Transportation (Vehicle Registration) in New Jersey

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

A 4158: Prohibits use of license plate flipping device; increases penalty for displaying fictitious registration plate number in certain circumstances.

This bill (A4158) bans the use of "license plate flipping devices" (tools that allow drivers to quickly switch between two license plates) and increases penalties for drivers who display fake or fictitious registration numbers. It directly affects drivers who attempt to evade traffic violations by using these devices or falsifying plate numbers. The key provision amends New Jersey law to specifically prohibit the flipping devices and raise fines for fake plate displays in certain situations. The bill focuses on enhancing traffic safety enforcement by closing a loophole used to avoid citations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3265: Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue classic license plates replicating designs from 1979-1991 for eligible vehicle owners. Vehicle owners applying for these plates pay a $50 one-time fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee, with all additional fees deposited into the state's "Special Transportation Fund" for road projects. Initial program costs are covered by private donations (capped at $25,000) and pre-paid applications, requiring 500 completed applications before implementation. The bill directly affects NJ vehicle owners seeking nostalgic plates while directing fees toward transportation infrastructure funding.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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

A 1243: Grants municipal courts discretion to assess court costs for certain dismissals.

This bill (A 1243) allows New Jersey municipal courts to charge court costs for traffic violations (Title 39) dismissed through plea agreements. It directly affects people charged with traffic offenses who resolve cases via such agreements. The key provision permits courts to assess specific fees: $2 per violation (to the Automated Traffic System Fund), $0.50 per fine (to the Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund), and $3 per violation (to the Automated Traffic System Modernization Fund), up to a $33 total. These fees, previously only applied to unresolved cases, are now extendable to dismissed charges under the court's discretion. The change shifts some court funding responsibility from local taxpayers to those with dismissed traffic violations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

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

A 3936: Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates.

Bill A 3936 authorizes New Jersey to issue classic license plates (replicating designs from 1979-1991) for registered motor vehicles. Vehicle owners must pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee on top of standard registration costs. The fees collected will fund state transportation projects through the "Special Transportation Fund," while initial program costs (like design and production) must be covered by non-public donations up to $25,000 and require at least 500 initial applications before plates can be issued.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 3349: Requires driver's manual to include information on driver's rights and responsibilities during police stop.

S 3349 requires the New Jersey driver's manual to include new information on carbon monoxide dangers and vehicle maintenance, sharing the road safely with pedestrians and cyclists, and safety procedures for non-motorized vehicles. This amendment applies to all new editions of the manual distributed to applicants for driver's licenses and license renewals. The Motor Vehicle Commission must add these topics to future versions, though existing copies may be distributed until the new manual is printed. The bill text does not include provisions about police stops, despite the title and synopsis suggesting this focus.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

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

A 2045: Requires notice of motor vehicle safety recalls upon inspection and registration of motor vehicle; requires motor vehicle manufacturers to pay annual fee to MVC.

This bill requires motor vehicle inspection facilities and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to check for open safety recalls (from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) during vehicle inspections and registration, then provide written notice to the owner. The notice must describe each recall and state that repairs can be done at no cost by approved dealers, except as specified by federal law. Owners must complete all required repairs before the next registration renewal, or the MVC may deny renewal - though exceptions apply if parts are unavailable or hardship is proven. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, inspection facilities, and the MVC, ensuring timely recall repairs through registration requirements.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

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

A 1145: Requires passenger vehicles to undergo safety inspection for equipment and credentials that affect safe operation of vehicle.

This bill requires passenger vehicles registered in New Jersey to undergo annual safety inspections covering specific equipment and owner documentation. It directly affects owners of passenger vehicles (excluding motorcycles, historic vehicles, and heavy trucks over 8,500 pounds) by mandating checks for safety features like headlights, brakes, tires, seatbelts, and functional equipment such as horns and stoplights. Owners must also present valid driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and active insurance policies during inspections. The law updates existing vehicle inspection requirements to standardize safety checks and documentation verification at official or licensed inspection facilities.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 2380: Requires creation of license plates that allow disabled veterans to park in parking spots reserved for persons with disabilities.

This bill requires New Jersey to issue special license plates for veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected disabilities. The plates, displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol, allow these veterans to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing additional permits or placards. The plates are free, non-transferable, and must be displayed on the vehicle while parked. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the plate. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet federal VA certification criteria.

Topics ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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

A 1494: Expands purpose of Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by eligible individuals in accessing support group meetings.

This bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals attending support group meetings. It directly affects residents of New Jersey with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who need transportation to access these meetings - defined as gatherings where individuals share information and support each other's well-being. The fund, currently financed by a $0.50 motor vehicle registration surcharge, will now include this transportation as a covered expense alongside existing medical and treatment-related travel. This change builds on the fund's existing role of providing financial assistance for post-acute care when other resources are unavailable.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

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

A 1116: Establishes motor vehicle insurance compliance programs; allows law enforcement agencies to utilize license plate readers to enforce motor vehicle insurance requirements.

This bill creates a program enabling New Jersey counties and municipalities to use automated license plate readers to enforce motor vehicle insurance requirements. Law enforcement can access a centralized database (once 90% of auto insurers submit data) to identify uninsured vehicles, using a sworn affidavit as probable cause for prosecution. It also establishes a diversion program where prosecutors may defer charges if drivers obtain insurance within six months, with a $245 surcharge partially funding the program. The law requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to verify database readiness before implementation and restricts data use solely to insurance enforcement.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

All transportation bills