ALBANY – The State Police call it “Operation Hang Up,” the enforcement of the state law that prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones by motorists while driving. 

From last Tuesday through Friday, troopers issued 181 tickets for observed cell phone violations while they patrolled the Thruway from the New York City line to Sloatsburg, I-95 from New York City to the Connecticut line and the Cross Westchester Expressway.

Last year, troopers issued 5,400 tickets on the Thruway for cell phone violations.

“Driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes, and cell phone use is one of the most common driver distractions,” said State Police Troop T Commander Major Robert Meyers.

State law prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving except to call 911 or to contact medical, fire or police personnel about an emergency.  Violators who are ticketed face a maximum fine of $100, along with a $60 surcharge.