CHENANGO COUNTY – New York State police are upping the ante when it comes to motorists using cell phones and other handheld devices when they’re behind the wheel.

State troopers announced Thursday that they’re cracking down on distracted driving in a five-day, statewide campaign to ticket drivers who use handheld devices while driving. The campaign coincides with April’s designation as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

From Saturday, April 10, through Wednesday, April 15, state police will be using marked and unmarked vehicles to ticket drivers who are caught in the act of using their cell phone or other handheld electronic device on the highway. Unmarked vehicles blend in with traffic but become unmistakable emergency vehicles when the lights flash.

Drivers caught could potentially face hundreds of dollars in fines or a suspension of license for junior drivers.

Since 2013, New York State has had some of the toughest laws on the books when it comes to distracted driving. First-time offenders could be charged with a minimum fine of $50 and a maximum of $200. A second-time offense within 18 months could yield a $250 maximum fine; and a third offense within 18 months could result in a $450 maximum fine. Probationary and junior drivers face a 120-day suspension of their license for a first offense, and one year revocation of their permit or license if a second offense is committed within six months.