The use of a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle is illegal.
Officials say driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous and endangers both drivers and pedestrians.
Individuals using hand-held cell phones while driving in New York City face a fine of $130.
During 2008, the NYPD issued on average 536 summonses a day to drivers using hand-held cell phones. On March 12, 2009, 8797 summonses were issued for this infraction during an initiative similar to the one planned for Thursday.
The NYPD encourages safe driving and asks the public to use seatbelts and to use a hands-free device for car phones.
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
USEFUL LINKS: