This bill requires new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in New Jersey to be accessible to drivers with disabilities within 18 months of the law's effective date. It mandates specific physical features, including 11-foot-wide charging spaces with 5-foot access aisles, clear floor space meeting ADA standards, and accessible communication features like touchscreens or audio interfaces. The law applies to all new EV charging installations and gives the Department of Transportation authority to require existing stations to comply where feasible. The bill directly affects EV charging station operators and ensures disabled drivers - using wheelchairs, canes, or mobility devices - can independently use charging stations.
S 2931 establishes rules for on-demand micro transit programs in New Jersey, which are technology-enabled shared rides (via app or phone) that pick up and drop off users at selected locations. It directly affects NJ Transit, county transit agencies, and other operators by requiring them to: pay drivers fairly (matching existing wages/benefits), serve transit deserts without replacing existing routes, provide non-smartphone access, ensure disability accessibility, and report monthly data (cost per ride, wait times, etc.) for publicly funded programs. The bill creates a Micro Transit Oversight Committee to certify programs meet these standards before operation. Key mechanisms include mandatory driver licensing, prohibitions on replacing existing transit, and data transparency requirements for public funding.
S 845 creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse small retail businesses for increased operating costs caused by public highway projects. It directly affects small businesses (≤50 employees) located in areas immediately surrounding highway construction zones where traffic flow is blocked or access is restricted. The program reimburses the difference between normal business expenses and increased costs during the project's duration ("relief period"), requiring applicants to document pre-project expenses and project-related financial impacts. Funds are appropriated from the General Fund, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis as long as money remains available. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
This bill requires all school bus drivers in New Jersey (for public, private, or parochial schools) to undergo unannounced drug and alcohol testing twice each school year, in addition to existing medical requirements. Drivers who fail the test or refuse testing become immediately ineligible to operate school buses. The Commissioner of Education must establish disqualification criteria and an appeal process allowing drivers to challenge inaccurate test results before termination. The bill also mandates that school districts and contractors submit proof of this testing to county superintendents annually.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
