Transportation (Roads & Highways) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 778: Authorizes schools to administer commercial driver license exam and other motor vehicle services for school bus drivers.

S 778 authorizes New Jersey school districts to administer specific motor vehicle services for prospective school bus drivers, including knowledge tests, license manuals, identification verification, fee processing, and endorsement applications. It does not permit schools to conduct road tests, which must still be handled by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The bill requires the MVC to develop rules and coordinate with school districts to implement this program, streamlining access to licensing for school bus drivers. This change directly affects school districts, prospective school bus drivers, and the MVC's administrative process.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1737: Allows utility task vehicles used for farm operation to travel on public roadways.

This bill (S 1737) allows farmers to register utility task vehicles - defined as four-wheel off-road vehicles with seating for the operator and passengers - for use on New Jersey public roadways. It requires a $5 annual registration fee for these vehicles, which must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem and comply with safety rules (e.g., no operation between sunset and sunrise without proper lighting). The bill directly affects farmers who use such vehicles for farm operations, expanding current registration rules that previously applied only to tractors and farm machinery. Key provisions include safety equipment requirements, restrictions on nighttime travel, and exemptions for snow removal under municipal contracts.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 520: Increases penalties for failing to secure a child in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat while operating a motor vehicle.

This bill increases penalties for drivers who fail to secure children in car seats or booster seats. For a first offense, fines rise from $50-$75 to $100, with courts waiving the fine if the driver shows they own a car seat. Second or subsequent offenses carry fines of $250-$500. It also creates a fund where $25 from each fine will be used to buy car seats for distribution programs through New Jersey's Highway Traffic Safety Division.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2755: Requires DOT to assume responsibility for improvements and operations and maintenance of Palisades Interstate Parkway.

This bill (S 2755) transfers responsibility for operating, maintaining, and improving the Palisades Interstate Parkway within New Jersey from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT). It applies specifically to the parkway’s portions located in New Jersey, not the entire route. The DOT would assume these duties, though the Commission could still perform work under a written contract with the DOT, which would cover all costs through payments to the Commission. Currently, the Commission handles all operations and maintenance, making this a significant shift in agency responsibility.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 14: Urges Congress to pass "Safe and Open Streets Act."

This is a Senate resolution (SR 14) urging Congress to pass the "Safe and Open Streets Act" (pending as S.3492/H.R.6926). The resolution states the Act would make it a federal crime to intentionally block public roads or highways to obstruct commerce or delay movement of goods. It cites disruptions from protests - like those in New York City and Los Angeles - as justification, noting such blockages endanger people, disrupt emergency services, and divert law enforcement resources. The resolution itself does not create law but formally requests Congress enact the proposed federal criminal penalty.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1835: Reallocates fines incurred for violations of "Antwan's Law" to local municipality for pedestrian safety and law enforcement purposes.

This bill redirects fines for speeding violations under "Antwan's Law" in specific Burlington City zones (Route 130) to local municipalities. Currently, these tripled fines go to general municipal funds and county road funds, but this bill requires all such fines to be paid directly into the municipality's treasury. The funds must be used exclusively for pedestrian safety initiatives and law enforcement purposes within the municipality. It affects drivers who speed in the designated Burlington City areas covered by Antwan's Law, which reduces speed limits to 25-35 mph near schools and residential zones following a pedestrian fatality.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1730: Requires DOT to consult Department of Agriculture and County Agriculture Development Boards when developing transportation capital project list.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to consult with the Department of Agriculture and local County Agriculture Development Boards when creating the state's annual transportation capital project list. It mandates DOT to develop a method for incorporating identified agricultural transportation needs - such as road conditions affecting farm access - into its project evaluation systems. The policy directly affects New Jersey's agricultural community by ensuring farming infrastructure needs are considered in transportation planning. This change aims to support farm viability through better-connected infrastructure, without altering existing funding levels or project selection criteria.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Tags Agriculture

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 510: Requires dealerships to notify buyers of recalls on used motor vehicles for sales; limits attorneys' fees in certain consumer actions.

This bill requires used car dealers to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for open recalls using a vehicle’s VIN before selling it. If recalls exist, dealers must inform buyers and provide printed recall details; they cannot sell vehicles with active "stop sale" or "do not drive" orders. The bill also limits attorneys’ fees in consumer lawsuits under the Consumer Fraud Act to either $1,000 or one-third of awarded damages, whichever is lower. It applies to dealers selling used vehicles at retail (excluding wholesale or junkyard sales), directly protecting buyers from purchasing unsafe vehicles and capping legal costs in fraud cases.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 344: Clarifies crime of highway and public passage obstruction and increases penalties.

This bill clarifies and increases penalties for obstructing highways or public passages in New Jersey. It separates reckless obstruction (now a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 fine) from purposeful obstruction that affects commerce (now a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine). The bill also specifies that gathering to hear speech or communicate does not alone constitute obstruction, and makes it a violation to refuse a reasonable official order to move from a public passage. It directly affects individuals who block roads or public areas, whether alone or in groups, and updates existing penalties from current petty disorderly offense standards.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Roads & Highways

All transportation bills