Sponsored by:
Senator LATHAM TIVER
District 8 (Atlantic and Burlington)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Holzapfel, Timberlake and Schepisi
SYNOPSIS
Requires certain public awareness campaigns to include information about duty of motorist to take certain action when approaching pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning motor vehicle public awareness campaigns and amending P.L.2017, c.358 and P.L.2019, c.370.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 1 of P.L.2017, c.358 (C.27:7-44.22) is amended to read as follows:
1. The Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety, shall develop, and update annually, public awareness programs and use, at least once per year, variable message signs to inform motorists of their duty to:
a. change lanes when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle, or sanitation vehicle that is displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating lights or, in the alternative, to reduce the speed of their vehicles if it is impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe to move over one lane, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2009, c.5 (C.39:4-92.2); and
b. comply with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.2021, c.194 (C.39:4-92.4) when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance.
(cf: P.L.2017, c.358, s.1)
2. Section 2 of P.L.2019, c.370 (C.39:4-92.3) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety shall establish, and update annually, a public awareness campaign to inform the general public concerning:
(1) (a) the importance of motor vehicle operators reducing the speed of their vehicles and changing lanes when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle; tow truck; or highway maintenance, emergency service, or sanitation vehicle that is displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency lights or a disabled vehicle flashing hazard warning signal lights or utilizing road flares or reflective triangles as required pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2009, c.5 (C.39:4-92.2); and
(b) the importance of motor vehicle operators to comply with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.2021, c.194 (C.39:4-92.4) when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance;
(2) the risks associated with the failure of a motor vehicle operator to comply with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.2009, c.5 (C.39:4-92.2) and section 1 of P.L.2021, c.194 (C.39:4-92.4); and
(3) the penalties and fines that are imposed on a motor vehicle operator who violates section 1 of P.L.2009, c.5 (C.39:4-92.2) and section 1 of P.L.2021, c.194 (C.39:4-92.4).
(cf: P.L.2023, c.325, s.2)
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation (commissioner) and the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (director) to update, on an annual basis, public awareness programs and a public awareness campaign that inform motorists of their duty to take certain actions when approaching certain vehicles and the importance of taking these actions. The bill also requires the commissioner to use variable message signs at least once per year to inform motorists of their duty to take certain actions when approaching certain vehicles and the importance of taking these actions.
Additionally, this bill requires the commissioner to develop, and update annually, public awareness programs and use, at least once per year, variable message signs to inform motorists of their duty to take certain actions when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance.
The bill further requires the director to establish and update annually a public awareness campaign that includes information about the importance of complying with a law that requires motorists to take certain actions when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance, the risks associated with failing to comply with the law, and the penalties and fines that will be imposed for violating the law.