Bill Text: NJ A3847 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Increases penalties for unauthorized display or use of emergency warning lights.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-22 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee [A3847 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-A3847-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman PATRICK DELANY
District 8 (Burlington)
Assemblyman SCOTT RUDDER
District 8 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Increases penalties for unauthorized display or use of emergency warning lights.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning penalties for unauthorized display or use of emergency warning lights and amending P.L.1977, c.223.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 7 of P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.13) is amended to read as follows:
7. Any person authorized to operate emergency warning lights pursuant to P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) who willfully operates such emergency warning lights in violation of the provisions of P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) shall be liable to a penalty of not more than [$100] $200 and the person's privilege to operate such emergency warning lights may be suspended or revoked by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. A person who is not authorized to operate emergency warning lights who willfully operates such emergency warning lights shall be liable to a penalty of not more than [$200] $400.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.218, s.6)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would double the penalties for unauthorized use of emergency warning lights. The fines under this bill for unauthorized use of emergency warning lights shall range between $200 and $400. Under current law, P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.), members of the following organizations may operate flashing blue emergency lights on a motor vehicle while answering an emergency call:
(1) A volunteer fire company or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad recognized by and rendering service in any municipality; or
(2) Any county or municipal volunteer Office of Emergency Management recognized by and rendering service in any county or municipality, provided the member's official duties include responding to a fire or emergency call.
Current law establishes that the penalty for unauthorized use of emergency lights is a $100 fine and suspension or revocation of the privilege to operate emergency lights, and fine of up to $200 for unauthorized persons who use emergency lights. This bill would double these penalties to fines of up to $200 and $400 respectively.
