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. The bill requires these officials to obtain identification cards from the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, which must be countersigned by a county executive or board director. The identification cards serve as permits for the operation of emergency lights and must be carried while the lights are in use.

The bill also clarifies that the privileges granted to these emergency officials do not exempt them from obeying traffic laws, and they must drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. The amendments include the removal of previous language that limited the operation of emergency lights to members of volunteer fire companies and first aid squads, thereby expanding the scope of who can legally use such lights in emergency situations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the response capabilities of emergency services in New Jersey by allowing more officials to utilize emergency lighting on their vehicles.

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