Cell Phone NO NO in N.J.

[joeturse]

I guess you all know about the cell phone law in NJ.I say it's about time,what the hell is so important that they need yap about it while driving.
Area police begin ringing up violations as cell-phone ban hits the road in N.J.


Published: Monday, March 03, 2008


From Press staff reports

New Jersey's upgraded penalty for using handheld devices on the road ensnared a few local drivers this weekend, although most police departments said they hadn't compiled statistics for the first two days of enforcement.
A new $100 fine makes handheld activity behind the wheel a primary offense - enough by itself to warrant a traffic stop.
Sgt. Jason Carroll, of the Barnegat Township Police Department in Ocean County, said drivers appeared more vigilant in obeying the law than when it was a secondary offense. His department didn't write its first ticket for a cell phone violation until Sunday afternoon, he said.
"Absolutely," Carroll said when asked whether motorists were cooperating. "As I was out driving, it was really hard to notice anyone on their phones. Typically, before the law, they would put their phones on their lap. Now it's hard to see anyone on phones."

As an extra measure, Barnegat police placed a sign at the entrance of the Garden State Parkway warning motorists not to
talk on their cell phones, Carroll said.

In Cumberland County, troopers at the State Police barracks in Port Norris handed out pamphlets explaining the law. Trooper Barry Saul said his Port Norris squad issued two or three tickets by early Sunday afternoon.
"We're in full effect in enforcing it," Saul said. "If our guys see it, they are going to stop them and will be issuing tickets." No area police departments reported any offenses

[MikeMc]

Ok, but it's not illegal to search in your glove box for a cd or eat breakfast or put on makeup or look at the thousands of billboards lining the highways, all of which are distractions while drving. Just another money grab by the communist state of new jersey.

[joeturse]

Very true Mike.But at least it eliminates one major distraction.

[Squidhound_ Jones]

Just curious, is there an increased penalty for killing someone while driving and talking on the phone?

[S J Fish]

It should be a law throughout the country.

[fishinambition]

I'm usually the first one to rip NJ (and gov't) in general, but not on this one. Too many airheaded, trophy wives in massive SUV's wandering the roadways while yappin away and putting all of lives at risk.

[Patrick9915]

I think these laws are great. It's not a big deal to pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot if you want to talk on the phone.

My issue is that the cops have enough problems enforcing some of the other driving laws. The infraction I hate is when people don't have their headlights on in the rain. Silver, light blue, and light gray cars are nearly impossible to see in some rain storms.

[OX 'THEDITCH']

Originally Posted by fishinambition

I'm usually the first one to rip NJ (and gov't) in general, but not on this one. Too many airheaded, trophy wives in massive SUV's wandering the roadways while yappin away and putting all of lives at risk.

I'm the second to condem big brother. Drive truck for sustenance(sp). Talking on phone, typing on laptop. and watching a DVD on the overhead player while driving should be a CAPITAL offense. Pull em' over and shoot em' in the head.

[SallyGrowler]

Originally Posted by fishinambition

I'm usually the first one to rip NJ (and gov't) in general, but not on this one. Too many airheaded, trophy wives in massive SUV's wandering the roadways while yappin away and putting all of lives at risk.

... and there lawyer husbands will get them off the hook.

[raider73]

Originally Posted by Patrick9915

The infraction I hate is when people don't have their headlights on in the rain. Silver, light blue, and light gray cars are nearly impossible to see in some rain storms.

Completely agree, we have this law in CA also but I never see anybody getting pulled over for this. Pisses me off. Of course, auto mfg. can solve this by wiring the wipers in conjunction w/ the headlights. If your wipers are on then your headlights automatically turn on--seems easy to me to solve the problem. They basically wired motorcycle headlights to turn on w/ the engine is on so I don't see why they can't do it w/ wipers.

[Ditch Jigger]

Originally Posted by MikeMc

Ok, but it's not illegal to search in your glove box for a cd or eat breakfast or put on makeup or look at the thousands of billboards lining the highways, all of which are distractions while drving. Just another money grab by the communist state of new jersey.

Bingo. Everyone knows that it's not holding the phone to your ear that causes people to drive like idiots--it's the conversation itself. Headsets make absolutely NO difference--people who can't talk and drive at the same time will still drive like yutzes using a headset Drive with your hand held against the side of your head--does it instantly make you drive 20 mph under the limit, or drive up someone else's ass? Of course not.

How many times have you ridden with someone who turns his/head to carry on a conversation with you in the front seat? How many times have you held the seat cushion in a death grip as that driver almost gets in a wreck because he or she is distracted from talking to you?

[Dave S]

Originally Posted by Ditch Jigger

Bingo. Everyone knows that it's not holding the phone to your ear that causes people to drive like idiots--it's the conversation itself. Headsets make absolutely NO difference--people who can't talk and drive at the same time will still drive like yutzes using a headset Drive with your hand held against the side of your head--does it instantly make you drive 20 mph under the limit, or drive up someone else's ass? Of course not.

How many times have you ridden with someone who turns his/head to carry one a conversation with you in the front seat? How many times have you held the seat cushion in a death grip as that driver almost gets in a wreck because he or she is distracted from talking to you?

Well said.

[Toad in Nj]

Stats show Ditch is correct but their is no way in hell you can tell me the headset doesn't make a difference with a 5 speed.
People who can't drive for **** most likely still won't be able to, but now not using a directional should be another ticket on top of the one for not using the headset.
I am all for the bullet to the head but I am also for a driving test that is difficult to pass and costs $$$ to get.

Morons can walk, ride their bike or take mass transit.

[MikeMc]

Originally Posted by Toad in Nj

Stats show Ditch is correct but their is no way in hell you can tell me the headset doesn't make a difference with a 5 speed.
People who can't drive for **** most likely still won't be able to, but now not using a directional should be another ticket on top of the one for not using the headset.
I am all for the bullet to the head but I am also for a driving test that is difficult to pass and costs $$$ to get.

Morons can walk, ride their bike or take mass transit.

Hell, when I was young I could roll a joint and drive a stick in traffic. I could easily shift and talk on the phone.

[Churchman]

Wonder if Verizon will lobby for a supplimental tax to offset lost revenue and win? No, not NJ.