This bill amends New Jersey law to extend personal injury protection benefits to individuals operating bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, or low-speed electric scooters involved in accidents. It introduces a new definition of "pedestrian" to include these operators, ensuring their eligibility for personal injury protection coverage. The legislation also mandates the filing of crash reports for accidents involving these vehicles, enhancing accountability and safety on the roads. This amendment responds to the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in *Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co.*, which previously excluded operators of low-speed electric scooters from pedestrian status.

Furthermore, the bill updates existing traffic laws by clarifying the responsibilities of drivers or operators involved in accidents. It requires them to stop at the scene, provide necessary information, and assist injured parties, with updated penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential imprisonment for serious violations. The bill also establishes a permissive inference of responsibility for registered vehicle owners who fail to report accidents, while specifying that renters or authorized drivers of rented or leased vehicles are deemed responsible. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement electronically transmit accident reports to the Department of Transportation, ensuring public access to these reports for greater transparency and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:6A-2