While you drive on a highway, you see a serious crash on the other side of the road. Your phone has no hands-free setup. Under New York law, may you hold the phone to call 911 about the crash?

Correct answer: Yes. A hand-held call to 911 about an emergency is exempt from the phone ban

Why

In New York it is a traffic infraction to talk or listen on a hand-held phone while driving, and a first offense can bring a fine of up to $200 and 5 points. You may hold the phone only to start or end a call, and a hands-free phone is legal at any time. Calls about an emergency to 911, the police, the fire department, an ambulance service or a hospital are exempt. A call still takes some of your attention, so keep it short and pull over when you safely can.

Verified against New York State Driver's Manual · Using a Cellular or Mobile Telephone · p. 52