Governor Andrew Cuomo says that as a result of the strict new enforcement against drivers who use handheld electronic devices, law enforcement officials issued more than twice as many tickets for texting-while-driving offenses in New York during August 2011 as compared to August 2010.

Governor introduced legislation to strengthen enforcement of texting-while-driving violations in June, and signed the new penalties into law in July.

The law permits officers who witness a texting violation to stop a motorist for that alone, in a provision known as primary enforcement.

Previously, enforcement was limited to those who were seen violating another law first – secondary enforcement.

Drivers who violate the texting-while-driving law face a fine up to $150 and three points on their licenses, as much as a speeding ticket.

The law also increased the penalty for using a cellular phone without a hands-free device or a handheld device while driving from two to three points.

From January to June, an average of 427 tickets a month were issued to New York motorists for using a handheld electronic device while driving. In August, the first full month after the new law went into effect, 1,082 drivers were ticketed for texting-while-driving.

"We were serious when this law passed: texting while driving is illegal and the law is being enforced, so don't do it. I thank local and state law enforcement officers for their diligence in keeping our roadways safe and protecting New Yorkers. Today's message to drivers is to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel," Cuomo said.