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 a warning sign regarding the helmet requirement at the point of sale or rental.

Furthermore, the bill expands the existing legal framework that protects businesses from liability in civil actions for injuries sustained by users who fail to wear helmets. This protection now extends to operators of scooters and motorized scooters, in addition to bicycles, roller skates, and skateboards. The bill maintains the requirement for warning notices on the sale or rental of these items and ensures that businesses are not held liable if they comply with the helmet provision. Notably, the bill does not affect the provisions of the New Jersey Roller Skating Rink Safety and Fair Liability Act, indicating that the helmet requirements do not apply to roller skating rink patrons.

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