Texting at a red light or stop sign

I thought this law was passed, that it is now illegal to text at a red light or stop sign in NJ. It seems like not many people got the memo. 

The other day a car was smack in the middle of two lanes approaching Valley on Tuscan, and as I pulled by his car to make a left, I could see he was texting. So he was not even stopped. 

When I was walking, about to cross a street, I could see the person was texting stopped at the stop sign. I got his attention to cross the street and asked him to pull over in order to text. He was so annoyed that I asked this, like being in a car with the engine going at a stop sign was  appropriate. **** he had an important text to send. 

Seems like an epidemic, maybe it will be the new drunk driving and schools will have to have assemblies about putting the precious  phone down when driving. 

I am sitting in chair not driving when writing this. 

It's considered being in a travel lane, and yes, that is supposed to be against the law.

This afternoon on Vose Avenue near the Post Office a car was weaving over both lanes so I waited to pull out on Vose until he passed. As he was passing I was able to see that he had a styrofoam tray on the top of his steering wheel from which he was eating. 

Injury and death rates have risen for the first time, perhaps ever, and it's because of these distractions.

truth said:

This afternoon on Vose Avenue near the Post Office a car was weaving over both lanes so I waited to pull out on Vose until he passed. As he was passing I was able to see that he had a styrofoam tray on the top of his steering wheel from which he was eating. 

At least he wasn't texting.   That would really have been dangerous.

My favorite was the guy in line at the Turnpike toll booth--- left hand on steering wheel, right hand, holding a bowl (I guess) of cereal with a spoon sticking out of it.

It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving. I believe the fine is $200.00 for a First offense and double for a Second offense

You know, I didn't realize you couldn't do it at a stop sign or red light.  Won't do it again.  Thanks for enlightening me.

The issue is that it's only a fine. There are no points attached, even for second and third offenses. You start issuing points for it, you'll see a decrease...

I could see trying it when you know you are at a long light, but a stop sign?   you have to be constantly watching for a break in traffic.  I have to wonder...I was coming up  to a stop light in a right turn only lane (no turn on red) as it was turning red..I  had time to stop normally, but the guy behind me beeped at me for stopping..light turns green...I am halfway down the block before he makes the turn...for someone is such a hurry he wanted to go through the light..what took him so long when it turned green?

I am constantly beeping at the car in front of me after the light turns green - it seems like everyone has to go to their phones when they are stopped at a light and have no idea when the light turns. Very annoying!

It is more than annoying, it means that they are distracted, not paying attention to driving, when that Skinner beep goes off when they are driving, there will that temptation to check. This is dangerous.What is so important? Since when does the phone have to be watched at all times? Walking, driving.... this addiction has to be reigned in. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com...

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/1...

"After steady declines over the last four decades, highway fatalities last year recorded the largest annual percentage increase in 50 years. And the numbers so far this year are even worse. In the first six months of 2016, highway deaths jumped 10.4 percent, to 17,775, from the comparable period of 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration."

marylago said:

The issue is that it's only a fine. There are no points attached, even for second and third offenses. You start issuing points for it, you'll see a decrease...

I believe that the third offense in 10 years results in a six-month license suspension. 

Steve said:

marylago said:

The issue is that it's only a fine. There are no points attached, even for second and third offenses. You start issuing points for it, you'll see a decrease...

I believe that the third offense in 10 years results in a six-month license suspension. 

You are correct. I just looked it up. First and second okay, but third:

Effective July 1, 2014, the fines for talking or texting on a hand-held wireless communications device will increase. First time offenders will face a fine of $200-$400. The fine associated with a second offense will increase to $400-$600 and drivers who are caught a third time or more, will face a fine of $600-$800. Also, beginning with the third offense, there will be three (3) points assessed to the driver's record and there may be a 90-day driver license suspension as well.

eta: But if you've never been caught, then you still get two passes, albeit with a fine.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Abo...

"Although it is discouraged, drivers may use a hands-free device if it does not interfere with standard safety equipment. “Use” of a wireless phone and any other hand-held communication device includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person, texting, or sending and receiving electronic messages.

A hand-held phone may be used for an emergency only and the driver must keep one hand on the wheel at all times."

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There isn't any language regarding while the vehicle is stopped.  Maybe they should include it.

Based upon my own experiences and observations as a driver and pedestrian, none of the traffic laws and penalties have much of an effect on driving behavior today. People are texting at lights, while driving, many no longer use turn signals, most drivers are driving 10 to 20 miles an hour above the speed limit, folks blow through red lights constantly (every single night at Valley and Tuscan), blow through stop signs, talk on hand held phone while driving, make right turns on red when there are prohibitions, etc. The idea that texting while driving will get you a $200 to $400 fine just about tells you all you want to know. if it's that dangerous, should the first offense by revocation of license? I love cars, I do, but for the life of me I cannot understand the driver advocates and what appears to me to be the suppressive effect they have had on not one enforcement of existing laws but the creation of penalties that match the crime. We're basically in a situation where you have to assume someone will hit you when you cross the street in a cross walk with a green light. 

Yes. Yes. Yes.

richiekess said:

Based upon my own experiences and observations as a driver and pedestrian, none of the traffic laws and penalties have much of an effect on driving behavior today. People are texting at lights, while driving, many no longer use turn signals, most drivers are driving 10 to 20 miles an hour above the speed limit, folks blow through red lights constantly (every single night at Valley and Tuscan), blow through stop signs, talk on hand held phone while driving, make right turns on red when there are prohibitions, etc. The idea that texting while driving will get you a $200 to $400 fine just about tells you all you want to know. if it's that dangerous, should the first offense by revocation of license? I love cars, I do, but for the life of me I cannot understand the driver advocates and what appears to me to be the suppressive effect they have had on not one enforcement of existing laws but the creation of penalties that match the crime. We're basically in a situation where you have to assume someone will hit you when you cross the street in a cross walk with a green light. 

