NJ Lawmakers May Raise Fines for Cell Phone Use

The fine for texting or talking on a cell phone could become as high as $500 in New Jersey under a bill approved Monday by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Drivers with three or more offenses would also have their licenses suspended for 60 days if the bill authored by Sen. Richard Codey (D) becomes law.

The current fine for a first offense is $100.  Under the proposed legislation that would rise to $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense.  An identical bill is moving through the Assembly.

Since 2008, police around the state have issued more than 10,000 tickets per month to drivers caught texting or talking behind the wheel, the Associated Press reported.