Put the Phone Away or Pay- April 1st – April 30th, 2026
Lower Township, New Jersey — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign is reminding drivers of the deadly
dangers and legal consequences — including fines — of texting and other forms of messaging behind the
wheel. During the month of April, law enforcement nationwide will work together to enforce laws
prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during National Distracted Driving
Awareness Month.
Cell phone use, texting and other activities that do not contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted
driving.
According to NHTSA the 2023 statistics are as follows. However, data collection limitations show that
these figures are likely lower than the real figures.
- 3,275 people were killed and an estimated additional 324,819 people were injured in traffic
crashes involving distracted drivers - 8% of fatal crashes, an estimated 13% of injury crashes, and an estimated 13% of all policereported traffic crashes were reported as distraction-affected
- 7% of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. This age
group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes. - 611 non-occupants (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and others) were killed in distraction-affected
traffic crashes in 2023.
Violating New Jersey’s distracted-driving laws can be costly.
Use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicles(39:4-97.3) - 1st. offense not less than $200 or more than $400
- 2nd. offense not less than $400 or more than $600
- 3rd. offense or subsequent offense not less than $600 or more than $800.
- or subsequent violation, the court, in its discretion, may order the person to forfeit the right to
- operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of 90 days. In addition a
- person convicted of a third or subsequent violation shall be assessed three motor vehicle
- penalty points.
- Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits:
- Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
- Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages
during the drive. - Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
- Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.
- For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/Distracted