Somerset, Hunterdon Police Step Up Distracted Driving Enforcement In April

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Drivers in Somerset and Hunterdon counties will see increased enforcement in April as police target texting and other distracted driving during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The effort is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign, which highlights the safety risks and legal penalties tied to using a phone behind the wheel.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 people were killed in 2022, and an estimated 289,310 more were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

In New Jersey, drivers caught violating distracted-driving laws can face fines that increase with repeat offenses.

"Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes," said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald. "It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences," he said.

Somerset and Hunterdon County drivers can expect officers to stop and ticket motorists who are caught texting and driving throughout April, according to the campaign announcement. Under New Jersey law, a first offense can range from $200 to $400. A second offense is $400 to $600. A third or subsequent offense can range from $600 to $800, 3 points and possible license suspensions.

The campaign also includes reminders about phone-free driving habits.

NHTSA urges drivers to pull over and park in a safe location before using a phone to read or send a text. The agency also recommends asking a passenger to handle calls or messages during the ride, avoiding social media scrolling and any form of messaging while driving, and using a phone’s Do Not Disturb mode to silence notifications.

NHTSA also recommends putting a phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat to help break distracted driving habits.

The national message for the month is simple: Put the Phone Away or Pay. More information about distracted driving is available at NHTSA.gov/Distracted.