Transportation (Driver Licensing) 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 1915: "Securing Access to Funding for Educating Drivers (SAFE) Act"; establishes NJ Behind-The-Wheel Driver Education Scholarship Program; appropriates $1 million.

The SAFE Act (S 1915) creates a New Jersey scholarship program to help low-income teens aged 16-17 cover the cost of a required six-hour behind-the-wheel driver education course. It appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund to provide scholarships covering the full course cost or $500 (whichever is less) for eligible residents from households at or below twice the federal poverty level. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, pass a written driving exam, and meet income requirements. The program, administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission, will award scholarships on a rolling basis as funds allow, with annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics State Budget Student Financial Aid Driver Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1870: Establishes young driver program for commercial driver licenses.

This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to create a program helping young drivers (likely under 25) obtain commercial driver licenses (CDLs). The program must assist young drivers in getting CDLs, promote awareness of CDL benefits, and connect participants with trucking industry job opportunities. The Commission must report annually on participation numbers, CDL completions, and employment outcomes under the program. It directly affects young drivers seeking CDLs and the commercial trucking industry recruiting new workers. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1545: Criminalizes fifth or subsequent drunk driving offenses.

This bill (S 1545) makes a fifth or subsequent drunk driving conviction a criminal offense (third degree) in New Jersey, rather than a traffic violation. It imposes a 10-year driver’s license suspension for repeat offenders, extending to 20 years if the offense occurs near schools (within 1,000 feet of school property, at designated school crossings, or where juveniles are present). Convicted individuals must complete alcohol education programs and pay a $100 fee, with failure to comply risking additional jail time. The bill directly affects individuals with multiple DUI convictions, particularly those driving in school zones.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1549: Allows persons diagnosed with autism to voluntarily enter medical information in MVC database and make notation on driver's licenses, permits, and non-driver identification cards.

This bill allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to voluntarily report their diagnosis to New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). They can add a special notation to their driver's license, permit, or ID card by submitting the information online, by mail, or when applying for a license. The notation is kept confidential - exclusively for use by law enforcement during traffic stops to help officers communicate effectively - and cannot be accessed by the public or other agencies. The program mirrors an existing system for diabetes notations but applies specifically to autism diagnoses.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2447: Requires school bus drivers to submit to biannual testing for drugs and alcohol.

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 97: Criminalizes fourth or subsequent drunk driving offenses.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 994: Creates new motor vehicle offense of engaging in pattern of aggressive driving.

This bill creates a new motor vehicle offense called "engaging in a pattern of aggressive driving" for drivers who commit specific dangerous behaviors in a single continuous drive. It directly affects drivers who, within five miles, perform two different aggressive driving acts (like speeding 25+ mph over the limit, tailgating, erratic lane changes, or unsafe passing) or three of the same act. Penalties include license suspension (15-30 days for first offense, 60-90 days or fines up to $3,000 for repeat offenses or those causing injury/death) or mandatory education classes, with prosecutors barred from offering plea deals to lesser charges. The bill also requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to run public awareness campaigns and report annual enforcement data on this offense.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2120: Requires omnibus drivers to inspect bus at end of route for passengers with disabilities.

This bill requires bus drivers in New Jersey to visually inspect their vehicles at the end of each route to ensure no passenger with a disability was left behind. It directly affects commercial bus drivers who violate this rule, facing penalties including a one-month license suspension for a first offense, six months for a second, and permanent revocation for a third offense. If a passenger with a disability is harmed due to the driver’s gross negligence, the license is permanently revoked. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must record violations in drivers’ commercial license files and report them to the federal Commercial Driver License Information System.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

All transportation bills