Transportation (Freight) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1450: Revises formula for State aid to municipalities and counties for public highway projects.

This bill revises how New Jersey allocates state funds for public highway projects to municipalities and counties. It establishes a new formula based on factors like county population, municipal road mileage, evacuation routes, and flood plain locations to determine funding distribution. The bill specifies that 37.5% of annual highway funds must go to municipalities under this formula, with additional fixed amounts set aside for specific programs (like the Local Aid Infrastructure Fund, Local Freight Impact Fund, and Local Bridges Fund). The formula also requires prioritizing projects based on traffic volume, safety, and whether they address hazardous conditions for school routes or pedestrian safety. This directly affects all New Jersey municipalities and counties managing public road infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3927: Requires DOT to study ability of each public highway to accommodate additional weight of electric vehicles.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to study whether the state's public roads can safely support the heavier weight of electric vehicles (EVs). Within six months of the bill's effective date, the DOT must examine each highway to determine its capacity for EV weight, recommend improvements, and rank all highways from least to most capable. The DOT must then report findings to the Governor and Legislature, and prioritize highway projects addressing the least capable roads in the state's annual transportation funding plan. Additionally, any highway project seeking state funding must certify it will enable the road to accommodate EV weight.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Freight Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1182: Requires certain commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with certain global positioning systems.

This bill requires most large commercial trucks (over 26,001 lbs gross weight) operating in New Jersey to install GPS navigation systems that provide two specific safety features: real-time alerts about low-clearance bridges and weight restrictions, and dynamic route planning adjusted for the vehicle's exact height and weight. It excludes vehicles operated by government agencies, schools, or religious organizations. The Motor Vehicle Commission must create implementing rules, and the requirement takes effect 180 days after enactment. The bill directly affects commercial trucking companies and drivers operating eligible vehicles on New Jersey highways.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3930: Requires DOT and DLPS to implement weigh-in-motion monitoring program.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) and Division of Law Enforcement (DLPS) to establish a weigh-in-motion monitoring program for commercial vehicles. It directly affects commercial drivers and operators transporting goods on state roads by allowing vehicles to be weighed while moving, without stopping, using certified scales. Key provisions include authorizing the DOT/DLPS to operate approved weighing locations and creating a defense for drivers with valid dispatch papers showing they're traveling between pickup points and scales. The program aims to streamline weight enforcement while maintaining safety standards under existing vehicle weight limits. The bill is pending before the Assembly Transportation Committee as of its January 2026 introduction.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1134: Imposes restrictions on vehicle idling.

This bill restricts vehicle idling in New Jersey, limiting diesel-powered motor vehicles to no more than two consecutive minutes of idling when not in motion (with specific exceptions like passenger loading or extreme cold). It also applies a similar two-minute limit to gasoline-powered vehicles, excluding electric vehicles. Key exceptions include emergency vehicles, traffic congestion, necessary mechanical operations (e.g., cargo temperature control), and passenger loading for buses (up to 15 minutes per hour). Violations may result in penalties under existing law, but the bill does not override local or federal regulations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 708: Requires truck and van rental companies to photograph authorized user.

This bill requires truck and van rental companies (for non-commercial use) to take a photo of any person authorized to drive a rented vehicle before delivery. Companies must securely keep the photo for at least 180 days and provide it to police upon request. It directly affects rental businesses and the individuals renting vehicles, targeting non-commercial rentals (not freight transport). The policy aims to assist law enforcement in identifying users if vehicles are misused.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3664: Dedicates unencumbered revenue collected from vehicle size and weight enforcement to Transportation Trust Fund.

This bill redirects fines collected from vehicle size and weight enforcement (under C.39:3-84.3) to the Transportation Trust Fund. It ensures these specific enforcement revenues - previously not dedicated to transportation - are now allocated exclusively for transportation projects. The fund supports road maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and debt service for transportation bonds across New Jersey. This policy change reallocates existing enforcement revenue without creating new taxes or fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Freight Traffic Safety Transportation Funding

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1926: Requires DOT to study ability of each public highway to accommodate additional weight of electric vehicles.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to study whether the state's public roads, bridges, and highways can safely handle the heavier weight of electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids). Within six months, the DOT must examine each highway, rank them from least to most capable of accommodating EV weight, and recommend improvements. The study's findings will guide the prioritization of highway projects in the state's annual transportation plan, and project sponsors must certify that funded projects will enable highways to support EV weight. This directly affects highway planning and infrastructure funding decisions, with no immediate cost or service changes for drivers.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Freight Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1870: Establishes young driver program for commercial driver licenses.

This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to create a program helping young drivers (likely under 25) obtain commercial driver licenses (CDLs). The program must assist young drivers in getting CDLs, promote awareness of CDL benefits, and connect participants with trucking industry job opportunities. The Commission must report annually on participation numbers, CDL completions, and employment outcomes under the program. It directly affects young drivers seeking CDLs and the commercial trucking industry recruiting new workers. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1430: Requires DOT to implement highway safety program for increased commercial motor vehicle parking; appropriates up to $50,000,000.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation to create safe parking zones along federal highways specifically for commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. It allocates up to $50 million from federal infrastructure funds (under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to cover eligible costs for establishing these zones. The DOT must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on program progress, including locations created, safety impacts, and funds spent, until the money is fully used. The policy directly affects truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators by improving roadside parking safety.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight Roads & Highways

All transportation bills