ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 6162

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 15, 2025

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 6162.

      As reported, this bill directs the Chief Administrator (chief administrator) of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to issue, upon application by the registered owner of a passenger automobile, an accessory license plate for a passenger automobile with a rear-mounted vehicle attachment, including, but not limited to, a bicycle rack, luggage carrier, or cargo carrier, that obstructs the visibility of the passenger automobile’s rear license plate.  Under the bill, accessory license plates are to display the same registration number and markings as the passenger automobile’s rear license plate, be clearly labeled for accessory use only, and be securely affixed to the rear-mounted vehicle attachment in a location and manner prescribed by the chief administrator.  An accessory license plate is to be issued only for use on the registered passenger automobile.

      The bill also requires the registered owner of a passenger automobile seeking an accessory license plate to apply to the commission in a form and manner prescribed by the chief administrator.  At a minimum, the application is to include a one-time fee, as outlined in the bill, and proof of a valid and unexpired registration certificate.  An individual seeking a replacement accessory license plate is required to pay a fee, as outlined in the bill, to the commission.

      In addition, the bill requires an individual to return an accessory license plate to the commission if:  (1) the passenger automobile’s registration expires or is suspended or revoked for any reason; (2) the passenger automobile is sold or transferred; (3) the individual no longer possesses, and therefore no longer needs, the rear-mounted vehicle attachment; or (4) any other condition, as determined by the commission, is met.

      Finally, the bill provides that any person who knowingly misuses an accessory license plate in violation of the bill’s provisions is to be subject to a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $500 for each offense.  Moreover, the bill authorizes the commission to revoke an accessory license plate and deny future issuance upon a determination of misuse, as made by the commission.