Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz (D-51st) in his battle to make New York's roadways the safest in the nation has recently introduced a new weapon in the fight. The bill creates a hotline for New Yorkers to report drivers talking on their cell phones directly to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. A caller would simply report the time, date and place of the violation, as well as, the drivers license plate number.

If an individual were reported talking on their cell phone without using a hands free unit they would receive a written warning for the first offense by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Motorists would then be fined up to $100.00 for each subsequent offense.

"This bill will put the safety of New York's roadways back in the hands of New Yorkers, by providing them the power to police their own roads." said Ortiz

In the case that an individual is falsely reported and is able to prove through billing statements or by other means that they where not using their phone. The charge against them would be dropped and the individual that filed the false report would be fined $200.00.

"The intent of this bill is simple, to save lives by stopping accidents before they happen." said Ortiz.