N.J. lawmakers stiffen penalties for calling, texting while driving: Bill would make violation a primary offense

The New Jersey legislature passed and sent to Gov. Jon Corzine (D) a bill to bolster the state’s existing ban on cellphones while driving, and to also outlaw text messaging behind the wheel.
“An increasing number of car accidents, especially among teen drivers, have been attributed to using cellphones or other hand-held electronic devices while driving,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D). “We need to remind motorists that they should be paying attention to the road, not chatting or writing messages to their friends.”
The legislation would make drivers who violate hand-held phone and texting restrictions a primary offense, subject to a $100 fine. Under current law, a violation is currently treated as secondary offense. As such, police can write a ticket only if a driver is cited for another infraction.
New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, California, Washington, the District of Columbia and various cities prohibit drivers from operating hand-held wireless communications devices while driving, but allow phone conversations via hands-free devices. However, government and university studies have concluded hands-free accessories do not improve driver concentration.
“Cellphones have become a necessary part of our daily lives,” said Assemblyman David Mayer (D). “Unfortunately, they also have become a severe driver distraction. The few seconds it takes to send a text or find a phone number could be the difference between a trip around town and a trip to the emergency room.”