By Patricia Mendoza
19 hours ago

For decades now, we’ve been warned about the dangers of texting while driving. The NJMVC says 25% of all car accidents involve a driver using a cellphone.

Yet, people find loopholes to justify doing it.

Some simply must respond to an ‘urgent’ text, others say they’re just changing the song on the aux. Most commonly, you’ll see people wait until the stoplight turns from yellow to red to start typing away. It might seem like a harmless action, but is it illegal?

Is it illegal to text while stopped at a red light?

Unsurprisingly, it is against New Jersey laws to use your phone at a red light.

Using any handheld phone or mobile electronic device to communicate while driving is strictly prohibited under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3. This includes scrolling, texting or using any apps when operating your vehicle.

Although the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission discourages using a hands-free device while driving, drivers are allowed to use them as long as they don’t interfere with standard safety equipment.

Only in the case of an emergency can the driver use a handheld phone, keeping one hand on the wheel at all times.

Reasons for emergency use include the driver fearing for their life or safety, believing a criminal act may be perpetrated against them or someone else, calling to report a traffic accident, serious road hazard or fire, or using their phone to report another driver who is driving recklessly or in an unsafe manner.

Penalties for texting while driving

Phone use while driving has expensive consequences, with the MVC stating that penalties have only increased.

The fine for texting while driving starts at a steep $200 minimum for the first offence. The second offense increases to a $400 minimum, with the third offense reaching a $600 minimum with three motor vehicle penalty points and the possibility of license suspension.