COBLESKILL - New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced an increase in road patrols to combat distracted driving in Schoharie County. 

Dispatching Troopers to crack down on cell phone use during a six hour traffic detail on February 19th, officers issued six tickets to motorists for illegally using their cellular devices. 

Building on last week's success, State Police plan on continuing their crackdown on distracted driving and the use of cell phones. 

The New York State Legislature has regularly increased the severity of charges for being caught with a cellphone while driving in recent years. 

A first offense could cost a motorist $50-$200; a second offense within eighteen months could cost $50-$250; and a third or subsequent offense within an additional eighteen months could run $50-$450. 

Drivers may also lose up to five points from their license.