New Jersey Assembly Bill A107

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes motor vehicle registration for street rods and custom motor vehicles.

Impact

The enactment of A107 would introduce exemptions for street rods and custom vehicles regarding certain inspection requirements. These vehicles would not need to comply with regular vehicle inspections that apply to standard vehicles as defined under state law. Moreover, specific equipment modifications that may have been mandated under past regulations will no longer be required for these vehicles as long as they remain compliant under the criteria and conditions set by the bill. This could benefit enthusiasts and collectors who use these vehicles primarily for exhibitions or leisure rather than for daily transportation.

Summary

Assembly Bill A107 establishes a new framework for registering street rods and custom vehicles in New Jersey. Street rods are defined as vehicles manufactured before 1948 or those manufactured post-1948 to resemble earlier models, provided they have been significantly altered from their original design. Custom vehicles are defined as any motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old and either manufactured to resemble an older vehicle or significantly modified from its original design. The bill allows owners of such vehicles to apply for special registrations, certificates of ownership, and unique license plates for their vehicles.

Contention

While the bill promotes the use of vintage and custom-built vehicles, there may be concerns regarding safety and environmental compliance. Critics might argue that exempting these vehicles from regular inspections could endanger public safety, as older vehicles may not meet current safety standards. Furthermore, there are worries about the potential for increased emissions from older vehicles if they are allowed to operate without stringent regulations, particularly in urban areas where air quality is already a concern.