Cell Phone Use Primary Offense

Phone Law Flyer

On Saturday, March 1, 2008, the amended law making it a primary motor vehicle offense for the operator of a motor vehicle to talk, text message, or send an electronic message with a hand-held wireless telephone or communication device took effect. This bill, which was signed into law by Governor Jon S. Corzine on November 2, 2007, establishes a $100.00 fine for a violation of this law. No points will be assessed for the offense.

The amended law allows the operator of a motor vehicle to use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only for the following reasons: 1) The operator has reason to fear for his/her life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against him/her or another; 2) the operator is using this device to report to appropriate authorities a fire, traffic crash, serious road hazard, medical or hazardous material emergency, or another motorist who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Residents can go the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Highway Traffic Safety website, www.njsaferoads.com or the Cranford Police Department website for details on the amended law.

This link will take you to a summary of the new law…..Primary Cell Phone Law Summary