So far this year, they've issued more than 65,000 tickets for using handheld devices.
This week, they're stepping up enforcement with "Operation Hang Up."
During its first day on Monday, troopers ticketed more than 150 drivers in the first 12 hours. One officer in Ulster County wrote up eight different drivers in just one hour.
Trooper Brad Malloy wrote up three drivers in the first 20 minutes he was on patrol on Wednesday. This is the second time in less than six months state police are focusing on drivers who use their cell phones.
The law is enforced year round, but during these special periods, federal funds are available to pay for overtime, which translates to extra eyes on the road.
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