Bill > A2816

This bill, known as "Kulesh and Kubert's Law," amends existing New Jersey statutes to classify violations of the hands-free cell phone law as reckless driving. Specifically, it adds a provision to the vehicular homicide statute (N.J.S.2C:11-5) stating that proof of operating a hand-held wireless telephone while driving in violation of the hands-free law creates an inference of reckless driving. Similarly, it modifies the assault by auto statute (N.J.S.2C:12-1) to include operating a vehicle recklessly, which is now defined to encompass violations of the hands-free cell phone law, as a basis for assault by auto charges. These changes aim to hold drivers more accountable when their use of hand-held cell phones leads to injury or death.