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Bill > S2158


NJ S2158

NJ S2158
Requires certain commercial motor vehicles registered in State to be equipped with underride protection systems and requires Chief Administrator of MVC to establish underride public awareness campaign.


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 prohibits a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) registered in New Jersey unless the CMV is equipped with an underride protection system. The bill defines "underride protection system" as a system consisting of devices installed on the front, rear, and sides of a CMV that reduces the possibility that a person or vehicle may travel underneath the commercial motor vehicle and prevents injuries to passenger automobile occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. A person who operates a CMV registered in this State that is not equipped with an underride protection system is subject to a fine of not less than $50 or more than $100 for the first offense and not less than $100 or more than $200 for subsequent offenses. The bill also requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to establish a public awareness campaign to inform the general public about the dangers of underrides and best practices to prevent underrides. An underride protection system is designed to withstand the force of a crash to prevent a vehicle from sliding under a tractor trailer or other large bus or truck. From 1994 to 2015, there were 4,195 fatalities due to crashes involving underrides in the United States. The bill is intended to help decrease the risk of fatalities in crashes involving tractor trailers and other large buses and trucks.

AI Summary

This bill requires that commercial motor vehicles, which are large trucks and buses registered in New Jersey, must be equipped with an underride protection system, a safety device installed on the front, rear, and sides designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath and causing severe injury or death to occupants. Operators of commercial motor vehicles found without this system will face fines, starting at $50-$100 for a first offense and increasing to $100-$200 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will launch a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of underride crashes, which have historically caused thousands of fatalities, and promote best practices to prevent them.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee (on 01/09/2024)

bill text


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