Will tougher penalties for texting while driving in N.J. really do the trick?
This week, a New Jersey Senate committee advanced a measure that would increase penalties for texting or talking on a cell phone while driving to as much as $600, depending on the number of offenses.
“Right now, it’s a $100 fine,” Sen. Dick Codey, D-Essex told WHYY reporter Phil Gregory. Codey is the bill’s primary sponsor.
What do you think of the bill? Is it a waste of time or just the kick in the pants some N.J. drivers need?Tell us in the comments below.
“I would say right now that’s a slap on the wrist and what we’ve got to do is a slap in the face.”
The amount of a penalty would be based on the number of offenses.
For a first time offense, the increased penalty would be $200. For the second offense, a driver could pay $400 and for the third offense, a driver would face a $600 fine and a deduction of three points from their driver’s license.
The measure would also allow a judge to suspend a driver’s license for 90 days for a third conviction.
Similar legislation was passed in 2010 by the Senate. Codey says he’ll step up efforts to get the Assembly to enact it this year.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.