Prohibits school buses from traveling in left lane of roadway except for turning and emergencies.
Impact
This bill will amend the existing R.S.39:4-88 statute, reinforcing the safety of school buses on New Jersey roadways. By confining school buses to the right lanes, the legislation aims to minimize conflicts with faster-moving vehicles in the left lane. Supporters argue that this measure will prevent accidents and enhance the visibility and predictability of school bus maneuvers, particularly during peak school travel times. With the bill's enforcement, however, it also introduces new responsibilities for drivers and could lead to fines for violations, ranging from $100 to $300, plus additional surcharges.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5714 seeks to enhance road safety by prohibiting school buses from driving in the left lane of roadways, except in specific circumstances such as preparing for a left turn or responding to emergency conditions. The legislation acknowledges the unique considerations that school buses present on the road, particularly due to their size and the vulnerable populations they transport. This measure aims to reduce potential hazards for both school bus drivers and students alike while establishing clearer traffic rules for all road users.
Contention
Opposition to A5714 may stem from concerns regarding the practicality of such lane restrictions. Critics may argue that there are instances where school buses need to access left lanes for safe navigation, particularly when entering or exiting left-turn only lanes or in emergency situations. Moreover, enforcement might pose challenges, requiring drivers to remain vigilant about compliance amidst changing traffic conditions. The potential for penalties could also create increased tension among drivers, raising questions about how effectively the law can be implemented in varied driving environments.
Requires slow-moving traffic, trucks, buses, and other certain vehicles use the right two lanes of a multilane roadway and requires all lanes other than the right most two lanes on a multilane highway to be marked with "NO TRUCKS OR BUSES".
Traffic control: traffic regulation; requirement to drive in the right-hand lane of a roadway with 2 lanes for travel in 1 direction; modify. Amends sec. 634 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.634).