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Bill > S1960


NJ S1960

NJ S1960
Requires helmet while operating bicycle, scooter, or motorized scooter.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires all persons to wear a helmet when bicycling, roller skating, or skateboarding. Current law requires persons 17 years of age and younger to wear a helmet when bicycling, roller skating, or skateboarding. This bill also extends the helmet requirement to operators of non-motorized and motorized scooters. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, assemble, sell, offer to sell, or distribute bicycles, roller skates, or skateboards without a warning notice advising customers of the legal provisions concerning the wearing of approved helmets and appropriate personal protection equipment, and persons selling or renting bicycles, roller skates, or skateboards are required to advise their customers of these legal provisions and make helmets available to persons subject to the helmet requirement. Businesses complying with these requirements would not be liable in a civil action for damages for any physical injury sustained by a bicyclist, roller skater, or skateboarder who fails to wear a helmet. The bill expands these requirements and civil immunity provisions to non-motorized and motorized scooters. The bill does not amend section 8 of P.L.1997, c.411 (C.39:4-10.12), and therefore, it is the sponsor's understanding that the bill's provisions do not apply to operators and patrons of roller skating rinks subject to the "New Jersey Roller Skating Rink Safety and Fair Liability Act," P.L.1991, c.28 (C.5:14-1 et seq.).

AI Summary

This bill expands the requirement to wear a helmet to all individuals operating a bicycle, scooter (both non-motorized and motorized), roller skates, or skateboard, regardless of age, whereas current law only mandates helmets for those 17 and younger. It also extends existing provisions for businesses that sell or rent these items, requiring them to post warning signs about helmet use and to make helmets available to customers, and grants these businesses civil immunity from lawsuits for injuries sustained by users who fail to wear helmets. The bill defines "scooter" as a standing device with wheels, handlebars, and propelled by gliding, and clarifies that "motorized scooter" has the same meaning as in existing law, while explicitly stating these new provisions do not apply to roller skating rinks covered by a separate act.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

bill text


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