Transportation in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3265: Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue classic license plates replicating designs from 1979-1991 for eligible vehicle owners. Vehicle owners applying for these plates pay a $50 one-time fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee, with all additional fees deposited into the state's "Special Transportation Fund" for road projects. Initial program costs are covered by private donations (capped at $25,000) and pre-paid applications, requiring 500 completed applications before implementation. The bill directly affects NJ vehicle owners seeking nostalgic plates while directing fees toward transportation infrastructure funding.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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

A 2145: Upgrades crime of theft of scrap metal from transportation system.

This bill raises penalties for stealing scrap metal from transportation systems like bridges, rail lines, or highways. It specifies that such theft is now graded as a third-degree crime if the value is under $75,000 (previously it might have been a lower-level offense), and removes the automatic presumption against imprisonment for this specific violation. The law directly affects individuals who steal scrap metal from public infrastructure, including metal from roads, transit systems, or transportation equipment. The key change is explicitly adding transportation system scrap metal theft to the list of offenses that trigger higher penalties, rather than treating it as standard property theft.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

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

A 1243: Grants municipal courts discretion to assess court costs for certain dismissals.

This bill (A 1243) allows New Jersey municipal courts to charge court costs for traffic violations (Title 39) dismissed through plea agreements. It directly affects people charged with traffic offenses who resolve cases via such agreements. The key provision permits courts to assess specific fees: $2 per violation (to the Automated Traffic System Fund), $0.50 per fine (to the Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund), and $3 per violation (to the Automated Traffic System Modernization Fund), up to a $33 total. These fees, previously only applied to unresolved cases, are now extendable to dismissed charges under the court's discretion. The change shifts some court funding responsibility from local taxpayers to those with dismissed traffic violations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3260: Requires driver to submit to evaluation by drug recognition expert when involved in motor vehicle accident resulting in death.

This bill requires drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in death to submit to an evaluation by a certified drug recognition expert (a law enforcement officer trained to identify drug impairment). It directly affects drivers involved in fatal crashes who refuse such evaluations. Key provisions include: refusing the evaluation leads to license restrictions (requiring an ignition interlock device for first offenses, up to 8 years for third offenses), fines ($300-$1,000 depending on offense count), and mandatory referral to an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. The law amends existing statutes to expand testing requirements beyond alcohol to include drugs, with penalties increasing for repeat refusals.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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

A 2329: Establishes "NJpass Program" to provide discounted fares to eligible organizations; establishes "GO NJ Transit Card Program" to develop transit cards that can be used to purchase any NJT service.

This bill creates two new New Jersey Transit (NJT) programs. The "NJpass Program" provides discounted group fares for eligible organizations (like workforce training providers, schools, government agencies, and social service groups) when purchasing transit passes for their employees or clients. The "GO NJ Transit Card Program" establishes a reloadable card system where individuals can load money (minimum $10) for any NJT service, with funds never expiring. NJT must publish eligibility details, enter contracts with qualifying organizations, and submit annual reports on program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature. The bill is pending and would take effect after passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

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

A 2481: Establishes recycling program for unused road sign posts.

New Jersey's Bill A 2481 requires the Department of Transportation to create a program recycling road sign posts unused for over a year. It mandates identifying these posts, setting up municipal collection points, tracking recycled materials, and using recycled content for new signs. The program must seek funding and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing recycled quantities, program improvements, and environmental benefits. This directly affects the Department of Transportation and local municipalities managing road infrastructure. The bill focuses on diverting waste from landfills through a structured recycling system.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Recycling Roads & Highways

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

A 2447: Amends and supplements State aviation appropriations and language provisions in FY 2022 annual State appropriations act.

This bill increases funding for New Jersey's Airport Improvement Program from $4 million to $10 million, adding $6 million to the state's transportation capital budget. It also raises the Airport Safety Administration's funding by $185,000, from $465,000 to $650,000. The bill automatically grants airport grant recipients two additional 12-month extensions (totaling 24 months) to complete projects if local, county, or state permitting delays occur, with potential for further extensions if a permitting agency causes the delay. These changes directly affect airports and grant recipients receiving funds through New Jersey's Airport Improvement Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Airports

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

A 778: Establishes "New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force."

This bill creates the "New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force" to study whether NJ Transit facilities (terminals, stations, stops, and equipment) comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The nine-member task force - appointed by state leaders and including a disability advocate - will identify needed accessibility upgrades, estimate costs, and assess ramp feasibility at locations without compliant elevators. It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within two years, after which the task force expires. The bill directly affects NJ Transit's infrastructure and operations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4271: Prohibits towing companies from requiring owners of stolen motor vehicles to pay fee to release vehicles from storage facilities under certain circumstances.

This bill prohibits towing companies from charging owners a fee to release a stolen vehicle from storage when the owner provides a police report confirming the vehicle was stolen. Owners of recovered stolen vehicles must be allowed to pick up their cars within 72 hours of law enforcement contact without any fee. After 72 hours, towing companies may charge a fee for additional storage days, but the cost must be paid by the vehicle's insurance company or the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - not the owner. This directly affects owners of stolen vehicles and towing companies handling recovered vehicles.

Topics ✓ Transportation

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

AR 105: Urges Congress and Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce funding for ambulance services for veterans.

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 105) urges Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce federal funding that reimburses ambulance services for veterans. It directly affects 338,012 veterans in New Jersey who rely on free ambulance transport for medical emergencies, as proposed cuts could shift costs to veterans (with average bills of $400-$600) or lead to service reductions in rural areas. The resolution highlights that shifting this financial responsibility to states/local governments - without adequate resources - would create barriers to emergency care, especially where hospital closures are increasing. It is a non-binding request sent to federal officials, emphasizing the need to maintain current reimbursement levels.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Hospitals Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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