Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced today the launch of increased enforcement efforts around the state targeting distracted drivers.
The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign runs from April 1 to April 30 during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to raise awareness that cellphone use or any other non-driving task while driving is dangerous and unacceptable.
“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.”
In 2024, 42 percent of crashes in New Jersey involved a distracted driver, resulting in 175 fatalities and 1,500 serious injuries.
“When you’re driving, nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of others,” said Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “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.”
HTS is providing $706,860 to 126 municipal and county law enforcement agencies for the 2026 “Put the Phone Away or Pay” enforcement campaign. Throughout April, motorists can expect to see increased patrols and awareness messaging targeting distracted driving with a focus on dangerous handheld cellphone use, like texting, phone calls, and scrolling. An additional $211,820 was awarded to the New Jersey State Police for enforcement along the state’s major roadways including the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and interstates.
New Jersey law prohibits using a handheld cellphone or device while operating a motor vehicle. Violating this law can result in fines of $200 to $400 for a first offense, $400 to $600 for a second offense, and up to $800 for subsequent violations, along with the addition of three insurance points. All violations also require a mandatory court appearance.
Last year, New Jersey’s distracted driving enforcement campaign resulted in 6,872 citations for cellphone use or texting and 4,337 for careless driving in April 2025.
The full list of agencies receiving grant funds from HTS can be found here:
https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DDC-2026-Final-Grantee-List-plus-NJSP.pdf
For more information on traffic safety efforts undertaken by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, visit njsaferoads.com