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Bill > A3743


NJ A3743

NJ A3743
Requires DOT to ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to disabled drivers.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require, no later than 18 months after the effective date of the bill, that electric vehicle charging stations in the State are accessible to allow for independent use by drivers with disabilities. The bill requires electric vehicle chargers to be located on an accessible route for drivers with mobility devices. The bill requires the DOT to adopt technical requirements for accessible routes established under federal law. The bill establishes that a charging space with mobility features shall provide a vehicle space with a minimum width of at least 11 feet and a minimum length of at least 20 feet, and that chargers provide a clear floor or ground space which meet the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" (ADA) requirements for ground and floor surfaces, including criteria for firmness, stability, and slip resistance. Further, under the bill, a reasonable number of chargers, as determined by the DOT, are required to comply with ADA operable parts requirements, including technical requirements for clear floor or ground space, reach ranges, and operation and a connector is required to allow operation with one hand and no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and with no more than five pounds of force. Finally, the bill directs that all chargers operated or maintained by any entity within the State are required to comply with the technical requirements for hardware under the federal "Rehabilitation Act of 1973."

AI Summary

This bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) ensure all electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the state are accessible to drivers with disabilities, including those who use mobility devices like wheelchairs, within 18 months of the bill's enactment. This means chargers must be located on accessible routes, and specific technical requirements based on federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 must be met. These requirements include providing adequately sized parking spaces for vehicles with mobility features, ensuring clear ground space around chargers that is firm, stable, and slip-resistant, and making a reasonable number of chargers' operable parts, such as connectors and payment systems, accessible for one-handed use with minimal force. Additionally, the bill specifies that charging cables should not obstruct accessible routes and that display screens and input controls on chargers must be designed with accessibility in mind, including features for individuals with vision or hearing impairments. The DOT will also adopt regulations to implement these accessibility standards, and existing charging stations may be required to comply to the maximum extent feasible.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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