Annual Distracted Driving Campaign

Annual Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Police across New Jersey have begun their annual crackdown on distracted driving with fines for violators starting at $200.

The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign began Wednesday and runs through the end of April as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the state Office of the Attorney General said.

State officials are providing $918,680 in grants for increased patrols and overtime enforcement. Of that total, $706,860 will go to 126 municipal and county law enforcement agencies, while $211,820 will be allocated to State Police.

In addition to cell phone use, troopers and officers are looking out for drivers who are eating, drinking, adjusting vehicle controls and other behaviors that are distracting.

In 2024 alone, 42% of crashes in New Jersey involved a distracted driver, resulting in 175 fatalities and 1,500 serious injuries.

Fines range from $200 to $400 for a first offense, $400 to $600 for a second and up to $800 for subsequent violations, plus three insurance points.

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

"New Jersey is one of eight states nationwide to receive federal funds to participate in this crackdown. The ultimate goal of this campaign is to reduce our crashes, which in turn will reduce injuries and save lives.