New Jersey: Distracted driving
Cell phone laws, texting and other driving distractions. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Distracted driving — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Under the 'Stay Alert' promise of the Safety Pledge to Nikhil, what will a driver strive to do?”
StartDistracted driving — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What does the New Jersey Driver Manual call distractions caused by sounds that can reduce attention to driving?”
StartAll 37 Distracted driving questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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Under the 'Stay Alert' promise of the Safety Pledge to Nikhil, what will a driver strive to do?
- Drive only during daylight hours
- Keep hands on the wheel and mind on the road
- Listen to radio traffic reports the whole time
- Stop for a rest every 30 minutes
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep hands on the wheel and mind on the road
The 'Stay Alert' promise is to strive to keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Under the 'Talk Safe' promise of the Safety Pledge to Nikhil, how will a driver use a cell phone while driving?
- Texting is fine while stopped at a red light or in traffic
- Hand-held calls are fine if they last under one minute
- Hands-free only; no texting or handset unless pulled over
- Speakerphone is fine while holding the phone in one hand
Show answer
Correct answer: Hands-free only; no texting or handset unless pulled over
Under 'Talk Safe', the driver will use a hands-free cell phone system and will not text or use a handset unless they pull over.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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In New Jersey, using a handheld cell phone or texting device while driving is what kind of offense?
- A warning-only offense that carries no fine
- A secondary offense, cited only with another violation
- Not an offense unless it causes a crash
- A primary offense, so police may stop you just for it
Show answer
Correct answer: A primary offense, so police may stop you just for it
Using a handheld cell phone or texting device is a primary offense; police may stop and cite a motorist specifically for it.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 85 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 85)
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In New Jersey, may a fully licensed driver (not a GDL holder or school bus driver) use a hands-free cell phone while driving?
- Yes, but only while driving on a highway
- Only when a passenger holds the phone for them
- No, any use of a phone while driving is illegal for every driver in the state
- Yes, if it does not interfere with safety equipment or safe driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Yes, if it does not interfere with safety equipment or safe driving
Motorists may use a hands-free phone if it does not interfere with federally required safety equipment or safe operation of the vehicle, although it is strongly discouraged.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 85 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 85)
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In New Jersey, which of these is one of the emergency situations in which a handheld cell phone may be used while driving?
- A serious road hazard
- Looking up directions to an address
- A call from your employer
- Running late for an appointment
Show answer
Correct answer: A serious road hazard
A handheld phone may be used only in certain emergencies: a fire, traffic crash, serious road hazard, medical emergency, or hazardous material emergency.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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When using a handheld phone while driving during a permitted emergency in New Jersey, what must you do?
- Turn on your hazard flashers the whole time
- Keep one hand on the steering wheel
- Drive no faster than 25 mph
- Keep the call under one minute
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep one hand on the steering wheel
Motorists using a handheld phone in one of the permitted emergencies must keep one hand on the steering wheel.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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How may a New Jersey motorist be asked to prove that using a handheld phone while driving was legal?
- With a signed note from any passenger
- With statements from authorities or telephone records
- With a signed letter from the motorist's own insurance company
- With a screenshot of the phone's screen
Show answer
Correct answer: With statements from authorities or telephone records
A motorist may be asked to produce testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities, or telephone records, to prove legal use.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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What is the fine for a first offense of illegally using a handheld cell phone while driving in New Jersey?
- $400 to $600
- $100 to $250
- $200 to $400
- $600 to $800
Show answer
Correct answer: $200 to $400
The fine for a first offense is $200-$400.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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In New Jersey, what is the fine for a second handheld cell phone offense within 10 years of the first?
- $400 to $600
- $200 to $400
- $800 to $1,000
- $600 to $800
Show answer
Correct answer: $400 to $600
A second offense within 10 years of the first carries a fine of $400-$600.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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In New Jersey, what is the fine for a third handheld cell phone offense within 10 years of the second, and for any later offense?
- $400 to $600
- $800 to $1,000
- $1,000 to $1,500
- $600 to $800
Show answer
Correct answer: $600 to $800
A third offense within 10 years of the second, and all subsequent offenses, carry a fine of $600-$800.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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Besides fines and points, what other penalty may apply for violating New Jersey's handheld cell phone law?
- Loss of the vehicle registration
- A 90-day license suspension
- A one-year license revocation
- A mandatory 30-day jail term
Show answer
Correct answer: A 90-day license suspension
In addition to the fines and points, there may be a 90-day license suspension.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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What does New Jersey's "Kulesh's, Kuberts' and Bolis' Law," enacted in 2012, establish?
