SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3501

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3501.

      As reported, this bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation (commissioner) and the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (director) to update, on an annual basis, public awareness programs and a public awareness campaign that inform motorists of their duty to take certain actions when approaching certain vehicles, including certain stationary authorized emergency vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, emergency service vehicles, sanitation vehicles, and disabled vehicles, and the importance of taking these actions.  The bill also requires the commissioner to use variable message signs, at least once per year, to inform motorists of their duty to take certain actions when approaching these vehicles and the importance of taking these actions.

     Additionally, this bill requires the commissioner to develop, and update annually, public awareness programs and use, at least once per year, variable message signs to inform motorists of their duty to take certain actions when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance.

     The bill further requires the director to establish, and update annually, a public awareness campaign that includes information about the importance of complying with a law that requires motorists to take certain actions when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal conveyance, the risks associated with failing to comply with the law, and the penalties and fines that will be imposed for violating the law.