Transportation in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 928: Requires NJT to establish pilot program to support commuting needs of residents in Cumberland and Cape May counties to Atlantic City.

S 928 requires NJ Transit to create a two-year pilot program providing additional bus service between Cumberland and Cape May counties and Atlantic City for commuters. The program must include user-friendly access policies to reduce barriers and track ridership through ticket sales. After the pilot, NJ Transit must submit a report analyzing the program's success (based on ticket sales), alternative transportation options, costs, feasibility of expansion, and recommendations for future service. The report will inform whether permanent bus routes should continue. This directly affects residents commuting from these counties to Atlantic City jobs.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 881: Permits designation of special event zones for traffic regulation purposes during certain large events.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities, counties, and the Department of Transportation to create "special event zones" during large automotive events (defined as gatherings with 25+ attendees). Within these zones, authorities can temporarily lower speed limits for safety and ban "exhibition driving" (dangerous maneuvers like burnouts or skidding). Violations of traffic rules in these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, with stricter penalties for offenses like speeding or reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable time before and after, requiring clear signage to inform drivers.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2497: Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.

This bill requires New Jersey's state-managed limited access highways to have posted speed limits based on the speed at which 85% of vehicles travel, as determined through traffic engineering studies. It mandates that the Commissioner of Transportation set speed limits using this 85th percentile standard rather than default limits, applying only to highways designated as "eligible limited access highways" under state jurisdiction. The law repeals prior provisions (P.L.1997, c.415) and specifies that speed limits must be set through documented engineering analysis, including speed surveys. This directly affects state highway authorities and drivers on these specific highways, replacing fixed speed limits with data-driven standards.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1355: Requires NJT to establish a transportation network company pilot program in certain counties.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to create a three-year pilot program in Morris and Middlesex counties, partnering with ride-hailing companies (like Uber or Lyft) to provide prearranged rides for eligible residents. Eligible riders - Morris or Middlesex County residents - can access flat-rate rides through the program to reach NJT bus, rail, or light-rail stations on workdays. The program includes reduced transit fares for riders who use the pilot service to connect to NJT, with proof of participation required. The goal is to improve access to transit in areas where regular service is unavailable, using ride-hailing as a supplemental transportation tool.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1378: Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems.

This bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 97: Criminalizes fourth or subsequent drunk driving offenses.

This bill makes fourth or subsequent drunk driving convictions a criminal offense (third degree) instead of a traffic violation, imposing fines up to $15,000 and 3-5 years in prison. It mandates a 10-year driver’s license suspension for repeat offenders, extending to 20 years if the offense occurs near schools (e.g., on school property, within 1,000 feet, or at school crosswalks). Additionally, offenders must complete alcohol education programs, mental health evaluations, and pay a $100 fee to fund these services.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 994: Creates new motor vehicle offense of engaging in pattern of aggressive driving.

This bill creates a new motor vehicle offense called "engaging in a pattern of aggressive driving" for drivers who commit specific dangerous behaviors in a single continuous drive. It directly affects drivers who, within five miles, perform two different aggressive driving acts (like speeding 25+ mph over the limit, tailgating, erratic lane changes, or unsafe passing) or three of the same act. Penalties include license suspension (15-30 days for first offense, 60-90 days or fines up to $3,000 for repeat offenses or those causing injury/death) or mandatory education classes, with prosecutors barred from offering plea deals to lesser charges. The bill also requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to run public awareness campaigns and report annual enforcement data on this offense.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2120: Requires omnibus drivers to inspect bus at end of route for passengers with disabilities.

This bill requires bus drivers in New Jersey to visually inspect their vehicles at the end of each route to ensure no passenger with a disability was left behind. It directly affects commercial bus drivers who violate this rule, facing penalties including a one-month license suspension for a first offense, six months for a second, and permanent revocation for a third offense. If a passenger with a disability is harmed due to the driver’s gross negligence, the license is permanently revoked. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must record violations in drivers’ commercial license files and report them to the federal Commercial Driver License Information System.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 49: Urges Congress to establish national infrastructure bank.

This Senate resolution (SR 49) urges Congress to pass H.R.3339, which would establish a national infrastructure bank to address significant funding gaps for large-scale infrastructure projects. The proposed bank would generate capital by selling U.S. Treasury bonds to private investors, then lend funds to state and local governments for projects like roads, bridges, broadband, and energy systems. It directly affects states and municipalities by providing a dedicated, long-term funding source for infrastructure modernization, which the resolution cites as critical due to aging systems and climate-related strain (e.g., New Jersey’s 29% of roads in poor condition). The resolution emphasizes that current funding mechanisms are insufficient, and the bank model is used by other nations and historically by the U.S. for major economic investments.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Bridges Transportation Funding

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1235: Establishes pilot program in Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for certain expenditures concerning warehouse development; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a $1 million pilot program to reimburse New Jersey municipalities for costs related to updating zoning rules for warehouse development. Municipalities can get reimbursed for reexamining master plans, adopting warehouse-specific zoning ordinances, or conducting studies on potential impacts like traffic or infrastructure strain. To qualify, municipalities must adopt ordinances aligned with state guidance and a model ordinance developed by the Office of Planning Advocacy. The program expires after a final report evaluates its effectiveness and fund usage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

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