Transportation in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1070: Requires video camera on certain school buses with crossing control arms.

S 1070 requires all new or used school buses purchased after enactment to have video cameras installed near their crossing control arms (stop arms). This affects school districts, nonpublic schools, and school bus contractors who must comply with the camera requirement within 37 months. The cameras must be approved by the Motor Vehicle Commission and are intended to help enforce laws against vehicles passing stopped school buses while children are boarding or exiting. Schools must also report to the Commissioner of Education within 37 months which buses have these cameras installed.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 50: Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate revenues from additional registration fee for zero emission vehicles to State transportation system.

SCR 50 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require any additional registration fee imposed on zero-emission vehicles (like electric cars) to be dedicated exclusively to New Jersey's transportation system starting July 1, 2025. It does not create the fee itself but mandates that if such a fee is implemented, all revenue from it must be deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund for transportation projects (e.g., roads, bridges, transit). The amendment ensures these funds cannot be used for any other purpose, such as general state spending. This applies only to fees on zero-emission vehicles, not standard registration fees for all vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2305: Requires vehicle manufacturers to provide real-time access to motor vehicle data to vehicle owners and representatives.

This bill requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and their authorized representatives (like mechanics) with real-time, free access to vehicle data such as speed, location, crash information, and brake performance. Owners can request this data in a machine-readable format without fees, decryption requirements, or needing manufacturer-provided tools. It directly affects vehicle owners seeking to access their own vehicle data for repairs, personal use, or safety verification. The law mandates that manufacturers share this data as collected by the vehicle's systems, excluding audio/video recordings.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1195: Requires school buses transporting students with special needs to be equipped with certain safety features.

This bill requires all school buses transporting students with special needs in New Jersey to install two safety features: (1) an electronic seat belt alert system that audibly and visually notifies drivers if any seat belt is unfastened during motion, and (2) unique barcodes on the bus interior/exterior that drivers scan after trips to confirm no students were left behind. It directly affects school bus operators and drivers serving special needs students. The Commissioner of Education will develop implementation rules with the Motor Vehicle Commission, and the law takes effect six months after enactment. The bill aims to prevent accidents and ensure student safety during transportation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Transportation Public Transit Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1216: Requires DOT to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure in design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure - such as pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales - in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways funded by the Special Transportation Fund. It mandates DOT to establish a program that uses these methods to reduce stormwater runoff by treating water through vegetation or soil, where practical. The law applies specifically to highway projects using funds from the designated transportation budget and takes effect immediately. It does not change funding levels but directs how existing funds must be allocated for stormwater management.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Water Quality Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2366: Sets vehicle miles traveled reduction targets; establishes "Vehicle Miles Traveled Advisory Commission."

This bill sets statewide targets to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2035 (10% per capita, 3% statewide) and 2050 (20% per capita, 8.5% statewide) compared to 2019 levels. It creates the "Vehicle Miles Traveled Advisory Commission," composed of state agency leaders and public members with expertise in transportation, active mobility, and smart growth planning. The commission will track progress, review state plans, and submit annual reports with policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for transportation, environmental protection, and community planning, aiming to reduce emissions and transportation costs - particularly for lower-income households - through more compact development and active transportation infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2342: Requires DOT to ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to disabled drivers.

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.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2931: Establishes requirements for on-demand micro transit programs operating in NJ.

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 845: Establishes EDA grant program to support increased business expenses incurred by certain businesses impacted by certain public highway projects; appropriates $1 million.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics State Budget Roads & Highways

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

All transportation bills