can be a valid defense under the law.

How a Texting While Driving Ticket Affects Your Insurance

A texting while driving conviction doesn’t just lead to fines—it can also impact your car insurance rates. Here’s what you need to know:

• Insurance Point System – In New York, a texting violation adds five points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can result in higher premiums or even a suspended license.
• Rate Increases – Insurance companies view texting while driving as a high-risk behavior. On average, a texting ticket can increase your insurance rates by 20-30% or more.
• How to Minimize the Impact – You can try to reduce the consequences by:
• Fighting the ticket in court to get the charge dismissed or downgraded.
• Taking a defensive driving course to lower your points.
• Shopping for new insurance if your current provider raises your rates significantly.

Differences Between Texting and Other Distracted Driving Violations

Texting while driving is considered one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, but how does it compare to other distractions?

• Texting vs. Talking on the Phone – Holding a phone to talk is illegal, but texting is even riskier because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention.
• Texting vs. Eating or Adjusting the Radio – While eating or changing the music can be distracting, they don’t take your eyes off the road for as long as texting does.
• Harsher Penalties for Texting – Because of the high risk of accidents, texting violations result in more points and higher fines than other minor distractions. 

By understanding these key differences, drivers can better grasp why texting laws are strictly enforced and why it’s essential to avoid distractions on the road.