Laws and Legislation

Laws and regulations play a key role in helping to keep teens safe on the roads in New Jersey. Carefully crafted laws and regulations are the framework that we use to begin setting guidelines for teen drivers.

As educators, you are vital in keeping your students informed of the new laws that will affect them when driving.

After an increase in teen crashes and deaths, the New Jersey legislature established the Teen Driving Study Commission to make recommendations to help reduce crashes and save lives. The following bills were written as a result of this report. A synopsis of each bill is available by clicking on the bill number:

  • A212: This bill requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or waiting to enter crosswalks. Under previous law, motorists must yielded to pedestrians in crosswalks, but motorists did not have to yield to pedestrians waiting on the curb to cross a roadway.
    (effective since April 1, 2010)
  • S18/A870: UPDATED - "The Back Seat Loophole Seat Belt Bill" - requires all occupants to buckle up, regardless of their seating position in a vehicle. A secondary offense, the new law allows police to issue summonses to unbuckled back seat occupants, 18 years of age and older, when the vehicle they are riding in is stopped for another violation. The law is effective immediately. (effective since January 19, 2010)
  • S2314: "Kyleigh's law" - requires holders of special learner's permits, examination permits, and provisional driver's licenses to display certain decals. (effective since May 1, 2010)
  • S16: Revises certain restrictions on permit holders and provisional driver's licensees; renames provisional license "probationary." (effective since May 1, 2010)
  • A3067: Prohibits plea agreements for motor vehicle violations by drivers subject to the Graduated Driver Licensing law. The New Jersey Attorney General placed a ban on plea agreements for GDL holders. It passed the General Assembly pending consideration by the Senate Transportation Committee. (effective since September 2008)
  • A3068: Expands requirements for special learner's and examination permits. Requires parent/teen orientation, 12-month permit, practice driving, 6 hours behind the wheel (BTW). It passed the General Assembly. Pending consideration by the Senate Transportation Committee.

How to Contact Government Officials

As educators, you have the power to shape some of the laws that are being considered. Your Representatives do take your feedback as they make decisions in law making.

To learn how to contact the Governor of New Jersey, click here .

Find United States Federal Representatives by typing in your zip code. The site will provide information pertaining to:

  • the President
  • the two Senators that represent you
  • the one member who represents you in the House of Representatives

Stay Informed