TRENTON— Motorists who can't put down their cellphones might face tougher penalties in New Jersey.
The Assembly on Thursday passed a bill that increases penalties for repeat offenders.
First-time offenders would have to pay a fine of $200. Drivers convicted of a second offense within 10 years of the first would have to pay a fine of $400. Motorists convicted of a third and subsequent offenses within 10 years would have to pay a fine of $600 and face driver's license suspension of up to 90 days.
New Jersey is among nine states and the District of Columbia that ban hand-held cell phone use for all drivers. It's also one of 35 states that bans texting for all drivers, along with D.C.
The bill returns to the state Senate.
