The Montclair Police Department is participating a nationwide crackdown on distracted driving.
The enforcement blitz, dubbed “UDrive, UText, UPay,” starts today and continues through April 21. In New Jersey, the program was initiated by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety with the purpose of undertaking visible, targeted enforcement during April, National Distracted Driving Month.
It is illegal to text or talk on a handheld device while driving in the state. Hands-free cellphone use, such as with Bluetooth devices, is legal except for new drivers with provisional licenses.
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The current penalty for is $100, with no points. In July of this year, the fine will increase to a minimum of $200 for a first offense and between $400 and $600 for a second. Third and subsequent offenses will cost up to $800, plus three points on a driver's license and a possible 90-day suspension.
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