Transportation in New Jersey

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

A 1601: Authorizes schools to administer commercial driver license exam and other motor vehicle services for school bus drivers.

This bill (A 1601) allows school districts in New Jersey to administer certain motor vehicle services for prospective school bus drivers at school facilities, including knowledge tests, manual provision, ID verification, fee processing, and endorsement applications. It directly affects school districts and individuals seeking school bus driver licenses, as it streamlines the process by reducing the need to travel to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Key provisions require the MVC to establish rules for this program, mandate coordination with school districts, and specify that schools cannot administer the required road test. The bill does not change licensing standards but makes initial steps toward obtaining a school bus driver license more accessible through schools.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit Roads & Highways

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

A 2429: Requires NJT to implement education program for services provided to persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and other individuals with mobility needs.

This bill requires NJ Transit (NJT) to create an education program to inform people with disabilities, seniors, and others with mobility needs about available services. The program must publish details online and in pamphlets on Access Link vehicles, hold monthly accessible information sessions statewide (with transportation provided), and run public awareness campaigns. NJT must also submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature by March 1 detailing the program's activities. The bill aims to improve access to information about reduced fares and mobility services without changing the services themselves.

Topics ✓ Transportation

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

A 310: "Ruth Gilbert Alzheimer's Accessibility Act"; allows certain individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia to receive, and caregivers transporting those individuals to utilize, parking privileges reserved for persons with disability.

This bill adds Alzheimer's disease and dementia to New Jersey's list of qualifying conditions for disability parking privileges. It allows individuals diagnosed with these conditions - whose walking ability is limited, impaired, or creates safety risks - to receive a disability placard or license plates displaying the wheelchair symbol, upon physician certification. Caregivers transporting these individuals may also use the reserved parking spaces. The change expands existing law, which previously covered mobility impairments from other causes, to specifically include dementia-related walking limitations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

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

A 1132: Allows municipalities to approve provision of traffic control services by law enforcement or certain other construction and work zone personnel for certain road construction projects.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to approve using law enforcement officers or trained construction workers (not just police) to manage traffic during road construction projects on municipal roads with speed limits of 25 mph or lower. It requires the Transportation Commissioner to set minimum training standards for construction workers providing these services. Municipalities, utilities, or contractors must get local governing body approval before employing such personnel. The law takes effect immediately but applies only to projects starting at least 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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

A 968: Allows municipality to establish reserved parking zone on property adjacent to disabled person's residence.

This bill (A-968) allows New Jersey municipalities to create reserved parking zones on property *adjacent* to a residence occupied by a person with a disability, if parking directly in front is prohibited by law or would disrupt traffic flow. It requires the municipality to obtain written consent from the adjacent property owner using a standard form prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Commission, with consent expiring every two years or upon property sale. The bill updates the language from "handicapped" to "person with a disability" in existing law and clarifies that the reserved parking zone reverts to regular use after consent expires unless renewed. This directly affects disabled residents seeking accessible parking and adjacent property owners who must consent to the zone.

Topics ✓ Transportation

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

A 675: Prohibits NJT from making major alterations to rail yards located near certain environmentally sensitive areas.

Bill A-675 prohibits New Jersey Transit (NJT) from making major rail yard modifications - such as adding tracks, building fuel tanks, or upgrading facilities - near environmentally sensitive areas. It specifically applies to rail yards located within coastal zones, within 1,000 feet of wetlands or tidal water bodies, or where water flows into the Barnegat Bay Estuary. NJT must obtain the Governor’s written authorization after consulting the Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA before proceeding with such changes. This law aims to protect ecological areas by requiring environmental review and approvals before rail yard alterations.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Rail

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

AR 80: Urges U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers.

This resolution urges the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to stop using current transportation providers for disabled veterans traveling to New Jersey’s two VA medical centers (in East Orange and Lyons) and instead fund existing county paratransit services or nonprofit organizations like ARC of New Jersey. It directly affects approximately 53,000 disabled veterans in New Jersey who face inadequate transportation, including reports of veterans being stranded for hours or overnight. The key mechanism is redirecting VA funds to expand existing high-quality paratransit networks - already serving seniors and disabled residents - to cover VA medical appointments, rather than relying on underfunded or inconsistent VA-provided services. The resolution has no legal force but requests the VA reconsider its transportation partnerships.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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

A 2686: Prohibits school buses from traveling in left lane of roadway except for turning and emergencies.

This bill prohibits school buses from driving in the left lane of roadways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, except under three specific circumstances: preparing for a left turn (up to one mile), entering/exiting the roadway (up to one mile), or responding to safety emergencies like accidents, poor visibility, or snow. It directly affects school bus operators and drivers who must follow this lane restriction. Violations carry a fine of $100-$300 plus a $50 surcharge. The law amends New Jersey’s traffic code to enhance safety by keeping school buses out of faster-moving left lanes unless necessary for turns or emergencies.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3552: Permits counties to charge a fee to fund infrastructure through voter approval.

S 3552, the "County Self-Help Infrastructure Act," would allow New Jersey counties to propose a fee to fund infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems, but only after voters approve it in a referendum. Counties must hold a vote requiring over 50% approval, with the referendum clearly stating the fee amount, duration, and specific projects. The collected funds would be used exclusively for infrastructure construction within the county, managed by the county governing body. This bill aims to give counties a new tool to address infrastructure needs when state funding is insufficient.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Transportation Funding Tags Local Government

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

A 3269: Requires NJT to implement enhanced security measures at train stations.

This bill (A 3269) requires NJ Transit to survey security measures at all its rail stations, identify deficiencies, and submit a confidential report to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months. NJ Transit must then implement enhanced security screening where appropriate and submit annual updates on security improvements every five years (starting 24 months after the bill's effective date), with all reports remaining confidential. The bill directly affects NJ Transit’s operational procedures and commuter safety at rail stations across New Jersey. It mandates concrete security assessments and reporting without specifying new funding or enforcement mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

All transportation bills