ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a bill that will allow police to stop motorists they see texting while driving.

Previously, police could only cite a driver for the traffic violation of distracted driving if they were stopped primarily for another offense, such as speeding.

Thirty-four states as well as the District of Columbia and Guam already make texting while driving a primary violation.

The bill was passed by the Legislature this year and signed Tuesday. Drivers will face up to a $150 fine for texting while driving.

Cuomo will also seek tougher penalties through regulation for texting and talking on a cell phone.

The new law comes after texting contributed to several fatal accidents in New York.

      
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) service will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. 

Only bus routes that operate on Sundays and Holidays will be in service.  Regular service will resume on Tuesday, July 5. 

NX Northway commuter service will not operate its regularly scheduled service on Monday, July 4, and will resume regular service on Tuesday, July 5.

CDTA will also operate additional evening service on routes that operate on the main corridors to accommodate those who attend the Independence Day Celebration at the Empire State Plaza. 

Anyone needing more information regarding July 4th service or other CDTA services is encouraged to contact CDTA’s Customer Information Center at 482-8822 or visit the CDTA website at www.cdta.org.  Information Operators are on duty 6am-7pm weekdays and 8:00am-6pm weekends and holidays. 

The Canadian Pacific Railway will be working on rail replacement from Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1.

As a result, Spring Street will be closed to traffic during this time.