What You Need to Know About Your Fine for Texting and Driving
Learn how to manage your fine for texting and driving with this helpful legal guide. Discover strategies to stay safe and compliant. Click here to read more!
Based on an article by SlickText, in 2022, more than 3,300 people lost their lives due to distracted driving, with texting being one of the leading causes. The number is shocking, yet many drivers still take the risk.
You’re driving along, maybe at a red light or stuck in traffic, and your phone buzzes. Without thinking, you glance down just for a second. But that second could change everything.
In New Jersey, that moment of distraction is all it takes to face serious legal trouble. The consequences could lead to losing your license, paying a steep fine, and getting points on your record-all because of one text.
If you’ve received a fine for texting and driving, this legal guide will help you understand your options. We’ll cover texting while driving penalties, how they affect your license and insurance, and what steps you can take to protect your record and your future.
Let’s get started.
Understanding the Fine for Texting and Driving
Texting while behind the wheel may feel harmless at the moment, but the legal system sees it differently. Even a single glance at your screen can lead to expensive penalties.
In New Jersey, enforcement is strict, and the law leaves little room for excuses. The consequences escalate, making it critical to understand the specific penalties you might face.
In New Jersey, the fine for texting and drivingvaries depending on the number of offenses:
- First offense: $200 to $400
- Second offense: $400 to $600
- Third offense and beyond: $600 to $800, plus possible license points and a 90-day suspension
Habitual offenders face more than just minor inconveniences. Every violation adds weight to your driving record and financial obligations.
Insurers view repeat offenses as high-risk behavior, often resulting in higher premiums. Accumulated violations may also lead to further DMV scrutiny.
Repeat violations come with escalating penalties, including points on your license and higher insurance premiums. Texting while driving is a primary offense in New Jersey, meaning officers can pull you over just for texting with no other violation required.
Texting While Driving Penalties and Legal Consequences
The texting while driving penalties go beyond fines. A violation can follow you for years, even after you’ve paid the initial ticket. The mark on your driving record may influence background checks and insurance renewals.
Many drivers don’t realize that texting citations can snowball into more serious consequences. What starts as a simple mistake can escalate quickly.
The consequences often include:
- Motor vehicle points (on 3rd offense and beyond)
- Insurance rate increases
- Court appearances
- Driver’s license suspension
If texting causes an accident resulting in injury or death, the offense can lead to criminal charges.
Depending on circumstances, drivers may also be cited for reckless driving or careless driving in addition to texting violations. These charges come with additional consequences, including:
- Higher fines
- More points
- Possible jail time
Texting and Driving Laws in New Jersey
Texting and driving laws continue to evolve as mobile technology becomes more integrated into our lives. In New Jersey, legislators take driver distraction very seriously.
Enforcement agencies receive ongoing training to spot violations and ensure public safety. Understanding what behaviors are prohibited is key to avoiding tickets and legal trouble.
New Jersey’s driving laws prohibit:
- Texting while driving
- Reading or composing emails while driving
- Browsing social media while behind the wheel
Hands-free use is allowed for drivers over 21 with valid licenses. However, if your device is not mounted and you touch your phone to send a message or read a notification, you are in violation of the law.
Commercial drivers and school bus drivers face stricter rules. A single violation can lead to disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle.
Why Hands-Free Driving Is Non-Negotiable
Hands-free driving isn’t only safer. It’s legally required in most U.S. states, including New Jersey. Many drivers believe that briefly holding a phone isn’t a violation, but even momentary contact can lead to a citation.
Law enforcement officers are trained to spot these infractions. Courts don’t usually accept ignorance of the law as a defense, and penalties apply to all drivers. Taking preventive steps now can protect you from unnecessary legal trouble later.
Here’s why:
- Reduces crash risk caused by visual and manual distraction
- Helps maintain control of the vehicle
- Keeps drivers compliant with state laws
A dashboard mount, Bluetooth audio, or voice-command assistant allows you to legally interact with your phone without touching it. These tools are especially useful for business professionals, rideshare drivers, and long-distance commuters who rely on phone functions for work.
Texting and Driving Statistics: Why the Law Is So Strict
Texting while driving continues to be one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 people lost their lives in crashes involving driver distraction. That’s thousands of families affected by a preventable decision.
