This bill amends existing New Jersey law to authorize additional emergency officials, specifically county fire coordinators, deputy county fire coordinators, county emergency medical services coordinators, and deputy county emergency medical services coordinators, to mount and operate emergency warning lights and sirens on their personal vehicles while responding to emergency calls. Previously, only members of volunteer fire companies, first aid squads, and certain emergency management officials had this authority. The bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue identification cards to these officials, which must be carried while operating the emergency lights. The identification cards will be issued upon request from a county executive or board director and must be countersigned by them.

The bill also clarifies that the issuance of these identification cards is necessary before any emergency lights can be mounted on vehicles, ensuring that all individuals authorized to operate such lights are properly identified. Furthermore, it emphasizes that these officials do not receive any special privileges or exemptions beyond those granted to other vehicle drivers, mandating that they adhere to all traffic laws and drive with due regard for safety. This legislative change aims to enhance the operational capabilities of emergency responders while maintaining public safety on the roads.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:3-54.7, 39:3-54.11, 39:3-54.12, 39:3-54.15, 39:3-54.16, 39:3-54.17, 39:3-54.18, 39:3-54.19