New York City police plan today to crack down on drivers using hand-held cell phones.

“The NYPD reminds all New Yorkers that the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle is illegal,” police said in a news release Tuesday. “In addition, driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous and endangers both drivers and pedestrians.”

Police said that for 24 hours, they will be on the lookout for violators, who face a fine of $130.

In 2008, the New York City police gave out an average of 536 summonses each day for the infraction. During another 24-hour crackdown March 12, police issued 8,797 summonses.

(Source: Newsday)