"Drew's Law"; establishes 15 miles per hour speed limit in or near certain public parks.
Impact
The impacts of A639 on state laws include amendments to existing motor vehicle regulations, particularly R.S.39:4-98 and R.S.39:4-104. These amendments increase the penalties for speed violations within specified park areas. Previously, fines for speeding could range from $50 to $200; under this bill, the minimum fine for violating the newly established 15 mph speed limit would be raised to $100, with maximum penalties reaching up to $400. The recalibrated fines aim to serve as a deterrent against speeding in high-traffic child areas.
Summary
Assembly Bill A639, known as 'Drew's Law', proposes a significant alteration to speed regulations in or near public parks in New Jersey. The bill establishes a speed limit of 15 miles per hour for vehicles on roads that pass through or are adjacent to designated public parks when children are present, specifically during hours of park operation or events. This adjustment is intended to enhance the safety of children and park visitors by reducing vehicular speed in areas where young pedestrians are likely to be visible.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding A639 may emerge from discussions on its enforcement implications and the broader impact on local authority. The bill allows municipalities to set similar speed limits, but critics may argue this could lead to confusion regarding regulations if not uniformly enforced. Supporters, however, assert that increased safety for children in recreational spaces is paramount and justified, especially in light of tragic incidents like that of Drew Keough, which inspired the bill. This backstory serves as both an emotional and moral foundation for advocating such a legislative change.
Directs MVC to establish public information campaign concerning certain motorized vehicles; establishes 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for certain motorized vehicles.
Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.
A bill for an act relating to speed limits, including the speed limit in school districts and the penalty for speeding in excess of twenty miles per hour over the limit.(See HF 2496.)