NJ's New Target Zero Plan: 5 Things Every Driver Should Know Before Your Next Traffic Stop
If you've been driving in New Jersey lately, you might have noticed something different about how traffic safety is being approached. That's because the state has rolled out its ambitious Target Zero Plan – and it's going to change how law enforcement, road design, and traffic violations work across the Garden State.
As someone who's spent years defending drivers in New Jersey courts, I've seen firsthand how traffic laws and enforcement strategies evolve. The Target Zero Plan isn't just another government initiative – it's a comprehensive overhaul that could directly impact your next traffic stop, your insurance rates, and even the roads you drive on every day.
Here's what every New Jersey driver needs to know about this plan before they hit the road.
What Exactly Is Target Zero?
New Jersey's Target Zero Plan has one seemingly impossible goal: eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Zero fatalities. Zero life-changing crashes. It sounds like a pipe dream, but the state is dead serious about making it happen.
Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in 2025 creating the Target Zero Commission, a 13-member group that includes officials from the Department of Transportation, State Police, Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and regional transportation authorities. This isn't just another committee – these people have real power to change how traffic enforcement works in New Jersey.
The plan uses something called the "Safe System Approach," which basically means they're looking at everything: safer people, safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, and better post-crash care. Instead of just telling people to "drive better," they're redesigning the entire system to account for human error.
Thing #1: Distracted Driving Is Now Public Enemy #1
Here's a stat that'll wake you up: driver inattention causes nearly 26% of all roadway deaths in New Jersey. That makes it the leading killer on our roads, and the Target Zero Commission knows it.
What does this mean for you? Expect much stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws. We're talking about more undercover officers, increased fines, and technology that can detect phone use while driving. I've already seen an uptick in distracted driving tickets in my practice, and it's only going to get worse.
The law is clear: you cannot use a handheld wireless telephone or electronic communication device while driving. But the Target Zero Plan goes beyond just phone calls and texting. They're targeting any form of distraction – eating, grooming, reaching for objects, even messing with your GPS while moving.
Pro tip: If you get pulled over and the officer suspects distracted driving, they can now request your phone records as evidence. Don't give them a reason to suspect anything. Keep your phone in the glove compartment or back seat if you have to.
Thing #2: Speed Enforcement Is About to Get Serious
Speed kills – literally. It's the second-highest cause of motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey, contributing to 29% of all traffic deaths. The Target Zero Commission has made speed management a core priority, and that means changes are coming fast.
Here's what you can expect:
More Speed Cameras: While New Jersey has been slower than other states to adopt automated enforcement, that's changing. The Target Zero Plan includes provisions for expanded camera systems, especially in school zones and high-accident areas.
Variable Speed Limits: Don't be surprised to see more electronic signs that change speed limits based on traffic, weather, or road conditions. These aren't suggestions – they're enforceable laws.
Enhanced Penalties: The commission is pushing for increased fines and license point assessments for speeding violations, especially in work zones and areas with vulnerable road users.
I've noticed that judges are taking speeding tickets more seriously these days, especially when there's any indication of excessive speed. If you're facing a speeding ticket, the old days of just paying the fine and moving on might be over. You might need legal help to avoid serious consequences.
Thing #3: Vulnerable Road Users Get Special Protection
The Target Zero Plan puts a huge emphasis on protecting pedestrians and cyclists, and that creates new legal obligations for drivers. If you don't know these rules, you could find yourself facing serious charges after what seems like a minor incident.
The Safe Passing Law: When passing a cyclist, you must slow down, give them at least 4 feet of space, and move over when possible. This isn't a guideline – it's the law. And with bike ridership increasing post-pandemic, enforcement is ramping up.
Stop and Stay Stopped Law: Here's one that catches a lot of drivers off guard. You must stop AND STAY STOPPED for pedestrians in crosswalks. You can't just pause and then creep forward. You also have to yield to pedestrians at unmarked intersections.
I've seen cases where drivers got hit with serious charges because they didn't understand these laws. A moment of impatience can result in vehicular assault charges if a pedestrian or cyclist gets hurt.
Thing #4: Road Design Changes Will Affect Your Driving
The Target Zero Plan isn't just about enforcement – it's about redesigning roads to make crashes less likely and less severe when they do happen. These changes will directly impact how you drive.
Roundabouts Everywhere: Expect to see more roundabouts replacing traditional intersections. They reduce severe crashes by up to 90%, but they also confuse drivers who aren't used to them. Learn the rules now before you find yourself in one.
Road Diets: Some multi-lane roads are being converted to fewer lanes with bike lanes and wider sidewalks. This can create confusion and road rage if drivers don't understand what's happening.
Smart Traffic Signals: More intersections will have cameras and sensors that can detect violations and adjust timing based on traffic flow. These systems can also provide evidence in traffic violation cases.
Thing #5: Data-Driven Enforcement Targets Problem Areas
Here's something most drivers don't realize: the Target Zero Plan uses sophisticated data analysis to identify high-crash locations and problem driving behaviors. That means enforcement isn't random anymore – it's strategic.
Police departments are getting real-time data about where crashes are happening, what's causing them, and when they're most likely to occur. This creates enforcement "hot spots" where you're much more likely to get pulled over.
High-Crash Corridors: Certain roads and intersections have been identified as particularly dangerous. If you regularly drive on these routes, expect increased enforcement and possible road changes.
Time-Based Enforcement: Data shows that certain types of crashes happen at predictable times. Don't be surprised to see more DUI checkpoints during peak hours or aggressive driving enforcement during rush hour.
Repeat Offender Targeting: The data systems can now track patterns of dangerous driving behavior and flag repeat offenders for enhanced penalties.
What This Means for Your Legal Defense
As a traffic attorney, I'm seeing how the Target Zero Plan is changing the legal landscape. Prosecutors are taking traffic violations more seriously, judges are less likely to dismiss cases, and the penalties are getting stiffer.
If you get a traffic ticket in New Jersey now, it's worth consulting with an attorney, especially for:
Any speed more than 15 mph over the limit
Distracted driving citations
Violations involving pedestrians or cyclists
Crashes in Target Zero corridors
Repeat violations of any kind
The old approach of just paying fines and accepting points might end up costing you much more in insurance premiums and potential license suspension.
The Bottom Line
New Jersey's Target Zero Plan represents the most significant change in traffic safety policy in decades. It's not just about writing more tickets – it's about fundamentally changing how we think about road safety.
As drivers, we need to adapt to this new reality. The days of treating traffic laws as suggestions are over. Law enforcement has better tools, prosecutors have more resources, and judges are taking these cases more seriously.
The good news? If we all do our part, New Jersey roads really could become dramatically safer. The bad news? If you don't adapt to these changes, you could find yourself facing serious legal and financial consequences.
Stay alert, follow the rules, and when in doubt, slow down. Your life – and your license – might depend on it.
If you've received a traffic ticket or been involved in a crash, don't handle it alone. Contact our office for a consultation to understand your options and protect your driving record.