New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4149

Introduced
11/30/23  

Caption

Requires certain commercial motor vehicles registered in State to be equipped with underride protection systems and requires Chief Administrator of MVC to establish underride public awareness campaign.

Impact

The implementation of S4149 could have a significant impact on state traffic regulation laws, particularly regarding vehicle safety standards. The bill requires that all CMVs in New Jersey comply with this new safety requirement, thereby likely increasing operational costs for businesses utilizing such vehicles. However, the expected reduction in fatalities based on statistical data from previous years underscores the potential benefits of implementing underride protection systems.

Summary

Senate Bill S4149 mandates that specific commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) registered in New Jersey must be equipped with underride protection systems. This bill aims to reduce the risk of vehicles sliding under large trucks or buses, an occurrence associated with severe injuries or fatalities in traffic accidents. The bill defines an underride protection system as devices installed on the front, rear, and sides of a CMV to prevent other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from passing underneath during a crash.

Contention

While proponents of S4149 argue that the bill will enhance public safety by preventing accidents that result from underrides, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for businesses that operate CMVs. The introduction of fines for non-compliance—ranging from $50 to $200 for violations—could generate pushback from commercial vehicle operators who may view the requirements as burdensome. Moreover, the requirement for a public awareness campaign adds another layer of state involvement that could lead to further discussions on the appropriateness of government regulations in business operations.

Companion Bills

NJ A3205

Same As Requires certain commercial motor vehicles registered in State to be equipped with underride protection systems and requires Chief Administrator of MVC to establish underride public awareness campaign.

Previously Filed As

US SB3775

Stop Underrides Act 2.0

US HB7354

Stop Underrides Act 2.0

NJ A1182

Requires certain commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with certain global positioning systems.

NJ A285

Directs MVC to establish public information campaign concerning certain motorized vehicles; establishes 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for certain motorized vehicles.

NJ A4898

Establishes low-speed electric bicycle public awareness campaign in MVC; appropriates $250,000.

NJ S1873

Requires MVC to authorize use of third-party vendors in administration of commercial driver license testing.

NJ S1897

Requires MVC to waive knowledge test requirement for certain military service members who apply for commercial driver license.

NJ A353

Requires Secretary of State and Chief Administrator of MVC to conduct audit of certain voter registrations and annual audits thereafter; requires proof of citizenship for voter registration at MVC.

NJ S2070

Requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be insured and registered with MVC; requires MVC to develop a safety training module for registration.

NJ A3697

Requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be insured and registered with MVC; requires MVC to develop safety training module for registration.

Similar Bills

US SB3775

Stop Underrides Act 2.0

US HB7354

Stop Underrides Act 2.0

AL SB110

Trucks; additions to those exempt from weight limits; procedures for portable scales enforcement revised and provided; enforcement authority revised

AL HB204

Trucks; additions to those exempt from weight limits; procedures for portables scales enforcement revised and provided; enforcement authority revised

AL SB222

Motor vehicles; operation of oversized vehicles operated by automated driving systems, prohibited

