New Jersey Targets Distracted Driving with “Put the Phone Away or Pay” Campaign

New Jersey law enforcement started a month-long crackdown on distracted drivers Wednesday. State grants totaling $918,680 will fund patrols targeting cellphone users behind the wheel. The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” push continues until April ends, marking National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The state distributed $706,860 among 126 municipal and county police departments. State Police received $211,820 for patrols along the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and interstate routes. Officers will watch for motorists using handheld devices — texting, calling, and scrolling. They’ll also ticket drivers eating, drinking, or fiddling with vehicle controls.

Distracted driving played a role in 42% of crashes during 2024. These wrecks killed 175 people and left 1,500 with serious injuries across the state. Driver inattention has stayed at the top of the list for fatal and incapacitating crashes, contributing to nearly half of all collisions.

“Drivers should focus on the road and getting to their destination safely,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport in a statement, according to NJ.com. “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.”

Fines for handheld device violations start between $200 and $400 for first offenses. A second violation costs $400 to $600. Additional offenses can reach $800. Every violation adds three insurance points and requires a court appearance.

Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz reported 6,450 crashes between 2021 and 2025 — an average of 1,290 per year. Roughly 36 million vehicles pass through the township annually.

“New Jersey is one of eight states nationwide to receive federal funds to participate in this crackdown and this benefits our community at a local level because it provides resources to dedicate our focus on the importance of putting the phone down and committing oneself to the primary task of safe driving,” said Marshuetz, according to Patch. “The ultimate goal of this campaign is to reduce our crashes, which in turn will reduce injuries and save lives in the township.”

Last April’s enforcement produced 6,872 citations for cellphone use or texting. Officers wrote 4,337 tickets for careless driving. Ocean County departments in Lakewood and Stafford Township each secured $7,000 in grant money, while Monmouth County agencies in Howell, Freehold Borough, and Marlboro got matching amounts.

Per Jersey Shore Online, Michael J. Rizol Jr., director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said texting pulls a driver’s mind, eyes, and hands away from operating a vehicle.

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