This bill amends existing New Jersey law regarding the issuance of permits for emergency and warning lights on motor vehicles. It transfers the authority to issue permits for blue and red emergency warning lights from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to local municipalities and counties, depending on the applicant's service area. Specifically, qualified members of volunteer fire companies, first aid squads, and emergency management offices will now receive permits from their respective municipalities, while county emergency management members will obtain theirs from the county. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for amber warning lights, allowing commercial vehicle operators, such as tow trucks and service vehicles, to apply for permits through their municipalities, with a $25 fee for issuance and renewals.

The bill also repeals certain sections of law that mandated the MVC to issue identification cards for individuals authorized to use emergency lights, streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic overlap. Furthermore, it emphasizes that individuals displaying these lights must still adhere to traffic laws and drive with due regard for safety. The Chief Administrator of the MVC is granted the authority to adopt rules and regulations to implement these changes effectively. Overall, the bill aims to simplify the permitting process for emergency and warning lights while ensuring that local and state authorities maintain oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:3-54.7, 39:3-54.15, 39:3-54.19, 39:3-54.21