Overview
New Jersey drivers can now report aggressive, erratic, and distracted driving in real time by simply dialing #77 from their mobile phones. 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 routed 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.