- Drivers under 21 may not carry any cell phone anywhere inside the vehicle while it is moving
- Police officers may search any driver's cell phone during a routine traffic stop without needing a warrant
- Illegal phone use while driving counts as recklessness in vehicular homicide and assault by auto cases
- All new vehicles sold in the state must include a built-in hands-free phone system
Show answer
Correct answer: Illegal phone use while driving counts as recklessness in vehicular homicide and assault by auto cases
The law establishes illegal cell phone use while driving as recklessness under the vehicular homicide and assault by auto statutes, making convictions easier to obtain.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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Under New Jersey law, may a graduated driver license (GDL) holder use a hands-free cell phone while driving?
- No, handheld and hands-free phones are both banned
- Yes, for calls that last under two minutes
- Yes, but only with a parent in the vehicle
- Yes, as long as the phone is mounted on the dashboard
Show answer
Correct answer: No, handheld and hands-free phones are both banned
A GDL holder may not use a handheld or hands-free cell phone, or any other handheld electronic device, when behind the wheel; doing so violates GDL restrictions.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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When may a New Jersey school bus driver use a hands-free cell phone while operating a school bus?
- Only while stopped at a red traffic light
- Any time, as long as the phone is hands-free
- Only in an emergency or when parked safely off the highway
- Only when there are no children or other passengers on board the bus
Show answer
Correct answer: Only in an emergency or when parked safely off the highway
A school bus driver may not use a handheld or hands-free phone while operating a school bus, except in an emergency or when the bus is parked in a safe area off a highway.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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Even though New Jersey's handheld cell phone law has emergency exceptions, what does the manual say is always safest before making a call?
- Slowing down to 25 mph
- Pulling over to the side of the road
- Turning on the hazard lights while driving
- Moving into the right lane
Show answer
Correct answer: Pulling over to the side of the road
Even with the emergency exceptions to the handheld phone law, it is always safest to pull over to the side of the road before making a call.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 91 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 91)
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How many types of driving distractions does the New Jersey Driver Manual describe?
- Two
- Four
- Five
- Three
Show answer
Correct answer: Four
The manual describes four types of driving distractions: visual, manual, cognitive and auditory.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Which type of driving distraction is any task that takes a driver's eyes off the road?
- Cognitive
- Auditory
- Visual
- Manual
Show answer
Correct answer: Visual
A visual distraction is any task that takes a driver's eyes off the road.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Which type of driving distraction is any task that takes a driver's hands off the steering wheel?
- Manual
- Cognitive
- Visual
- Auditory
Show answer
Correct answer: Manual
A manual distraction is any task that takes a driver's hands off the steering wheel.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Which type of driving distraction is any task that takes the driver's mind or attention off the road?
- Auditory
- Manual
- Cognitive
- Visual
Show answer
Correct answer: Cognitive
A cognitive distraction is any task that takes the driver's mind or attention off the road.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does the New Jersey Driver Manual call distractions caused by sounds that can reduce attention to driving?
- Visual distractions
- Auditory distractions
- Cognitive distractions
- Manual distractions
Show answer
Correct answer: Auditory distractions
Auditory distractions are those caused by sounds that can reduce a driver's attention to driving.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does the New Jersey Driver Manual say about distractions for teen drivers in particular?
- They are one of the leading causes of crashes
- They matter only when driving at night
- They are less dangerous than for older drivers
- They are a minor factor in teen crashes
Show answer
Correct answer: They are one of the leading causes of crashes
Driving requires full attention at all times, and for teen drivers especially, distractions are one of the leading causes of crashes.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, a few seconds of inattention at highway speed can mean traveling what distance without looking at the road?
- About five miles of highway
- The width of a two-lane road
- The length of one parked car
- The length of a football field
Show answer
Correct answer: The length of a football field
Even a few seconds of inattention at highway speed can mean traveling the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Which of the following does the New Jersey Driver Manual list as a driving distraction?
- Talking on a hands-free cell phone
- Checking the mirrors before a lane change
- Scanning the road ahead for hazards
- Keeping both hands on the steering wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Talking on a hands-free cell phone
The manual's list of distractions includes using a cell phone, even hands-free, for conversations or apps.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does the New Jersey Driver Manual say about programming a GPS or navigation system?
- It is a distraction only on highways
- It is safe to do at speeds under 25 mph
- Doing it while moving is a distraction
- It is allowed as long as you use only one hand
Show answer
Correct answer: Doing it while moving is a distraction
Programming GPS or navigation systems while the vehicle is moving is on the manual's list of driving distractions.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Which everyday activity does the New Jersey Driver Manual list as a driving distraction?
