The bill, and a parallel Assembly measure sponsored by Annette Quijano (D-Union) and L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex) would increase that to $200 for a first offense, $400 for a second, $600 plus three points for a third.

It would also give courts discretion to impose a 90-day license suspension on drivers with multiple offenses.

In recent years, a number of studies have cited alarming links between "distracted" driving and accidents. But while a number of safety groups have called for tough restrictions on texting, there is less agreement on the relative safety of hands-free versus hands-on calls or other conversation while driving.

Joe Tyrrell may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it