Put the Phone Away or Pay

Enforcement

Put the Phone Away or Pay is a national high-visibility enforcement campaign that runs during a specific time of the year. The campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences of distracted driving and is supported by increased law enforcement.

Note: Put the Phone Away or Pay launched in April 2024 and replaced U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

Key Dates for National Mobilization

• Enforcement: April 4-8, 2024
• Paid Media: April 1-8, 2024
• Earned Media: February 1, 2024
   

We've prepared talking points related to this campaign. After downloading, we encourage you to add local stats and facts to the document. 

We've produced sample news releases that can be used for media outreach.

We've produced live reads that can be used on radio. There are multiple lengths available. 

This social media playbook contains sample social media content in English and Spanish. Download this guide for instructions on posting the below playbook graphics to Facebook, X and Instagram. The content is designed for easy posting and seamless integration into your current social media strategy.

Additional sample social media posts are also available for download.

All social media platforms accept 1200x1200 graphics. If you need additional sizes send a request to Feedback-TSM@dot.gov. 

If a video is noted as Available by Request, it is not available for immediate download. A state may submit a request to NHTSA and the ad can be retagged with their stage logo.

Note: No one may alter, edit, or change a NHTSA TV ad or web video.

NHTSA supports a national distracted driving law enforcement mobilization during April. 

The Media Work Plan provides an overview of the research and trends that inform NHTSA's national paid media plan for the campaign. The Media Buy Summary provides an overview of the media channels, media partner selection and tactics that will be activated to reach the target audience.

Campaign Research Results

• Other material for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April 
• Distracted Driving Bans: State Maps
• NHTSA.gov Distracted Driving: English | Spanish
• Sign up to get campaign updates via email from Traffic Safety Marketing