ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3060

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 6, 2024

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3060. 

      As reported, this bill permits the designation of “special event zones” for the purpose of regulating traffic during certain “special events.”  The bill defines a “special event” as any automotive or motor vehicle event occurring on or near a roadway, which event either has been approved by the county or municipality in which the event is located or is expected to have 25 or more persons in attendance. 

      When a special event occurs, or is expected to occur, on any roadway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the bill permits the Commissioner of Transportation (commissioner) to designate all or part of the roadway, including any parking structures or other property located within the designated area, as a special event zone.  Similarly, when a special event occurs, or is expected to occur, on a roadway under the jurisdiction of a county or municipality, the county or municipality may also designate the area as a special event zone.  In either case, the special event zone would remain in effect for the duration of the special event and for a reasonable period of time before and after the special event.  While the special event zone remains in effect, the DOT, municipality, or county, as applicable, would be required to maintain appropriate signage on or along the special event zone. 

      Under the bill, certain traffic regulations would be altered within the special event zone while the zone remains in effect, including: (1) an allowance for the DOT, county, or municipality, as applicable, to reduce the established speed limitations, as such reductions are deemed necessary to ensure public safety; and (2) the prohibition of “exhibition driving,” which the bill defines to include certain forms of disruptive or erratic driving; and (3) the imposition of increased penalties for certain traffic offenses. 

      Specifically, the bill provides that a person would be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 after committing the following traffic offenses within a special event zone: (1) operating a motor vehicle in excess of the posted speed limitation; (2) careless driving; and (3) operating a motor vehicle for a wager, in a race, or for the purposes of making a speed record.  Additionally, a person who engages in exhibition driving or reckless driving within a special event zone would be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to 60 days, or both. 

      Under current law, the commissioner is required to approve certain types of local traffic regulations before those regulations may take effect.  Under the bill, the designation of a special event zone by a county or municipality would take effect without requiring the approval of the commissioner.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.