1/20/04-Gov. James McGreevey signed legislation Jan. 20 that bans drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. Drivers caught using their mobile phones in traffic could be fined between $100 and $250.
The new law limits drivers to the use of “hands-free” devices, but still allows drivers to dial, answer and turn on their mobile phones.
S338 does not allow police to stop drivers for using hand-held phones. They can only be ticketed if stopped for another reason. The new law exempt emergency calls.
No points would be assessed against the offender’s driving record.

1/13/04-A bill banning drivers from using hand-held cell phones won final legislative approval this week in New Jersey.
The Assembly voted 65-9 Jan.12 to pass the measure and forward it to Gov. James McGreevey, who has indicated his support for the legislation. The bill passed the Senate in October.
When signed into law, New Jersey will become the second state in the nation to enact such a ban. Only New York has a similar law.
S338 limits drivers to the use of “hands-free” devices, but still allows drivers to dial, answer and turn on their mobile phones.
The measure does not allow police to stop drivers for using hand-held phones. They can only be ticketed if stopped for another reason. Fines would range from $100 to $250.
No points would be assessed against the offender’s driving record.
The bill would exempt emergency calls.

12/12/03-The Assembly Transportation Committee approved a measure Dec. 11 that would make it illegal for drivers to chat on hand-held cell phones.
S338, which previously passed the Senate, would prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The infraction would be a secondary offense, meaning police could only ticket drivers if pulled over for some other offense. Violators could be fined up to $250.
The bill would exempt emergency calls.
It now heads to the full Assembly for consideration. For bill status, call (609) 282-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

12/11/03-An Assembly panel is reviewing legislation that would require drivers to keep their hands off cell phones.
Gov. James McGreevey has said he will sign the bill if it clears the full Assembly, which would make the state the second in the nation to enact such a ban. Only New York has a similar law.
The state Senate previously approved the measure.
S338, which would prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving, is now before the Assembly Transportation Committee. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The infraction would be a secondary offense, meaning police could only ticket drivers if pulled over for some other offense. Violators could be fined up to $250.
The bill would exempt emergency calls.
If approved by the transportation panel, the measure will head to the full Assembly for consideration.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.