- Keeping a foot near the brake
- Eating or drinking
- Wearing a seat belt
- Checking the side mirrors
Show answer
Correct answer: Eating or drinking
Eating or drinking is one of the driving distractions listed in the manual, along with texting, turning to talk to passengers and reaching for items.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, a tired driver can be as dangerous as which of these?
- A driver in rush-hour traffic
- A driver with a learner's permit
- A driver using cruise control
- A drunk driver
Show answer
Correct answer: A drunk driver
A tired driver cannot drive well, has reduced reaction time and can be as dangerous as a drunk driver.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does New Jersey's Maggie's Law make illegal?
- Driving without headlights on during a rainstorm
- Driving with an expired inspection sticker
- Using a handheld cell phone while driving on a highway
- Knowingly driving while impaired by lack of sleep
Show answer
Correct answer: Knowingly driving while impaired by lack of sleep
Maggie's Law makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Under New Jersey's Maggie's Law, driving while fatigued is established as recklessness under which statute?
- The seat belt statute
- The vehicular homicide statute
- The careless driving statute
- The vehicle inspection statute
Show answer
Correct answer: The vehicular homicide statute
Maggie's Law establishes driving while fatigued as recklessness under the vehicular homicide statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5).
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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When was New Jersey's Maggie's Law, which targets driving while impaired by lack of sleep, enacted?
- March 2019
- June 2012
- June 2003
- January 1995
Show answer
Correct answer: June 2003
Maggie's Law was enacted in June 2003.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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How can a motorist avoid the trance-like state known as "highway hypnosis"?
- Do not look at any one thing for more than a few seconds
- Keep your eyes fixed on the vehicle directly ahead of you
- Turn up the heat so you stay comfortable
- Set the cruise control and relax your grip on the wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not look at any one thing for more than a few seconds
Highway hypnosis may be avoided by not looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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When may a motorist experience "highway hypnosis"?
- Right after starting a cold engine in winter
- After being behind the wheel for a long time
- While driving in heavy stop-and-go city traffic
- While backing out of a parking space
Show answer
Correct answer: After being behind the wheel for a long time
A motorist who has been behind the wheel for a long time may experience highway hypnosis, a trance-like state.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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On a long drive, how often does the New Jersey Driver Manual recommend that a motorist rest?
- Every four hours
- Every six hours
- Every hour
- Every two hours
Show answer
Correct answer: Every two hours
The manual recommends resting every two hours and/or sharing the driving with another licensed motorist.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, which group of motorists is among those most at risk of drowsy driving?
- Shift workers
- Drivers who rest every two hours
- Drivers who share the driving with a passenger
- Drivers on short daytime trips
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift workers
Shift workers are on the manual's list of motorists most at risk of drowsy driving, along with young people and commercial drivers.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Which driving situation does the New Jersey Driver Manual list as putting a motorist most at risk of drowsy driving?
- Driving with a licensed passenger who can take over
- Driving after a full night's sleep
- Driving on long, rural, boring roads
- Driving a short distance in the morning
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving on long, rural, boring roads
Driving on long, rural, boring roads is on the manual's list of drowsy-driving risks, together with driving alone and driving through the night.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, what should a motorist do about the radio and earphones while driving?
- Keep the radio down and never wear earphones
- Use earphones only while you are driving on highways
- Play the radio loud to help stay alert
- Wear earphones in only one ear at a time
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep the radio down and never wear earphones
Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio is blaring or they wear earphones, so keep the radio turned down and never wear earphones.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 118 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 118)
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In New Jersey, when are points assessed for using a hand-held cell phone or electronic device while driving?
- On the very first conviction for hand-held phone use
- On a third conviction within 10 years of the second
- On a second conviction within one year of the first
- Only when the phone use causes a traffic crash
Show answer
Correct answer: On a third conviction within 10 years of the second
Points for hand-held device use are assessed on a third conviction within 10 years of a second conviction, and on all fourth and later offenses.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 139 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 139)
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Because rumble strips vibrate the steering wheel and make a noise, what else can they do?
- Measure your vehicle's speed
- Show that a lane is for buses
- Wake a motorist who has dozed off
- Help your tires grip better on ice
Show answer
Correct answer: Wake a motorist who has dozed off
As rumble strips vibrate the steering wheel and make noise, they wake a motorist who may have dozed off or caution about danger ahead.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 218 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 218)