Transportation (Roads & Highways) in New Jersey

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 2481: Establishes recycling program for unused road sign posts.

New Jersey's Bill A 2481 requires the Department of Transportation to create a program recycling road sign posts unused for over a year. It mandates identifying these posts, setting up municipal collection points, tracking recycled materials, and using recycled content for new signs. The program must seek funding and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing recycled quantities, program improvements, and environmental benefits. This directly affects the Department of Transportation and local municipalities managing road infrastructure. The bill focuses on diverting waste from landfills through a structured recycling system.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Recycling Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 3707: Establishes EDA grant program to support increased business expenses incurred by certain businesses impacted by certain public highway projects; provides 50 percent sales and use tax exemption in impacted municipalities; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse small retail businesses (with 50 or fewer employees) for increased operating costs caused by public highway projects. It also provides a 50% sales and use tax exemption for eligible businesses in municipalities affected by these projects. The grants cover the difference between a business's normal operating expenses and the increased costs during the project's duration, requiring documentation of both periods. The program is funded by a $1 million appropriation, with applications reviewed by the EDA using criteria defined in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations Sales Tax Tax Incentives Roads & Highways

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

A 2915: Concerns certain county and municipal farm roadway improvement projects; establishes "Local Farm Roadway Improvement Fund."

This bill creates a "Local Farm Roadway Improvement Fund" to help counties and municipalities fund road projects that address traffic disruptions caused by farm equipment. It allows local governments to apply for grants or loans from this fund to improve roads where slow-moving farm vehicles (like tractors) frequently disrupt traffic flow, such as by adding wider shoulders or designated passing areas. The fund is financed using 7% of existing state highway funds allocated annually, as specified in amended transportation law. The bill directly affects rural communities with agricultural activity and aims to improve safety and traffic efficiency for farm operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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 Feb 19, 2026

A 4097: Increases penalty for reckless vehicular homicide committed when driving while intoxicated under certain circumstances.

This bill increases the penalty for causing death by reckless driving when the driver was intoxicated (drunk or high) or had a suspended license for a DUI. It elevates the crime to a first-degree offense (instead of second-degree) if the death occurs within 1,000 feet of school property, at a school crossing, or in a highway construction zone. The law requires a hearing to prove intoxication, and a convicted driver must serve a minimum prison term of at least one-third to one-half of their sentence or three years, without parole eligibility during that time. It directly affects drivers convicted of causing death while driving under the influence in these specific locations.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Violent Crime Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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

A 3405: Requires DOT to implement complete streets policy that considers persons with certain disabilities.

New Jersey's A3405 requires the Department of Transportation to adopt a complete streets policy for all new and rebuilt highway and public transit projects, ensuring safe access for all users including people with disabilities. It specifically mandates that projects consider the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to enable independent travel. The policy requires the DOT to develop universal design concepts and implementation guidance for these accessibility features in all planning, construction, and maintenance activities.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Public Transit Roads & Highways Tags People with Disabilities

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

A 1450: Revises formula for State aid to municipalities and counties for public highway projects.

This bill revises how New Jersey allocates state funds for public highway projects to municipalities and counties. It establishes a new formula based on factors like county population, municipal road mileage, evacuation routes, and flood plain locations to determine funding distribution. The bill specifies that 37.5% of annual highway funds must go to municipalities under this formula, with additional fixed amounts set aside for specific programs (like the Local Aid Infrastructure Fund, Local Freight Impact Fund, and Local Bridges Fund). The formula also requires prioritizing projects based on traffic volume, safety, and whether they address hazardous conditions for school routes or pedestrian safety. This directly affects all New Jersey municipalities and counties managing public road infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

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

A 3927: Requires DOT to study ability of each public highway to accommodate additional weight of electric vehicles.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to study whether the state's public roads can safely support the heavier weight of electric vehicles (EVs). Within six months of the bill's effective date, the DOT must examine each highway to determine its capacity for EV weight, recommend improvements, and rank all highways from least to most capable. The DOT must then report findings to the Governor and Legislature, and prioritize highway projects addressing the least capable roads in the state's annual transportation funding plan. Additionally, any highway project seeking state funding must certify it will enable the road to accommodate EV weight.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Freight Roads & Highways

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

A 1546: Requires underground structural assessment prior to commencing public highway or public transportation projects within close proximity to operating or retired mines.

This bill requires underground structural assessments before starting public highway or transit projects near operating or retired mines in New Jersey. It directly affects transportation projects (like roads, bridges, or transit lines) in areas with known or potential mine hazards, particularly in northern and central counties. The key mechanism mandates the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to develop guidance on mine proximity risks and require assessments to prevent subsidence-related damage, with the Department of Transportation coordinating the process. The law aims to prevent infrastructure failures like recent sinkholes on I-80 by making safety evaluations mandatory before construction begins.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

All transportation bills