Is it illegal to use a cellphone at a stoplight in NJ?

Using your mobile phone either for calling someone or texting, comes under distracted driving. Using your mobile phone is by far the most alarming distraction and cause of many road accidents in New Jersey.

NJ has very strict laws against distracted driving or using your mobile phone while driving but it is not illegal to use your phone at a stoplight. But it is advised that you should not use your phone even if it is not illegal due to the following reasons:

• While using your mobile at a stoplight, you’ll not pay attention to what’s going on the road around you.
• You may not notice the light turned green.
• It can increase your risk of being in an accident.
• It may irritate people if you don’t move at times and also it can cause a rear-end crash.
• If you are using your phone and get involved in an accident, you might be charged with careless driving.

New Jersey is known as one of the toughest countries when it comes to distracted driving because of its high penalties and strict laws. So using your phone while driving is a BIG NO and even if it is legal to use your phone at the stoplight, that doesn’t mean you have to do so except in the following situations:

• The driver has reason to believe that a criminal act may be perpetrated against them or another person.
• The driver is using the device to report the authorities about fire, traffic accident, road hazard, medical emergency, about the other driver who is driving in an unsafe, careless manner or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Cell phone usage is responsible for any accidents happening in New Jersey. So, it is better to avoid as many distractions as possible for your own safety and other people on the road and it is always preferred to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Always follow the simple mantra ‘ IT CAN WAIT ‘ and just put the phone away while driving. Save the texting or calling until you get home.