New York’s Second Operation Hang Up Campaign Targets Cell Phone Use While Driving

The New York State Police are conducting a second Operation Hang Up enhanced enforcement campaign.

The campaign targets motorists that use their cell phone and other electronic devices while driving.

The first Operation Hang Up campaign took place over the 2011 Thanksgiving Holiday. State Police ticketed more than 800 drivers during that time period.

This latest enforcement campaign begins today (Monday, April 23, 2012) and continues through Sunday (April 29, 2012).

In 2011, the state Department of Motor Vehicles increased penalties for using cell phones while driving. Violations are now subject to two ‘points’ on a driver's license. Those points can increase a driver’s insurance rates, much like a speeding ticket or auto accident.”

With increased penalties and stepped-up enforcement, motorists who receive a ticket for using a cell phone should consider consulting an attorney to discuss their legal rights before pleading guilty.

New law bans dumping rechargeable batteries in the trash

Beginning Monday (December 5) it is illegal in New York to dispose of rechargeable batteries in the trash.

The New York State Rechargeable Battery Law prohibits the disposal of rechargeable batteries, including cell phone batteries, laptop batteries or camera batteries, in
non-recyclable containers.

Instead, the batteries must be returned to recycling bins at retail stores.

Almost every retailer that sells rechargeable batteries is now required to
provide recycling receptacles to consumers in their stores. Small-food stores that sell

Failure to provide or use the receptacles can lead to fines ranging from $50.00 for consumers and $5000.00 for the retailers.

More on the new law can be found here.

Schools are open. Drive safe. Avoid tickets.

New York State schools begin classes this week.

This means that many school speed limits are, again, in effect. Typically, these speed limits are fifteen miles per hour, effective from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days.

In addition, school buses will be back on the roads in the early mornings and late afternoons, picking up or discharging children.

Many police agencies will be out in force this week, enforcing these laws. Penalties for violating these traffic rules can be stiff, ranging from fines, to points on your drivers’ license and, in some case, lose of driving privileges. If you receive a traffic ticket for violating any of these laws, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney of your own choosing, to determine the penalties you face, and your legal rights.

However, the best way to avoid these penalties is to drive safely. Motorists are reminded to be on the lookout for schools, buses and pedestrians, to make sure each student has a safe and enjoyable school year.

Federal courts again experiment with allowing cameras

From the Citizen Media Law Project:

The program, which was approved by the U.S. Judicial Conference last year and allows court-operated cameras to cover civil proceedings in 14 federal trial courts, is just the latest chapter in the long saga on the question of camera coverage of federal trial courts.

This is not the first time that the federal courts have experimented with camera coverage of their proceedings. From 1991 through 1994, the federal courts conducted a limited test of camera coverage of civil trials in eight federal district courts, which led to a recommendation that federal courts allow televised proceedings. But the Judicial Conference -- which sets policies for all federal courts except the U.S. Supreme Court, which sets its own rules -- rejected this recommendation, concluding in 1994 that “the intimidating effect of cameras on some witnesses and jurors was a cause for serious concern.”

The Judicial Conference then relented a bit, deciding in March 1996 to allow each federal Circuit to decide the issue for itself and the district courts in its geographic area, while strongly urging the Circuits to follow the Conference’s 1994 policy.