New Jersey launches April crackdown on distracted driving with increased enforcement
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey officials announced a statewide push to crack down on distracted driving throughout April, as part of a national awareness campaign aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety said the annual “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign will run from April 1 to April 30, coinciding with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
“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.”
State data shows distracted driving remains a significant safety issue. In 2024, 42% of crashes in New Jersey involved a distracted driver, resulting in 175 deaths 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.”
The Division of Highway Traffic Safety is providing $706,860 in grants to 126 municipal and county law enforcement agencies to support the 2026 enforcement campaign. An additional $211,820 has been awarded to the New Jersey State Police for patrols on major roadways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and interstate highways.
Throughout April, motorists can expect increased patrols and enforcement targeting distracted driving, particularly handheld cellphone use such as texting, phone calls and scrolling.
In northwest New Jersey, several municipalities are receiving grant funding, including Clinton Town ($2,100), Clinton Township ($5,600), Delaware Township ($2,100), Flemington ($4,200), Frenchtown ($2,800), Holland Township ($1,750), Lebanon Township ($2,800), Readington Township ($2,450), Tewksbury Township ($3,500) and West Amwell Township ($1,400) in Hunterdon County. In Morris County, Hanover, Jefferson and Parsippany-Troy Hills will each receive $7,000, while Sparta in Sussex County will also receive $7,000. 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.
New Jersey law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones or electronic devices while driving. Violators face fines ranging from $200 to $400 for a first offense, $400 to $600 for a second offense and up to $800 for subsequent violations, along with three insurance points and a mandatory court appearance.
Last year’s campaign resulted in 6,872 citations for cellphone use or texting and 4,337 citations for careless driving during April 2025.
More information on traffic safety efforts is available at njsaferoads.com.
