Texting Motorists Beware
According to the State of New Jersey's Office of the Attorney General (OAG), talking on a hand-held phone or texting while driving will be against the law starting March 1.
Here's a summary from the New Jersey OAG's Web site:
>> It is a primary offense for a motorist to talk or text message with a hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device while driving.
>> Use of a hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device includes, but is not limited to:
- Talking or listening to another person.
- Text messaging or sending an electronic message.
>> The fine for violating the statute is $100; no points will be assessed for the offense.
>> The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only if:
- The operator has reason to fear for his/her life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against him/herself or another person.
- 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.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) provides the following summary of state cell phone driving laws:
- 5 states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington), the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have enacted jurisdiction-wide cell phone laws prohibiting driving while talking on hand-held cell phones. Many other states ban cell phone use in specific situations.
- 17 states and the District of Columbia have special cell phone driving laws for novice drivers.
- School bus drivers in 14 states and the District of Columbia are prohibited from all cell phone use when passengers are present, except for in emergencies.
- Washington and New Jersey are the only states to ban text messaging for all drivers, but other states are expected to follow suit.
- No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (hand-held and hands-free) while driving.
- Some states, such as Utah and New Hampshire, treat cell phone use as a larger distracted driving issue.
For a state-by-state breakdown, visit the GHSA Web site.