A large part of the problem is that the law is simply unenforceable. Your chances of being caught and ticketed for texting or talking on your cell phone are very small, which is why so many people do it even though they know they shouldn't. The only useful solution would be some sort of technological preventive system that keeps drivers from using their phone while the car is in motion.

yahooyahoo said:

Yes. Yes. Yes.

richiekess said:

Based upon my own experiences and observations as a driver and pedestrian, none of the traffic laws and penalties have much of an effect on driving behavior today. People are texting at lights, while driving, many no longer use turn signals, most drivers are driving 10 to 20 miles an hour above the speed limit, folks blow through red lights constantly (every single night at Valley and Tuscan), blow through stop signs, talk on hand held phone while driving, make right turns on red when there are prohibitions, etc. The idea that texting while driving will get you a $200 to $400 fine just about tells you all you want to know. if it's that dangerous, should the first offense by revocation of license? I love cars, I do, but for the life of me I cannot understand the driver advocates and what appears to me to be the suppressive effect they have had on not one enforcement of existing laws but the creation of penalties that match the crime. We're basically in a situation where you have to assume someone will hit you when you cross the street in a cross walk with a green light. 

I do! I saw someone get hit fairly recently. It was not pretty... but fortunately the guy was not seriously hurt and the driver stopped. In this case, I think he just didn't see him. I don't think it was a distracted driver issue.

I'm curious as to why more people don't just dictate their texts and have them read aloud. It's no different than having a conversation with somebody next to you... 

cuethesun said:

I'm curious as to why more people don't just dictate their texts and have them read aloud. It's no different than having a conversation with somebody next to you... 

How about just calling the person, ffs? I get that texting is easy but just call. Still not optimal (distracted driving and all) but at least you are looking at the road.

https://www.judiciary.state.nj...

Third offense results in three points and possible license suspension for 90 days.

unicorn33 said:
The only useful solution would be some sort of technological preventive system that keeps drivers from using their phone while the car is in motion.

They do have that for the navigation systems that are built in to cars now ... at least in my car.  It annoys me no end, because even the passenger is prevented from doing much with the system unless the car is stopped and put in Park.  It's pretty sad that people can't just do the right thing without all of these restrictions.

yahooyahoo said:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Abo...

"Although it is discouraged, drivers may use a hands-free device if it does not interfere with standard safety equipment. “Use” of a wireless phone and any other hand-held communication device includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person, texting, or sending and receiving electronic messages.

A hand-held phone may be used for an emergency only and the driver must keep one hand on the wheel at all times."

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There isn't any language regarding while the vehicle is stopped.  Maybe they should include it.

No need to. I understand, being told, that when the engine is on and you're in the drivers seat that you are operating the vehicle. It does not matter if the vehicle is moving.

Which is why you can be given a seat belt violation when parked with a running engine.

BG9 said:

yahooyahoo said:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Abo...

"Although it is discouraged, drivers may use a hands-free device if it does not interfere with standard safety equipment. “Use” of a wireless phone and any other hand-held communication device includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person, texting, or sending and receiving electronic messages.

A hand-held phone may be used for an emergency only and the driver must keep one hand on the wheel at all times."

--------------

There isn't any language regarding while the vehicle is stopped.  Maybe they should include it.

No need to. I understand, being told, that when the engine is on and you're in the drivers seat that you are operating the vehicle. It does not matter if the vehicle is moving.

Which is why you can be given a seat belt violation when parked with a running engine.

But this law, in particular, states that you may not text while the vehicle is moving. To wit:

N.J.S.A. 39: 4-97.3 Use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicles; definitions; enforcement.

1. a. The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free, provided that its placement does not interfere with the operation of federally required safety equipment and the operator exercises a high degree of caution in the operation of the motor vehicle.  For the purposes of this section, an "electronic communication device" shall not include an amateur radio.

Actually, so many people make it so obvious, not sure why you think it is unenforceable.  If I see the person with a phone in their hand, I am sure the police do as well.  

and if the police pulls them over, it is easy enough to check the time on text messages or phone calls to confirm.  

unicorn33 said:

A large part of the problem is that the law is simply unenforceable. Your chances of being caught and ticketed for texting or talking on your cell phone are very small, which is why so many people do it even though they know they shouldn't. The only useful solution would be some sort of technological preventive system that keeps drivers from using their phone while the car is in motion.

To play devil's advocate, I don't believe the law allows for the officer to search your phone without a warrant, to determine what you were doing, regardless of whether you're guilty of texting and driving. I think your records can be subpoenad if you fight your ticket in court, but I think you can decline to show the phone. Fwiw I'm against texting while driving, but I'd never hand over my phone.  

mikescott said:

Actually, so many people make it so obvious, not sure why you think it is unenforceable.  If I see the person with a phone in their hand, I am sure the police do as well.  

and if the police pulls them over, it is easy enough to check the time on text messages or phone calls to confirm.  

I believe it is lawful to text while stopped.

Text from the first paragraph of NJSA 39:4-97.3 (Emphasis mine) "The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free, provided that its placement does not interfere with the operation of federally required safety equipment and the operator exercises a high degree of caution in the operation of the motor vehicle.  For the purposes of this section, an “electronic communication device” shall not include an amateur radio."