New Jersey Launches Statewide Crackdown on Distracted Driving During April Awareness Month
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AG Jennifer Davenport Announces “Put the Phone Away or Pay” Enforcement Campaign
By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey authorities are stepping up enforcement efforts this April to combat the growing dangers of distracted driving across the state.
Jennifer Davenport, together with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, announced a statewide enforcement initiative urging motorists to “Put the Phone Away or Pay.”
The campaign runs throughout April as part of
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, aiming to reduce crashes caused by drivers using cellphones or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel.
Officials say the goal is not only enforcement but also a change in driver behavior to prevent avoidable tragedies on New Jersey roads.
“Drivers should focus on the road and getting to their destination safely,” Attorney General Davenport said. “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.”
According to state data, 42 percent of crashes in New Jersey in 2024 involved a distracted driver, resulting in 175 deaths and more than 1,500 serious injuries.
Michael J. Rizol Jr. emphasized that distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road at critical moments.
“When you’re driving, nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of others,” Rizol said. “Behaviors like texting take your mind, eyes, and hands away from the task of driving. Cellphone use while driving is especially dangerous.”
Authorities also warn that distractions extend beyond texting. Activities such as eating, drinking, adjusting vehicle controls, or tending to passengers can significantly increase crash risks.
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To support the campaign, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety has awarded $706,860 in grants to 126 municipal and county law enforcement agencies to conduct targeted enforcement operations during April.
- Increased patrols
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Enforcement checkpoints
-
Public awareness messaging
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Focus on handheld cellphone violations such as texting, calls, and scrolling
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An additional $211,820 has been allocated to the New Jersey State Police for enforcement along major roadways, including:
- New Jersey Turnpike
-
Garden State Parkway
-
Interstate highways throughout the state
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Under New Jersey law, drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
- First offense: $200 – $400 fine
-
Second offense: $400 – $600 fine
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Third or subsequent offense: Up to $800 fine
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Offenders may also receive three insurance points and must appear in court.
The 2025 distracted driving enforcement campaign produced thousands of citations across the state in just one month.
During April 2025, police issued:
- 6,872 citations for cellphone use or texting while driving
-
4,337 citations for careless driving
Officials hope that this year’s campaign will further reduce crashes and improve road safety statewide.
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of preventable crashes in the United States. Traffic safety advocates say that even a few seconds of looking at a phone can mean hundreds of feet of blind driving on the highway.
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State officials are urging drivers to remember a simple rule:
If you’re behind the wheel, the phone can wait.
Residents can learn more about New Jersey traffic safety initiatives through the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
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