SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4813

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 12, 2025

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4813 (1R).

      As reported, this bill amends current law to require motor vehicle drivers to move over, or reduce the speed of the motor vehicle, and to be prepared to stop when approaching any stationary vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating lights; flashing hazard warning signal lights; or utilizing road flares or reflective triangles.  Under the bill, “vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which a person or property is or may be transported upon a highway, except for devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, low-speed electric bicycles, low-speed electric scooters, and motorized bicycles. 

      Under current law, motor vehicle drivers are required to move over, or reduce the speed of their vehicles, and be prepared to stop when approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicles, sanitation vehicles displaying certain lights, and disabled vehicles flashing hazard warning signal lights or utilizing road flares or reflective triangles. 

      This bill also requires the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety to include all stationary vehicles in a public awareness campaign to inform the general public of the importance of reducing speed and changing lanes when approaching stationary vehicles, the risks associated with the failure to do so, and any penalties and fines that are imposed by a failure to reduce speed or change lanes. 

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 4813 (1R) is identical to Senate Bill No. 4000, which was also reported by the committee on this date.