Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced on April 1 the start of a month-long enforcement campaign to address distracted driving across New Jersey.
The effort, called “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” will run through April during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The campaign aims to increase awareness about the dangers of cellphone use and other distractions while driving, as well as enforce existing laws. In 2024, distracted drivers were involved in 42 percent of crashes in New Jersey, resulting in 175 deaths and approximately 1,500 serious injuries.
“Drivers should focus on the road and getting to their destination safely,” said Attorney General Davenport. “It is dangerous to do other tasks while driving, especially using a cellphone. This campaign aims not just to enforce the laws and hold violators accountable, but also to change behaviors to prevent tragedies.”
Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said: “When you’re driving, nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of others. Behaviors like texting take your mind, eyes, and hands away from the task of driving. Cellphone use while driving is especially dangerous. Other distractions eating, drinking, adjusting vehicle controls, and tending to passengers also can lead to a crash.”
The Division is providing $706,860 in grants for enforcement efforts at municipal and county levels this year. Another $211,820 was awarded for New Jersey State Police patrols along major highways such as the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
New Jersey law prohibits handheld cellphone use by drivers; violations carry fines ranging from $200 for a first offense up to $800 for repeated offenses plus three insurance points and mandatory court appearances. Last year’s enforcement led to nearly 6,900 citations for cellphone violations during April alone.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office works statewide with authority over all counties and municipalities; it enforces laws related to public safety matters including traffic regulations; it provides services such as legal representation for state agencies; oversight over law enforcement; crime lab support; victim advocacy; consumer protection initiatives; regulation activities under its statutory mandate; all aimed at protecting residents’ lives and property.
