This bill amends existing New Jersey law to require all individuals, regardless of age, to wear a helmet while operating bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, and both non-motorized and motorized scooters. Previously, the helmet requirement applied only to individuals under 17 years of age. The bill also includes new definitions for "scooter" and "motorized scooter," and mandates that businesses selling or renting these items must provide helmets to customers who do not already possess one. Additionally, the bill stipulates that businesses must post signs informing customers of the helmet requirement and that they will not be held liable for injuries sustained by users who fail to wear helmets, provided they comply with the law.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the existing legal framework that requires warning notices on the sale of bicycles, roller skates, and skateboards, extending these requirements to scooters and motorized scooters. The bill clarifies that businesses must make helmets available and informs them of their responsibilities under the law. It is important to note that the bill does not affect the provisions of the New Jersey Roller Skating Rink Safety and Fair Liability Act, meaning that the helmet requirements do not apply to operators and patrons of roller skating rinks. The bill is set to take effect seven months after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:4-10.1, 39:4-10.3, 39:4-10.5, 39:4-10.8, 39:4-10.9