Legal landscape note: This article was originally published in 2017 and describes the law as it stood at that time. New Jersey law changes frequently.
Overview
The car ahead of you keeps drifting over the center line, and the driver's eyes are on a phone, not the road. In New Jersey, you can report that driver in real time by dialing #77 from your mobile phone. The #77 alert system is part of a broader state initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, which spiked to 604 deaths in 2016 -- an eight percent increase from the previous year. Combined with the "UDrive. UText. UPay" campaign, the #77 system gives New Jersey residents an active role in improving road safety.
If you observe dangerous driving behavior on New Jersey roads, understanding how the #77 system works -- and what penalties distracted drivers face -- can help you use the tool effectively and understand the enforcement landscape.
Why the #77 System Was Created
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety identified distracted driving as a primary contributor to the rising death toll on state roads. In 2016, New Jersey averaged 12 traffic deaths per week. State officials determined that a significant portion of these fatalities involved drivers using cell phones or otherwise driving while distracted.
The #77 system expands an existing program that previously allowed motorists to report only aggressive drivers. The updated program now encompasses distracted driving as well -- including texting, talking on handheld phones, and other behaviors that take a driver's attention off the road.
How the #77 Alert System Works
Making a Report
- Dial #77 from any mobile phone while in New Jersey
- Your call is sent to the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center call room in West Trenton
- A trained dispatcher answers and documents the details of your report
- The information is forwarded to the nearest police agency with jurisdiction over the location
- A responding officer may be dispatched to locate the reported vehicle
What Information to Provide
When calling #77, try to provide:
- The license plate number and state of the vehicle
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Location (roadway, direction of travel, nearest mile marker or exit)
- Description of the dangerous or distracted behavior observed
What Happens to Reported Drivers
If law enforcement locates the reported vehicle and observes a violation, the driver may be issued a summons. In cases where a license plate was collected but an officer did not witness the conduct, a letter may be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle documenting the time and location of the reported incident.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in New Jersey
Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3, the penalties for using a handheld wireless device while driving are:
| Offense | Fine | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | $200 -- $400 | None |
| Second offense | $400 -- $600 | None |
| Third or subsequent offense | $600 -- $800 | 90-day license suspension, 3 MVC points |
Protecting Yourself
If you have been reported through the #77 system and received a ticket or warning letter, you have rights. A law enforcement officer must personally observe a violation to issue a summons based solely on a #77 report. However, these reports can support probable cause for a traffic stop, which may lead to additional charges if other violations are observed.
Key Takeaways
- Dial #77 to report dangerous or distracted driving anywhere in New Jersey
- Calls are handled by State Police in West Trenton and forwarded to local agencies
- A license plate and vehicle description help law enforcement locate reported drivers
- Third-time distracted driving offenders face 90-day license suspension
- The #77 system works alongside the UDrive. UText. UPay enforcement campaign
- Officers must witness a violation to issue a summons based on a #77 report
Reviewed by Britt J. Simon, Esq., Managing Partner -- Simon Law Group, LLC -- May 2026
The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Every case is different. You should consult with a qualified attorney before making any legal decisions. Contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.