Texting-while-driving violations in NY to go from 3 to 5 points on license

ALBANY — Infractions for texting while driving will increase from three points to five points on a person's license starting Saturday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

Cuomo said the state needs to further crack down on texting-while-driving offenses as more drivers, particularly young people, are distracted when they drive because they are using mobile devices.

The new penalties come after the state in 2011 increased the number of points for a texting-while-driving infraction from two points to three points and made the charge a primary offense -- allowing police to pull someone over specifically for texting behind the wheel.

Since the change, the number of texting-while-driving tickets have soared, from about 3,500 in 2011 to 30,000 in 2012.

Cuomo also proposed legislation that would increase penalties for young drivers and new drivers convicted of texting while driving. The Democratic governor also directed State Police to boost enforcement of the law during the summer.

In addition, the governor directed State Police to bolster enforcement of the texting-while-driving ban during the summer, starting this weekend.