Bill > A362

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a speed limit of 15 miles per hour, at certain times, on roads passing through or directly adjacent to certain public parks, and increases the fines under current law for violating these speed restrictions. Under current law, a person who exceeds the speed limit may be fined not less than $50 or more than $200. This bill increases the fine to not less than $100 or more than $400 for violating the 15 miles per hour speed restriction on roads in public parks or directly adjacent to public parks during hours of operation, when children are clearly visible from the roadway, or while children are going to or leaving a park event. The bill defines "public park" to mean a park, recreation facility or area, or playground owned or controlled by the State. This bill clarifies that a county or municipality may establish a speed limit of 15 miles per hour on roads in or directly adjacent to a park, recreation facility or area, or playground owned or controlled by the county or municipality during hours of operation, when children are clearly visible from the roadway, or while children are going to or leaving a park event. A person who violates a speed limit of 15 miles per hour adopted by a county or municipality in these park areas is subject to enhanced fines, unless the county or municipality establishes a penalty greater than that established by State law. This bill is named "Drew's Law" in honor of Drew Keough. On April 22, 2014, 11 year-old Drew was tragically struck and killed by a motor vehicle while crossing the street near Keansburg's Forest Park after playing basketball in the park. His untimely death was a shock to the community and hundreds of people gathered to grieve his death by candlelight vigil the following day. In light of this tragedy, the bill endeavors to prevent fatal motor vehicle accidents in or near public parks by reducing the speed limit to 15 miles per hour, at certain times, on street passing through and directly adjacent to certain public parks.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Amy Handlin (R)*,  Sean Kean (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (on 01/27/2016)