OCEAN COUNTY – New Jersey officials highlighted grant funding for local police agencies as the state rolled out its monthlong distracted driving enforcement campaign, with two Ocean County towns among those receiving support.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced the annual “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, which runs from April 1 through April 30 during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The effort pairs public awareness messaging with stepped-up enforcement targeting motorists who use handheld cellphones and engage in other distractions behind the wheel.
As part of the initiative, the state awarded $706,860 to 126 municipal and county law enforcement agencies. In Ocean County, Lakewood and Stafford each received $7,000 for enforcement efforts. The state also directed an additional $211,820 to the New Jersey State Police for patrols on major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and interstate corridors. In Monmouth, Howell, Freehold Borough and Marlboro will also be getting $7,000 each.
Officials said the campaign comes as distracted driving continues to play a major role in crashes statewide. In 2024, authorities said, 42% of crashes in New Jersey involved a distracted driver, leading to 175 deaths and 1,500 serious injuries.
“Drivers should focus on the road and getting to their destination safely,” Davenport said. “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 officials said motorists throughout April should expect increased patrols and messaging focused on handheld cellphone violations, including texting, phone calls and scrolling while driving.
“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. He said texting pulls a driver’s mind, eyes and hands away from driving, while eating, drinking, adjusting controls and tending to passengers can also contribute to crashes.
Under New Jersey law, drivers are barred from using a handheld cellphone or electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Violators face fines ranging from $200 to $400 for a first offense, $400 to $600 for a second offense and as much as $800 for additional violations. Offenders also receive three insurance points and must appear in court.
Last year’s April enforcement effort led to 6,872 citations for cellphone use or texting and another 4,337 for careless driving, according to state officials.
