This bill amends N.J.S.2C:11-5 to increase the penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver is intoxicated and the incident occurs in specific locations, such as highway construction zones or designated safe corridors. Under current law, reckless vehicular homicide is typically classified as a second-degree crime, but it can be elevated to a first-degree crime if the incident occurs in a school crossing or within 1,000 feet of school property while the driver is intoxicated. The bill expands this provision to include incidents occurring in highway construction or repair areas, as well as safe corridors, thereby imposing stricter penalties for such offenses.

The bill specifies that reckless vehicular homicide will be classified as a first-degree crime if the driver is found to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs in these designated areas. Additionally, it clarifies that the court may impose a minimum term of imprisonment for offenders, and it allows for the forfeiture of the vehicle used in the commission of the offense unless the defendant can prove that such forfeiture would cause undue hardship. The penalties for first-degree crimes include a prison term of 10 to 20 years, while second-degree crimes carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years, and third-degree crimes result in 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.