We all know that distracted driving is a problem on New Jersey roads. The state has a ban on texting while driving, but it would not be a surprise to see motorists checking their phones while in traffic; either to see a recent text message or to follow directions given through Google maps.
However, enforcement can be a problem for law enforcement. After all, who really is going to peek at their phone after seeing a patrol car nearby (or behind them). Because of this, there are some law enforcement agencies that are taking a different approach to distracted driving enforcement. Essentially, they are going undercover.
In North Carolina, for example, plain-clothed officers rode through the state’s Greensboro district in state transportation department trucks to see how many people they could find that were violating the state’s ban on texting and driving. When they saw someone using their phone behind the wheel, they would radio to a nearby patrol officer who would stop and cite the driver.
It remains to be seen whether the New Jersey State Patrol will take such an incognito approach to cell phone law enforcement, but it can have some detrimental consequences for drivers who are cited. Not only will it cost a great deal of money, repeated violations could have dire consequences on one’s driving privileges.
Like other traffic violations, being charged with a crime does not always mean being convicted of one. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights and options.Â
