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 those who comply with these regulations will not be held liable for injuries sustained by users who fail to wear helmets.

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 inform customers about the helmet laws and make helmets available, thereby providing civil immunity to those businesses for injuries resulting from non-compliance with helmet usage. 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, which governs roller skating rinks.

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