Syracuse, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, once again, is warning New York drivers to put down their cell phones.

Today, the governor instructed the Department of Motor Vehicles to deal out five points, up from the current three, to drivers caught texting while driving. That harsher penalty goes into effect tomorrow.

Also today, Cuomo said he would propose legislation to create harsher penalties for younger drivers caught typing while behind the wheel. The law would suspend drivers for 60 days who are on probationary and junior licenses if caught texting-while-driving. That's the same as the current penalties for new drivers caught speeding.

The New York State Legislature would have to approve that change.

"As the father of three teenagers, I know firsthand the importance of instilling safe practices in our young drivers who are developing lifelong habits as they learn to navigate the road," Cuomo said in a statement. "Inattention and inexperience is a deadly combination - one this legislation seeks to deter. We are urging young and inexperienced drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, while putting stronger penalties in place for drivers of all ages who violate the law and put others in danger. No parent should have to experience losing a child at the hands of a text message."

In July 2011, Cuomo signed a law that made texting-while-driving and other uses of handheld electronic devices a primary offense. Previous to that, police could only ticket drivers for texting-while-driving if the motorist committed another offense.

Contact Teri Weaver at: tweaver@syracuse.com, 315-470-2274 or on Twitter at @TeriKWeaver.