personal injury law

Article written by: Annie Reynolds

New Jersey Lawmakers Advance Bills to Increase Penalties for DUI and Distracted Driving New Jersey lawmakers have advanced two bills this month to improve the safety of the states roads. A senate panel voted 5-0 last week to increase fines for texting and talking while driving. This week, a panel advanced a bill that would allow judges to impose bail of up to $10,000 on drivers caught driving while intoxicated more than once in 60 days. This bill would also require suspension of the drivers license. Both bills will now be presented to the full Assembly and will be considered by Senate Committees. Driving while under the influence (DUI) is currently classified as a traffic offense in New Jersey. The proposed legislation would classify a second DUI within 60 days as a fourth-degree crime. A fourth-degree crime is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 18 months. New Jersey Courts are not typically allowed to impose bail larger than $2,500 for fourth-degree crimes. The bill comes after a Vineland man was recently arrested for his fifth DUI in five weeks. Under the proposed distracted driver legislation, the fine for a first offense would increase from $100 to $200. The fines for a second offense would be $400 and the fine for a third offense would be $600. The bill would further permit the courts to suspend the drivers license for 90 days upon third and subsequent violations. New Jersey first banned handheld cell phone use six years ago. Distracted driving measures have been popular throughout the country. This week United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reported increased federal efforts as well as pressure on states to enhance legislation pertaining to distracted driving. LaHood referred to distracted driving as a national epidemic.

Annie Reynolods is a plaintiffs attorney

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annie is an advocate for those seriously harmed by negligent actions of others.

Sheridan & Murray LLC

1600 Market Street, Suite 2500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 866-INJURIES
or

866-465-8743

www.SheridanAndMurray.com

personal injury law

Article written by: Annie Reynolds

At least four other pieces of distracted driving legislation are up for consideration in New Jerseys 2012 session.

Annie Reynolods is a plaintiffs attorney

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annie is an advocate for those seriously harmed by negligent actions of others.

Sheridan & Murray LLC

1600 Market Street, Suite 2500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 866-INJURIES
or

866-465-8743

www.SheridanAndMurray.com