NEW YORK -- State police issued 1,000 tickets during the fourth phase of "Operation Hang Up," a four-day crack down on the use of cell phones while driving.
The initiative started September 20 and ran through September 23.
Over the past year, State Police, Troop "T," has issued more than 9,000 cell phone citations.
"Every distracted driver is an absolute danger to the motoring public; we will continue to aggressively enforce the laws prohibiting hand-held cell phone use, and texting while driving," said Troop T Commander Major Robert Meyers.
State police plan to use unmarked and low-profile police cars to catch drivers during future crack downs.
"Our message is simple: if you use a hand-held cell phone or are texting while driving, you should fully expect to receive a ticket from a New York State Trooper," Major Meyers said. "We expect, in fact we insist, that you keep your eyes - and your mind - on the road at all times."
State law prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile telephone while one is driving except to call 911 or to contact medical, fire or police personnel regarding an emergency.
If you're caught, you could face a maximum fine of $100, along with a mandatory $60 surcharge.
It is also illegal in New York to text message on a hand-held device while driving.
The law also prohibits surfing the Internet and playing computer games while driving. The maximum fine is $150.
