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New Jersey Fines for “Driving While In-talks-icated” Highest in the US

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 5:57PM EST
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As if you needed another reason to steer clear of New Jersey (just kidding of course, we love NJ), drivers who can’t seem to get the hang of a bluetooth headset better start taking the long way up the East Coast. As of March 1, New Jersey laws with regards to cell phone use while driving are getting an overhaul. Talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device has been illegal in New Jersey since 2004, but apparently the old laws weren’t enough of a deterrent; or tax revenues are down. Fistly, cell phone use while driving is no longer a secondary offense. According to current legislation a driver cannot be pulled over or ticketed for talking on a cell phone alone, only in conjunction with another traffic violation. From March 1 on, that’s out the window. If a cop sees you with a phone to your face while behind the wheel, game on. The monetary fine for talking while driving is also getting a nice hike, with the minimum fine for a first offense jumping from $100 to $250. Oddly, NJ legislators think that texting while driving is somehow safer than talking, as the fine for a first offense is $100. That Jawbone is looking better and better.

[Via a press release from Parrot trying to hock BT car kits]

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.