TRENTON, N.J. – Senator James W. Holzapfel of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has introduced new legislation to toughen New Jersey’s penalties on distracted driving, aiming to crack down on texting behind the wheel by increasing fines, license penalties, and enforcement timelines.
Under the proposed bill, the statute of limitations for issuing a summons for unlawful cell phone use while driving would be extended from 30 days to 90 days, giving police and prosecutors more time to take action against offenders caught on video or through other evidence.
The measure also raises the financial and license penalties for drivers caught texting. A first offense would carry a $600 fine and two motor vehicle points, a second offense would bring $800 and three points, and a third or subsequent violation would mean $1,000 and four points. In the most serious cases — when texting while driving leads to a crash causing death or serious bodily injury — offenders would face a two-year driver’s license suspension following any prison term imposed.
Current state law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones or electronic communication devices while operating a moving vehicle, allowing only hands-free operation except in emergencies. Holzapfel’s bill would strengthen those provisions, addressing what safety officials say remains one of the leading causes of roadway accidents across New Jersey.
The legislation keeps existing exceptions for emergency calls, such as reporting fires, crashes, or crimes, but adds a tougher structure for repeat offenders. Courts would also retain discretion to suspend a motorist’s driving privileges for up to 90 days after a third or subsequent offense.
Revenue from collected fines would continue to be divided between local governments and the state’s public education program on distracted driving, which funds awareness campaigns on the dangers of texting behind the wheel.
Holzapfel said the intent of the measure is to reduce distracted driving crashes by increasing accountability for those who choose to text while driving.
The bill extends the window for citing texting drivers to 90 days and significantly increases fines and penalty points for repeat offenders.