UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) — New York State Police will step up enforcement against distracted driving as part of a national campaign this April.
According to NYSP, the “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign will run from April 6 through April 13.
Troopers will focus on drivers using electronic devices and will use both marked vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles to spot violations.
CITE vehicles help troopers observe drivers from an elevated position and blend into regular traffic until emergency lights are activated.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 3,200 people died in distraction-related crashes across the country in 2024.
During the April 2025 campaign, New York State Troopers issued 22,867 tickets, including 4,607 for distracted driving.