New Jersey Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban rides with your CDL in New Jersey — no holding or reaching, even stopped in traffic (49 CFR 392.82). New Jersey bans hand-held talking and texting for every driver as a primary offense (§39:4-97.3). A first ticket is $200 to $400, rising to $600 to $800 on a third, which also adds 3 points and up to a 90-day suspension. A conviction more than 10 years after the last one resets to a first offense.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
New Jersey’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban rides with your CDL in New Jersey — no holding or reaching, even stopped in traffic (49 CFR 392.82). New Jersey bans hand-held talking and texting for every driver as a primary offense (§39:4-97.3). A first ticket is $200 to $400, rising to $600 to $800 on a third, which also adds 3 points and up to a 90-day suspension. A conviction more than 10 years after the last one resets to a first offense.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: New Jersey's ban covers both hand-held talking and texting for every driver (§39:4-97.3), enforced as a primary offense.
- Fine: $200 to $400 first offense, $400 to $600 second, $600 to $800 for a third or later, plus 3 motor-vehicle points and a possible 90-day license suspension on the third. Primary enforcement.
- Points: No MVC points for a first or second offense; 3 points and a possible 90-day suspension on a third within 10 years. Federal CSA still hits you regardless: two hand-held convictions in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
New Jersey Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in New Jersey?
What is the phone fine in New Jersey?
Is texting while driving illegal in New Jersey?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-39/section-39-4-97-3/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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