US News

CELL-DRIVER CRACKDOWN

The NYPD this week plans to crack down on motorists who use cellphones while driving.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, there will be stepped-up enforcement, and more cops will be assigned to catch people chatting behind the wheel.

Violators face a fine of $120, police said.

In 2001, New York became the first state in the country to ban cellphones while driving. Last year, the NYPD issued 195,579 summonses to drivers using hand-held cellphones.