Transportation in New Jersey

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

A 3697: Requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be insured and registered with MVC; requires MVC to develop safety training module for registration.

This bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters (defined as vehicles under 25 mph) to maintain insurance and register with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Owners must complete an MVC-developed online safety training module as part of registration, and vehicles must display a registration label. The law does not require operators to have a driver's license. Registration expires after 11 months, and the MVC will maintain records of all registrations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Electric Vehicles

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

A 1717: Revises mileage limit for mandatory school transportation for students.

This bill lowers the mandatory school transportation mileage thresholds in New Jersey: elementary students living more than 1.5 miles from school and secondary students living more than 1.5 miles must now qualify for district-provided transportation (down from 2 miles and 2.5 miles, respectively). It allows school districts to optionally provide transportation for students living closer than these new limits, with parents potentially paying costs. Parents may also formally waive transportation services for the school year, though districts must create hardship policies for affected families. The bill includes a cost cap of $675 annually (adjusted for inflation) for transportation to nonpublic schools within 20 miles, with districts covering costs if bids stay under this limit.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Transportation

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

A 1868: "New Jersey Transit Villages Act."

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Transit Villages Act," which encourages municipalities to create designated "transit villages" centered around mass transit hubs. It requires local governments to amend their master plans to include specific provisions for compact, mixed-use development within half-mile zones of transit stops, featuring higher density housing, reduced parking for cars, improved bike/pedestrian access, and shared parking. The policy directly affects New Jersey municipalities by changing land-use planning requirements to prioritize transit-oriented development. Key mechanisms include mandating transit village plan elements as supplements to master plans and requiring updated official maps to reflect these zones. The goal is to increase transit ridership, reduce traffic congestion, and support smart growth principles outlined in state planning guidelines.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

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

A 4146: Establishes Transportation Authority of New Jersey and transfers certain powers, duties, and oversight of certain transportation entities and DOT to Transportation Authority of New Jersey.

This bill establishes the Transportation Authority of New Jersey (TANJ) to assume the powers, duties, and oversight of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey Transit Corporation, and New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, as well as certain transportation planning functions currently managed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT). The TANJ will be governed by a board appointed by the Governor, including a chair who also serves as CEO, 16 voting members, and two non-voting members, operating independently of the DOT. The transfer of responsibilities will occur on the "Transfer Date" when TANJ certifies to the Governor and Legislature that it has assumed all necessary functions. This consolidation directly affects the three transportation entities and the DOT by centralizing their operations under the new authority.

Topics ✓ Transportation

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

A 650: Requires police notification when driver license is suspended.

This bill (A 650) requires police to forward accident investigation reports to New Jersey's driver license authority within 72 hours after a fatal crash. It directly affects drivers involved in crashes resulting in death, law enforcement agencies, and the state's licensing department. The key provision mandates that police submit these reports promptly, enabling the licensing authority to process license suspensions or revocations more quickly for drivers involved in fatal collisions. The bill does not change the suspension process itself but accelerates the reporting step that triggers it.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

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

A 931: Requires NJTA to implement certain roadside maintenance safety policies.

This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) to implement specific safety policies for employees performing roadside maintenance. It mandates that NJTA employees must not use power tools in rain during non-emergency work, must take all available precautions (like warning signs and message boards) during emergency work in bad weather, must use gas-powered equipment only in daylight (except emergencies), and must use portable light towers for nighttime maintenance. These policies directly affect NJTA maintenance workers and take effect immediately upon enactment. The bill focuses solely on operational safety standards without altering broader transportation policies.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

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

A 1461: Requires MVC to provide certain vehicle and licensing services in each county in State.

This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide both vehicle registration services (like license plates and ownership certificates) and driver licensing services (like driver's licenses and ID cards) in every county. Specifically, the MVC must operate either separate agencies for each service type in every county, or a single agency handling both services per county. The bill mandates this change to ensure all New Jersey residents can access these essential services locally, rather than traveling to centralized locations. It takes effect three months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3548: Provides license renewal fee relief for businesses and individuals impacted by public highway projects.

This bill provides free license renewals for professionals (like doctors or lawyers) and small retail businesses operating in areas disrupted by active highway construction projects. Businesses and professionals affected by reduced traffic or access due to highway work can apply for a fee waiver during the project's active period. To qualify, they must prove significant income loss from the construction and submit required documentation. The waiver covers renewal fees for licenses regulated under Title 45 or the Division of Revenue, ending when the highway project concludes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration Tags Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3675: "Road to Relief Act"; establishes EDA grant program to support increased transportation expenses incurred by certain commuters, employees, and businesses impacted by certain public highway projects, including ongoing Interstate 80 project; appropriates $1 million.

The "Road to Relief Act" (S 3675) creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse increased transportation costs for specific groups affected by highway projects. It directly assists commuters, full-time retail business employees, and retail businesses operating within areas blocked by highway construction (like the ongoing Interstate 80 project), during the project's active period. Applicants must document their regular pre-project transportation expenses and prove increased costs during the "relief period" caused by the project. Grants cover the difference between these costs, paid as a reimbursement based on submitted evidence. The program is limited to $1 million in total funding.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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

A 2740: Requires certain high-traffic facilities to obtain permit from DEP and annually implement measures to reduce air pollution caused by facility.

This proposed New Jersey bill (A 2740) requires large warehouses and distribution facilities - specifically those generating 50+ daily truck trips or exceeding 50,000-100,000 sq. ft. - to obtain annual permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and implement yearly measures to reduce air pollution from truck traffic. Key provisions include a 2050 deadline for zero emissions (via solutions like electric trucks or solar power), shorter 3-year permits for facilities near overburdened communities, and a points-based system for tracking pollution-reduction efforts. The bill directly affects major logistics hubs in or near communities already facing disproportionate pollution impacts, mandating DEP oversight and community input for permit renewals. It aims to address localized air quality issues missed by broader monitoring, focusing on high-traffic facilities as priority targets.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Air Quality

All transportation bills