New York State Police Ramp Up Patrols Using Unmarked Vehicles, Here’s What They Are Looking For

New York State Police announce that 'Operation Hang Up' is in full effect. From now until Monday April 14, 2025 Troopers will deploy several different tactics, including checkpoints, to crackdown on distracted driving.

Motorists can expect to see an increase in State Police patrols and checkpoints. At the same time you might have troopers traveling behind or along side of you and not even realize it.

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. New York State Police are participating in the Nationwide distracted driving campaign 'Operation Hang Up'. In addition to their marked vehicles, Troopers will use unmarked Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles.

More than 3,300 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2022. As tempting as it might be to answer a text, check the number of likes on your Facebook post or watch a TikTok video your best friend sent you, don't do it while driving!

According to a New York State Police press release, there are some stiff penalties for distracted driving in New York State:

• 1st offense, fines ranging from $50 to $200
• 2nd offense, within 18 months, fines up to $250
• 3rd offense, within 18 months, fines up to $450
• If you are a probationary or junior driver you could face a 120-day suspension of your license for your first offense, 1-year revocation of your permit or license for a 2nd offense within 6 months.

During the April 2024 Operation Hang Up campaign, State Police issued 21,768 tickets, including 4,056 tickets for distracted driving.