New Jersey Cracks Down on Cell Phone Distracted Driving

Hefty fines await drivers caught using handheld phones behind the wheel

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Jersey's Attorney General has announced a 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' campaign across the state for April, aiming to crack down on distracted driving caused by mobile device use. Drivers caught using a handheld phone while driving can face fines ranging from $200 to $800, along with insurance points and mandatory court appearances.

Why it matters

Distracted driving has become a major public safety issue in New Jersey, with 42% of car crashes in 2024 involving a distracted driver and resulting in 175 fatalities. This new enforcement campaign is an effort to change driver behavior and prevent future tragedies.

The details

Under the new rules, drivers in New Jersey are prohibited from using handheld phones while operating a vehicle. Fines start at $200 for a first offense, increase to $400-$600 for a second offense, and can reach up to $800 for subsequent violations. Drivers will also have three insurance points added to their record and must appear in court for each offense.

  • The 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' campaign will run throughout the month of April 2026.

The players

Jennifer Davenport

New Jersey Attorney General who announced the new distracted driving crackdown.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Attorney General

What’s next

Police departments across New Jersey have received grants to help fund the extra enforcement efforts during the April campaign.

The takeaway

This crackdown on distracted driving in New Jersey highlights the growing public safety concerns around mobile device use behind the wheel. The hefty fines and insurance penalties aim to deter drivers from engaging in this dangerous behavior and ultimately save lives on the state's roads.