Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., announces April 2026 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month as part of a collaborative public safety campaign between the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and the Newark Police Division.
“Keeping our roadways safe is always a top public safety priority in Newark,” Director Miranda said. “But our enforcement of distracted driving is heightened this month to increase awareness about the dangers of this unsafe practice,” he said. “In 2024, over 40 percent of vehicle collisions statewide involved a distracted driver. Our goal is to reduce that figure by working diligently to safeguard the streets of Newark,” he added.
The campaign, known as “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” will be conducted through April 30, 2026. Enforcement will include drivers observed texting, talking on the phone, scrolling, and conducting other driving distractions while operating a vehicle.
New Jersey law prohibits using a handheld cellphone or device while operating a motor vehicle. Violating this law can result in fines of $200 to $400 for a first offense, $400 to $600 for a second offense, and up to $800 for subsequent violations, along with three insurance points. All violations also require a mandatory court appearance.
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“Multi-tasking while driving is not safe,” Director Miranda added. “Far too many lives are put at risk when a driver’s mind, eyes, and hands are otherwise occupied while driving,” he said. “We trust that our enforcement efforts will help drivers to remain vigilant about focusing their attention exclusively on driving, long after the campaign is over.”
Director Miranda thanks you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this event. He also urges anyone with information regarding criminal activities to call the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.
Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at https://npd.newarkpublicsafety.org/. #newarknj #police
