Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

S 1696 increases penalties for motor vehicle theft and carjacking convictions in New Jersey. It raises fines to $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses, while extending license suspensions up to 10 years for repeat offenders. The bill also establishes a presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with motor vehicle theft or carjacking who commit related crimes within a short timeframe. All collected fines will fund law enforcement efforts targeting auto theft. These changes apply to individuals convicted under New Jersey's motor vehicle theft laws.