# New Jersey police shrub disguise traffic enforcement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-police-shrub-disguise-traffic-enforcement
> Updated: 2026-08-02T07:34:27.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, the Dunellen Police Department in New Jersey staged a six‑hour traffic enforcement operation in which an officer dressed head‑to‑toe as a roadside shrub. Using binoculars, the officer identified drivers using handheld cellphones on North Washington Avenue and issued 74 citations for violating the state’s hands‑free law. Fines for first‑time offenders ranged from $200 to $400, with higher penalties for repeat violations.

A follow‑up report in early August reiterated the details of the stunt, noting the same citation count and emphasizing the legal consequences, including possible license suspensions after multiple offenses. Both accounts highlighted the department’s aim to draw public attention to distracted driving and demonstrated the use of creative tactics to enforce traffic safety regulations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: New Jersey police disguise as a bush, ticket 74 drivers for phone use

Dunellen, New Jersey police disguised as a bush to catch phone‑using drivers, issuing 74 tickets and fines up to $600 in a six‑hour operation.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-police-disguise-as-a-bush-ticket-74-drivers-for-phone-use

### 2026-07-31: New Jersey Police Officer in Shrub Disguise Issues 74 Distracted‑Driving Citations

A Dunellen, NJ police officer disguised as a shrub caught 74 drivers using handheld phones in a six‑hour traffic sting, issuing $200‑$400 fines and sparking mixed online reactions.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dunellen-new-jersey-police-officer-in-shrub-costume-cites-74-distracted-drivers

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Cite as: New Jersey police shrub disguise traffic enforcement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-police-shrub-disguise-traffic-enforcement