SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2697

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 3, 2024

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 2697.

      As amended and reported, this bill permits certain motor vehicles, which are owned and operated by the State, any bi-state or interstate governmental agency or authority, or any local government unit for snow removal or road salting purposes, to display both amber and green warning lights in certain circumstances. 

      Under current law, these motor vehicles may only display amber lights for the purpose of displaying a vehicular traffic hazard warning signal.  Under the bill, these motor vehicles may also be equipped with green lights for this purpose.   However, the bill provides that the green lights may only be displayed when: (1) the vehicle is engaged in an operation that presents a vehicular traffic hazard that requires the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing the vehicle, and (2) the vehicle also displays the amber light or lights required under current law.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to do:

1. provide that the Department of Transportation has the authority to permit the use of green lights on certain vehicles and that these vehicles are not required to obtain any additional permit from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to display green lights; 

2. authorize vehicles owned by bi-state or interstate governmental agencies or authorities to display green lights; 

3. correct a citation; and

4. correct certain references to the chief administrator.