SC H3126

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 2 TO TITLE 23 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-3-240, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN STATE OFFICERS BY THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-7-920, RELATING TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON PROSECUTION COORDINATION, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-90, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE THE TERM "DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY" FOR THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-13-240, RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS TO VARIOUS ENTITIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 5-3-90, 5-7-110, 9-11-180, 10-11-80, 11-35-710, 12-28-1910, 12-28-2325, 13-7-70, 13-7-160, 14-1-206, 14-1-207, 14-1-208, 14-1-212, 17-22-350, 23-1-230, AND 23-1-240, RELATING TO THE SCOPE OF THE PROVISIONS THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STRUCTURE, ORGANIZATION, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY'S CONTRIBUTIONS INTO THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM ON BEHALF OF ACTIVE HIGHWAY PATROL MEMBER EMPLOYEES, PARKING ON CERTAIN STATE PARKING LOTS, STATE PROCUREMENT CODE EXEMPTIONS, THE INSPECTION OF FUEL AND SHIPPING PAPERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, PAYING TAXES AND THE DELEGATION OF COLLECTION OF TAXES, RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING THE TRANSPORTATION OF MATERIALS, REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS, COURT ASSESSMENTS AND SURCHARGES, TRAFFIC EDUCATION PROGRAM FEES, THE USE OF BODY-WORN CAMERAS, AND THE FIRST RESPONDERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ALL SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY," OR "DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY"; BY AMENDING CHAPTER 6, TITLE 23, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, SO AS TO REESTABLISH IT AS A DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 23-23-30, 23-25-20, 36-9-410, 38-55-530, 38-55-570, 38-77-1120, 39-9-230, 43-5-1250, 44-4-130, 54-17-60, 56-1-190, 56-1-286, 56-1-460, 56-1-1320, 56-1-1760, 56-1-2220, 56-1-2230, 56-3-662, 56-3-663, 56-3-840, 56-3-8710, 56-5-330, 56-5-380, 56-5-765, 56-5-1270, 56-5-1300, 56-5-1320, 56-5-1330, 56-5-1340, 56-5-1350, 56-5-1520, 56-5-1535, 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, 56-5-2945, 56-5-2951, 56-5-2953, 56-5-3660, 56-5-3670, 56-5-3680, 56-5-3690, 56-5-3890, 56-5-3900, 56-5-4010, 56-5-4030, 56-5-4035, 56-5-4070, 56-5-4075, 56-5-4140, 56-5-4160, 56-5-4170, 56-5-4240, 56-5-4630, 56-5-4840, 56-5-4880, 56-5-4970, 56-5-5015, 56-5-5080, 56-5-5120, 56-5-5140, 56-5-5810, 56-5-5870, 56-5-5880, 56-5-6170, 56-5-6525, 56-5-6560, 56-5-6565, 56-7-10, 56-7-12, 56-7-30, 56-9-350, 56-10-45, 56-10-552, 56-11-20, 56-11-40, 56-19-420, 56-35-50, 57-3-180, 58-23-50, 58-23-1120, 59-67-20, 59-67-260, 59-67-570, 61-6-2900, 61-6-4250, AND 61-6-4290, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL, THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE, RESERVE DETENTION OFFICERS, THE UNLAWFUL SALE OR DISPOSAL OF PERSONAL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO A SECURITY INTEREST, INSURANCE FRAUD AND REPORTING IMMUNITY, MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT AND THE MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE FRAUD-REPORTING IMMUNITY ACT, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE METRIC SYSTEM, THE STATEWIDE NETWORK OF MASS TRANSIT SYSTEMS, THE EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS ACT, ACTIVITIES OF THE MARITIME SECURITY COMMISSION AND THE NAVAL MILITIA, MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS' LICENSES, CARRYING AND DISPLAY OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE DRUG TESTING ACT, THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES, NASCAR SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, THE DEFINITION OF CERTAIN TERMS, THE INVESTIGATION OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, CORONER REPORTS, ACCIDENT REPORTS, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, THE OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLES ALONG THE STATE'S HIGHWAYS, UNLAWFUL USE OF WIRELESS DEVICES WHILE OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES, COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES AND THEIR DRIVERS, MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS, SAFETY BELT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, THE REGULATION OF TRAFFIC TRAVELING ALONG THE STATE'S HIGHWAYS, THE PRINTING, ORDERING AND ISSUANCE OF TRAFFIC TICKETS, VERIFICATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE, THE CONFISCATION OF REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES AND LICENSE PLATES, THE UNINSURED ENFORCEMENT FUND, THE ROAD TAX ON MOTOR CARRIERS, MOTOR VEHICLE CERTIFICATES OF TITLE, DIESEL IDLING RESTRICTIONS, CERTAIN PERMITS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, MOTOR VEHICLE CARRIERS, THE TRANSPORTATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, AND THE TRANSPORTATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ALL SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY," OR "DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY"; AND BY AMENDING SECTIONS 23-3-10, 23-3-680, AND 23-3-690, ALL RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ITS DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

US HB8870

BUILD America 250 Act Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act

NJ A5004

Requires MVC to verify certain information concerning commercial learner's permit and commercial driver license applicants and holders to ensure persons illegally in the State do not obtain or hold such permits and licenses.