Transportation in New Jersey

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

A 660: Requires certain NJ Transit Corporation employees to undergo criminal history background checks and wear photo identification.

Bill A 660 requires New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) to conduct criminal history background checks on prospective employees who need access to security-sensitive areas (defined as areas critical to facility and operational security). It mandates fingerprinting with written consent, prohibits hiring if disqualifying records exist, and gives applicants 20 days to appeal disqualifications based on record accuracy or rehabilitation. Current security employees must wear visible photo identification cards displaying their name, photo, signature, and employment proof at all times while on duty, and are prohibited from sharing these cards. The bill directly affects NJ Transit security personnel in roles requiring access to sensitive areas.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 2383: Requires MVC to issue special windshield stickers marking electric vehicles exempt from emission inspections.

This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue special windshield stickers for qualifying electric vehicles. Owners of eligible EVs would display these stickers to prove exemption from annual emission inspections. The bill defines "electric vehicle" as one powered solely by electricity without hydrocarbon fuel (excluding plug-in hybrids). It directly affects EV owners by eliminating a required inspection for their vehicles under the new sticker system.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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

A 1867: Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations and for commercial zero emission vehicle fleet conversions.

This bill provides tax credits for businesses purchasing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and converting commercial fleets to zero-emission vehicles. It allows a 50% credit (capped at $1,000 per charging station) for station purchases/installation and up to $100,000 for qualifying zero-emission vehicles based on weight (e.g., $25,000 for under 14,000 lbs). Businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner, including proof of purchase and installation, within 90 days. The credits apply to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, with unused credits carryable for up to seven years. The policy directly affects commercial entities investing in EV infrastructure and fleet transitions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Incentives Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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

A 4398: Requires certain local and State government entities to issue certain emergency and warning light permits.

This bill requires municipalities, counties, and the State Office of Emergency Management to issue standardized permits for emergency warning lights to specific volunteer emergency personnel. It directly affects volunteer fire/rescue teams, emergency management staff, police chiefs, medical examiners, and search/rescue teams (both county and state-recognized). The key mechanism mandates that permits be issued by the applicant's service location (municipality, county, or state office) in a form prescribed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, replacing prior inconsistent rules. The bill updates existing permit requirements to clarify eligibility and streamline the application process for emergency responders.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Tags Emergency Management

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

A 2857: Authorizes certain emergency coordinators to operate emergency lights on vehicles.

This bill expands eligibility for volunteer emergency personnel to legally operate emergency warning lights on their personal vehicles during emergency responses. It specifically authorizes county emergency management coordinators, deputy coordinators, and volunteer fire/rescue members (including those in municipal volunteer organizations) to mount and use red emergency lights and sirens, as previously limited to fire company chiefs. Key provisions require obtaining identification cards from the Motor Vehicle Commission, mandate specific light placement (max two red lights on roof or windshield columns), and specify lights must only be used while responding to active emergency calls. The bill also clarifies that operators must still obey all traffic laws, with other drivers required to yield as they would for official emergency vehicles. This is a procedural update to existing vehicle lighting regulations, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Tags Emergency Management

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

A 543: Requires school bus drivers to submit to biannual testing for drugs and alcohol.

This bill requires all school bus drivers in New Jersey - employed by public school districts, private schools, or parochial schools - to undergo unannounced drug and alcohol testing twice each school year. It mandates testing for alcohol, narcotics, and habit-producing drugs under state law, with results reported to the employer (school board or contractor). Drivers who test positive, refuse testing, or are disqualified by the Commissioner of Education lose immediate eligibility to operate school buses, though they can challenge test results through a formal appeal process. The law applies to all drivers transporting students and requires employers to verify testing compliance annually with county superintendents.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

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

A 274: Increases fines for failing to have required markings on commercial vehicles.

This bill increases penalties for commercial vehicle owners who fail to display required markings. It mandates that commercial vehicles conspicuously show the owner's name and principal business municipality in at least three-inch-high text. The fine structure changes from $10 per violation to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses. Proceeds from these fines will fund state road repairs, as specified in the amended statute. The bill directly affects commercial vehicle operators and owners who do not comply with the marking requirements.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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

A 3605: Supplemental appropriation of $1 million from General Fund to DHS for Larc Norcross School Special Needs Adult Program transportation.

This bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services (DHS) specifically for transportation costs associated with the Larc Norcross School Special Needs Adult Program. The program serves adults over age 21 with disabilities who have transitioned out of school-based services, providing daily care, therapy, and social activities. The funding addresses a gap where Medicaid transportation coverage is insufficient, ensuring participants have reliable access to these services. The appropriation is a supplemental addition to the existing fiscal year 2026 budget (P.L.2025, c.74), effective immediately.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Medicaid

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

A 703: Requires law enforcement officers to issue preliminary suspension of driver's license for certain drunk driving offenses.

This New Jersey bill requires police to immediately suspend a driver's license (or out-of-state driving privilege) when arresting someone for certain drunk driving offenses, including driving while intoxicated, refusing a breath test, or, for drivers under 21, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% to 0.08%. Officers must confiscate the license (unless issued by another state), forward documents to the Motor Vehicle Commission, and notify the driver of their right to request a hearing within 10 days. The hearing, held within 10 days by an administrative judge, determines if the initial arrest was justified before the suspension continues pending court proceedings. The temporary suspension period counts toward any final license penalty imposed by a court after conviction.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Courts Judges Law Enforcement Driver Licensing

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

A 3916: Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

This bill establishes a $20 million annual financing program through New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank to help school districts replace diesel school buses with electric ones and install charging infrastructure. It directs the Infrastructure Bank to provide loans and financial assistance to school districts, prioritizing those in "overburdened communities" as defined by state law. School districts must complete energy assessments comparing costs and environmental benefits of electric buses before receiving funding. The program uses existing societal benefits charge revenues, federal funds, and loan repayments to sustain the initiative without requiring new state taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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