New Jersey officer dresses as a 'shrub' to bust distracted drivers using cell phones

A New Jersey police department handed out dozens of distracted-driving citations after using an officer disguised as a shrub to spot motorists using their phones behind the wheel.

The Dunellen Police Department carried out the enforcement operation on Wednesday, July 29, in what it described as a busy downtown area with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Photos shared by the department showed an officer wearing full green foliage camouflage while using binoculars to watch passing drivers.

“Did you spot our ‘shrub’ today? If you had your head buried in your phone, probably not!” the department wrote in a post on its official Facebook page.

According to police, the six-hour operation resulted in 74 citations being issued to drivers for distracted driving. Officers said they intentionally focused on a “highly-trafficked, pedestrian-heavy downtown area” during the enforcement detail.

The department ended its post with a warning to motorists, writing, “Let this be a reminder: That text or notification can wait. Keep your eyes on the road, not your screen!”

New Jersey law prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Under the state's hands-free law, penalties begin at $200 for a first offense and can increase to $600 for repeat violations. Drivers who accumulate three offenses may also face a license suspension of up to 90 days. The Dunellen Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from People regarding the operation.

Images released by the department showed the officer blending into roadside vegetation while observing traffic before other officers stopped drivers who were allegedly violating the law. The unusual tactic quickly drew attention online after the department posted photos from the enforcement detail.