Key New Jersey facts: Phones & Distraction
A first offense for hand-held phone use while driving carries a fine of $200 to $400. Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86 Three points are added for a third or later hand-held phone conviction. Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86 A hand-held phone may be used only in emergencies such as a fire, crash, road hazard, medical or hazardous material emergency, keeping one hand on the wheel. Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86 Permit and probationary drivers may not use hand-held or hands-free phones or other electronic devices. Chapter 1, Special Learner Permit, Examination Permit and Probationary License Restrictions, p. 18 Kulesh's, Kuberts' and Bolis' Law treats illegal phone use while driving as recklessness in vehicular homicide and assault by auto cases. Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86 Sample Phones & Distraction questions
How many extra minutes does New Jersey's Safety Pledge to Nikhil ask you to allow for every trip?
Show the answer
5
Leaving 5 extra minutes takes away the pressure to rush.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 2, Safety Pledge to Nikhil, p. 32
The New Jersey manual lists four types of distraction. Which type comes from sounds that pull your attention away?
Visual Manual Cognitive Auditory Show the answer
Auditory
Auditory distractions come from sounds; the others involve your eyes, hands or mind.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 5, Distractions, p. 92
Can New Jersey police pull you over just for holding your phone while driving?
No, it is not an offense Yes, it is a primary offense No, only along with another offense Only in school zones Show the answer
Yes, it is a primary offense
Police may stop and ticket a driver for hand-held phone use alone.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
When may a New Jersey school bus driver use a cell phone?
In an emergency or when parked safely off the road Whenever using a hands-free set While stopped at a red light On empty roads Show the answer
In an emergency or when parked safely off the road
School bus drivers may not use hand-held or hands-free phones while driving the bus, except in those cases.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
You must use a hand-held phone in an emergency while driving in New Jersey. What does the law require?
Hold it below the window Turn on your flashers Keep one hand on the steering wheel Stay under 15 mph Show the answer
Keep one hand on the steering wheel
Even in an allowed emergency, one hand must stay on the wheel.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
What is the fine for a first offense of using a hand-held phone while driving in New Jersey?
$50 $200 to $400 $20 to $40 $1,000 to $2,000 Show the answer
$200 to $400
A first offense costs $200 to $400, and fines rise for repeat offenses.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
When does New Jersey add points for hand-held phone convictions?
On the first offense On a third or later offense Never On every offense Show the answer
On a third or later offense
A third or later conviction adds three points, and a 90-day suspension is possible.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
May a New Jersey probationary driver under 21 use a hands-free phone while driving?
No, no phone use at all Yes, with a parent's note Yes, hands-free is fine Yes, at red lights only Show the answer
No, no phone use at all
GDL drivers may not use hand-held or hands-free phones or other electronic devices.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 1, Special Learner Permit, Examination Permit and Probationary License Restrictions, p. 18
In which situation does New Jersey allow a driver to use a hand-held phone?
To check directions To report a fire or a crash To text at a red light To answer a work call Show the answer
To report a fire or a crash
Hand-held use is allowed only in emergencies such as a fire, crash, road hazard or medical emergency.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
Under New Jersey law, how can illegal phone use count if it leads to a fatal crash?
As a minor equipment violation As recklessness for vehicular homicide As a simple parking offense It does not count at all Show the answer
As recklessness for vehicular homicide
Kulesh's, Kuberts' and Bolis' Law treats illegal phone use as recklessness in vehicular homicide and assault by auto cases.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85-86
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the New Jersey Driver Manual (2026 edition (back cover code R0726), PDF modified 2026-09-23, read 2026-11-07 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
