Bill
Bill > S2497
NJ S2497
NJ S2497Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill, designated as the Speed Limit Sanity Act, requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT), the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to determine through traffic engineering speed surveys the speed at which vehicles are traveling on every eligible limited access highway under their jurisdiction. An "eligible limited access highway" is defined to mean a public highway especially designed for through traffic, over which abutters have no easement or right of light, air, or direct access by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon that limited access highway, and which is under the jurisdiction of the DOT, the NJTA, or the SJTA. The posted speed limit for any segment of an eligible limited access highway is to be set at the 85th percentile speed of the highway, as determined by the traffic engineering survey, rounded to the next highest five miles per hour. In addition to traffic engineering studies conducted pursuant to the bill, the DOT, NJTA, and SJTA are allowed to use traffic engineering studies that have been conducted within the two year period prior to the effective date of the bill. The posted speed limit is to be reevaluated through a traffic engineering speed survey not less than once every 10 years and any time the limited access highway is substantially altered. Under the bill, the fine for a speeding violation on any highway where the speed limit has not been based on a traffic engineering study and speed survey is $20 for each offense, until the speed limit is set based on a traffic engineering study and speed survey for the highway. Motor vehicle penalty points or automobile insurance eligibility points are not to be assessed for a speeding violation on any highway where the speed limit has not been based on a traffic engineering study and speed survey until the speed limit is set based on a traffic engineering study and speed survey for the highway. However, the fines and penalties for a violation of a driving under the influence, refusal of a breath alcohol test, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol while under the legal age to consume alcohol, use of a wireless telephone while driving, or a motor vehicle offense in an area of highway construction, repair, or designated safe area, are to be assessed in addition to the fine of $20 when those violations are committed in combination with a speeding violation. Finally, this bill repeals the "Sixty-Five MPH Speed Limit Implementation Act."
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Speed Limit Sanity Act, mandates that state agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT), the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) must establish speed limits on specific highways, called "eligible limited access highways" (which are roads designed for through traffic with no direct property access), based on traffic engineering speed surveys. These surveys will determine the speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling, and the posted speed limit will be set at this "85th percentile speed," rounded up to the nearest five miles per hour. Existing traffic studies conducted within the last two years can also be used, and these speed limits must be re-evaluated at least every 10 years or after significant highway changes. For speeding violations on highways where these studies haven't been completed, the fine will be a reduced $20, and no penalty points will be assessed, until the speed limit is properly determined, though other serious offenses like DUI will still incur their full penalties. The bill also repeals the previous "Sixty-Five MPH Speed Limit Implementation Act."
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2497 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2497_I1.HTM |
Loading...