This bill amends existing laws regarding serious motor vehicle offenses by requiring municipal prosecutors and courts to consider additional aggravating factors and habitual offender status when handling cases involving violations such as unlicensed driving, driving while suspended, and driving under the influence. Specifically, it mandates that prosecutors obtain a driving record to determine if enhanced penalties, including incarceration, should be applied for repeat offenders. Furthermore, if the offense resulted in bodily injury, the prosecutor must consult with the victim before concluding any plea negotiations.

Additionally, the bill revises the definition of a habitual offender to include individuals convicted three or more times within a three-year period for a combination of specified offenses. This change allows the court to determine habitual offender status, which was previously the responsibility of the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission. Enhanced penalties for habitual offenders are also established, including mandatory imprisonment terms that increase if the offense resulted in bodily injury. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of motor vehicle laws and enhance public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2B:25-5.1, 2B:25-11, 39:5-30