The risk is especially high among younger drivers who are more likely to use smartphones while driving. The combination of speed, inattention, and technology can create deadly results.
Legal Consequences of Texting While Driving: What Happens After You’re Caught
Getting cited for texting while driving can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to act fast. What happens next depends on the severity of the incident and your prior record.
Once cited, drivers face a series of possible legal outcomes:
- Mandatory court appearance
- Plea or trial decision
- Accumulation of points (after 3rd offense)
- DMV penalties
- Insurance hikes
- Employer notification (especially for commercial drivers)
The legal consequences of texting can vary by county and judge, especially if the incident involves reckless behavior or injury. If the texting leads to other violations, you may also face additional charges such as:
- Obstruction
- Failure to follow traffic signals
Can You Fight a Fine for Texting and Driving?
Yes, you can fight the charge, but success depends on the facts. An experienced attorney can:
- Challenge the officer’s evidence
- Question the legality of the stop
- Seek to reduce or dismiss charges
- Present evidence of hands-free compliance
Hiring a traffic attorney is your best chance of:
- Reducing the penalty
- Avoiding points
- Keeping your record clean
Fines may be negotiable, but only with strategic legal help.
Commercial Drivers Face Higher Risks and Costs
For CDL holders, a fine for texting and driving can have career-ending effects. Texting while driving a commercial vehicle is a major offense.
Consequences may include:
- Immediate license suspension
- Disqualification from driving commercially
- Higher insurance premiums for employers
- Loss of employment
If you hold a CDL, even a single offense could compromise your ability to earn a living.
How a DUI Attorney Can Help You Navigate a Texting Ticket
Many DUI attorneys, such as those at The Law Office of Steven Ellman, also specialize in traffic violations, including texting while driving charges. Our legal experience helps:
- Navigate municipal court rules
- Fight points and suspensions
- Protect your driving privileges
- Handle complex cases involving CDL and prior violations
A skilled attorney may reduce the fine or even get the case dismissed, especially for first-time offenders.
Driving Laws Are Changing Fast: Stay Informed
Across the country, laws are getting tougher. Several states now treat distracted driving like DUI:
- Higher penalties for repeat offenders
- Driver education or cellphone safety courses
- License suspensions for multiple violations
New Jersey remains among the strictest states when it comes to driving laws. Stay current to avoid unintended violations.
Best Practices to Avoid a Texting and Driving Fine
Avoiding citations starts with intentional driving habits. Developing safer routines can reduce your risk of distraction. Taking proactive measures also helps you demonstrate responsibility in the eyes of the court or insurance provider.
Use these tips to protect yourself:
- Mount your phone on the dashboard
- Use voice-to-text features
- Set GPS and playlists before starting your trip
- Enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving”
- Avoid social media or texting while waiting at red lights
These best practices can help you stay safe, legal, and focused.
The Law Office of Steven Ellman: Your Ally in Texting and Driving Cases
When facing a fine for texting and driving, don’t go it alone. The Law Office of Steven Ellman has defended over 1,000 clients and has over 39 years of experience in DUI, DWI, and serious traffic violation cases.
Located in New Jersey, Steven Ellman brings a reputation for fierce, personal, and strategic legal advocacy. His track record includes:
- Over 80% dismissal rate for DUI/criminal cases
- Experience across all municipal and superior courts in New Jersey
- Personalized attention and clear communication
Steven Ellman offers legal help you can trust if you’re facing:
- Traffic charges
- DUI penalties
- Violations affecting your license and livelihood
You deserve an attorney who treats you with respect and fights for your future.
Schedule a Free Consultation to Fight Your Fine for Texting and Driving
A fine for texting and driving might seem like a minor ticket, but the consequences can snowball.
Fines lead to points. Points lead to insurance hikes. For some, it can even mean job loss.
You need the right legal defense and you need it now. Steven Ellman offers strategic, experienced, and compassionate representation for drivers facing texting while driving charges. Whether you’re a first-time offender or a commercial driver at risk of losing your license, our firm will work hard to protect your future.
Schedule your free, confidential consultation with The Law Office of Steven Ellman today.
