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Talking And Driving Will Now Cost You 2 Points

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Talking and driving has been illegal in New York State for nearly a decade but starting Wednesday motorists face a more severe punishment for doing so.

One driver tells 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg that he still talks on his handheld cell phone behind the wheel

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WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports Suffolk County cops have already started cracking down harder on drivers

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Now, in addition to a ticket and $100 fine, a violation will cost you two points on your license. Points can raise auto insurance costs and lead to the suspension of a driver's license if a person gets 11 points within 18 months.

A two-point penalty has already been in place in New York for over a year for texting while driving. The DMV decided to add the points-punishment for talking in hopes of reducing the number of distracted driving incidents.

The department said distracted drivers contribute to a fifth of all accidents statewide.

New York was the first state to ban driving and talking on handheld cell phones in November 2001.

Related: NYC Lawmaker Proposes Ban On Talking and Walking

Do you think a harsher penalty will deter drivers from using their cell phones? Let us know below

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