The proposed bill introduces new regulations that prohibit the intentional obstruction of license plates on motor vehicles. It makes it illegal for individuals to operate a vehicle with an obstructed license plate and to sell or possess items designed to obstruct license plates, such as retractable holders, reflective sprays, tinted covers, and flipping devices. The bill also clarifies that newspapers will not be held liable for advertising such obstructive merchandise. Penalties for violations include fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $750 for subsequent offenses, along with potential motor vehicle penalty points for repeated violations.

In addition to these prohibitions, the bill amends existing legal definitions within New Jersey's motor vehicle laws, introducing the term "obstructed license plate" to define any registration plate that has been purposely concealed to evade law enforcement. It also repeals section 1 of P.L.2015, c.49, which previously addressed obstructive merchandise, consolidating the relevant provisions into a new section for clarity. These changes aim to enhance enforcement against license plate obstruction and streamline the legal framework governing motor vehicle operations in the state, with the bill set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:3-33