Substitute Senate Bill No. 1195, File No. 568, is an act that establishes certain motor vehicle violations as secondary violations, which means that law enforcement officers are not allowed to stop a vehicle solely for these infractions. These secondary violations include failure to notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of a change of address within 48 hours, failure to carry an operator's license while driving, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license without obtaining reinstatement within the first 60 days after the suspension period. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to the language of the law, such as updating gender-specific terms to be more inclusive and accurate. Additionally, the bill addresses the equipment requirements for motor vehicles, such as the need for fully reflectorized safety number plates without a safety fee for replacements, the requirement for a horn audible from at least 200 feet, and the necessity for mirrors or reflectors to provide a clear view of the highway. Violations of these provisions are classified as infractions and secondary violations, with the bill set to take effect on October 1, 2023.

The bill also has implications for the fiscal revenue of the state and municipal police departments, as it is expected to reduce the number of citations issued for vehicles stopped solely for secondary violations. It extends the grace period for failing to renew a vehicle's registration from 30 to 60 days after the expiration date and makes failure to renew a secondary violation. Other secondary violations include failure to renew a driver's license within a specified grace period and failure to carry a driver's license while driving. The bill does not propose changes to the fines or fees associated with infractions, which are currently set by Superior Court judges and range from $35 to $90, along with additional surcharges and fees. The Judiciary Committee has approved the bill with a vote of 24 in favor and 13 against.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-1, 14-96a, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96e, 14-96y, 14-99f, 14-45, 14-213, 14-215b, 14-21b, 14-99, 14-285
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-1, 14-96a, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96y, 14-99f, 14-45, 14-213, 14-215b, 14-21b, 14-99, 14-285
File No. 568: 14-1, 14-96a, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96y, 14-99f, 14-45, 14-213, 14-215b, 14-21b, 14-99, 14-285