Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced on April 1 an increase in enforcement efforts across New Jersey to address distracted driving. The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign will run from April 1 to April 30, coinciding with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of cellphone use and other distractions while driving, aiming to reduce crashes and save lives. In New Jersey, distracted drivers were involved in 42 percent of crashes in 2024, leading to 175 deaths and approximately 1,500 serious injuries.
“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.”
Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said: “When you’re driving, nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of others. 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.” To support these efforts for 2026’s campaign period, $706,860 has been allocated by HTS for municipal and county law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey; another $211,820 was awarded specifically for State Police patrols along major highways such as the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
New Jersey law prohibits using handheld cellphones or devices when operating a vehicle; penalties include fines ranging from $200 up to $800 depending on prior offenses plus three insurance points for repeat violations—all requiring mandatory court appearances. Last year’s campaign led officers statewide issuing nearly 6,900 citations for cellphone use or texting behind the wheel during April alone.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin oversees public safety initiatives throughout all counties under his statutory mandate by enforcing laws statewide; this includes legal representation services as well as oversight over law enforcement agencies across New Jersey.
