Bill Text: NJ S2564 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Provides that driver's license and identification cards expire every four years on licensee or cardholder's birthday. *
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-2)
Status: (Passed) 2017-06-09 - Approved P.L.2017, c.91. [S2564 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-S2564-Chaptered.html
§3 - Note
An Act concerning driver's licenses 1and identification cards1 and amending R.S.39:3-10 1and P.L.1980, c.471.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. R.S.39:3-10 is amended to read as follows:
39:3-10. 1[No] A1 person shall 1not1 drive a motor vehicle on a public highway in this State unless the person is under supervision while participating in a behind-the-wheel driving course pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1977, c.25 (C.39:3-13.2a) or is in possession of a validated permit, or a probationary or basic driver's license issued to that person in accordance with this article.
1[No] A1 person under 18 years of age shall 1not1 be issued a basic license to drive motor vehicles, 1[nor shall] and1 a person 1shall not1 be issued a validated permit, including a validated examination permit, until the applicant has passed a satisfactory examination and other requirements as to the applicant's ability as an operator. The examination shall include a test of the applicant's vision, the applicant's ability to understand traffic control devices, the applicant's knowledge of safe driving practices, including the dangers of driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner, which shall include, but not be limited to, unexpectedly altering the speed of a vehicle, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield the right of way, and following another vehicle too closely, and of the effects that ingestion of alcohol or drugs has on a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle, the applicant's knowledge of [such] portions of the mechanism of motor vehicles as is necessary to insure the safe operation of a vehicle of the kind or kinds indicated by the applicant, and of the laws and ordinary usages of the road. 1[No] A1 person shall 1not1 sit for an examination for any permit without exhibiting photo identification deemed acceptable by the commission, unless that person is a high school student participating in a course of automobile driving education approved by the State Department of Education and conducted in a public, parochial, or private school of this State, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1950, c.127 (C.39:3-13.1). The commission may waive the written law knowledge examination for any person 18 years of age or older possessing a valid driver's license issued by any other state, the District of Columbia, or the United States Territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. The commission shall be required to provide that person with a booklet that highlights those motor vehicle laws unique to New Jersey. A road test shall be required for a probationary license and serve as a demonstration of the applicant's ability to operate a vehicle of the class designated. During the road test, an applicant may use a rear visibility system, parking sensors, or other technology installed on the motor vehicle that enables the applicant to view areas directly behind the vehicle or alerts the applicant of obstacles while parking.
1[No] A1 person shall 1not1 sit for a road test unless that person exhibits photo identification deemed acceptable by the commission. A high school student who has completed a course of behind-the-wheel automobile driving education approved by the State Department of Education and conducted in a public, parochial, or private school of this State, who has been issued a special learner's permit pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1950, c.127 (C.39:3-13.1) prior to January 1, 2003, shall not be required to exhibit photo identification in order to sit for a road test. The commission may waive the road test for any person 18 years of age or older possessing a valid driver's license issued by any other state, the District of Columbia, or the United States Territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. The road test shall be given on public streets, where practicable and feasible, but may be preceded by an off-street screening process to assess basic skills. The commission shall approve locations for the road test which pose no more than a minimal risk of injury to the applicant, the examiner, and other motorists. 1[No new] New1 locations for the road test shall 1not1 be approved unless the test can be given on public streets.
A person who successfully completes a road test for a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement when operating a motorcycle or motorized scooter with an engine displacement of less than 231 cubic centimeters shall be issued a motorcycle license or endorsement restricting the person's operation of 1[such] the1 vehicles to any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 500 cubic centimeters or less. A person who successfully completes a road test for a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement when operating a motorcycle with an engine displacement of 231 or more cubic centimeters shall be issued a motorcycle license or endorsement without any restriction as to engine displacement. Any person who successfully completes an approved motorcycle safety education course established pursuant to the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1991, c.452 (C.27:5F-36) shall be issued a motorcycle license or endorsement without restriction as to engine displacement.
The commission shall issue a basic driver's license to operate a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle to a person over 18 years of age who previously has not been licensed to drive a motor vehicle in this State or another jurisdiction only if that person has: (1) operated a passenger automobile in compliance with the requirements of this title for not less than one year, not including any period of suspension or postponement, from the date of issuance of a probationary license pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1950, c.127 (C.39:3-13.4); (2) not been assessed more than two motor vehicle points; (3) not been convicted in the previous year for a violation of R.S.39:4-50, section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a), 3section 1 of3 P.L.1992, c.189 (C.39:4-50.14), R.S.39:4-129, N.J.S.2C:11-5, subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:12-1, or any other motor vehicle-related violation the commission determines to be significant and applicable pursuant to regulation; and (4) passed an examination of the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to this section.
The commission shall expand the driver's license examination by 1[20%] 20 percent1. The additional questions to be added shall consist solely of questions developed in conjunction with the Department of Health concerning the use of alcohol or drugs as related to highway safety. The commission shall develop, in conjunction with the Department of Health, supplements to the driver's manual which shall include information necessary to answer any question on the driver's license examination concerning alcohol or drugs as related to highway safety.
Up to 20 questions may be added to the examination on subjects to be determined by the commission that are of particular relevance to youthful drivers, including the dangers of driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner, which shall include, but not be limited to, unexpectedly altering the speed of a vehicle, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield the right of way, and following another vehicle too closely, after consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The commission shall expand the driver's license examination to include a question asking whether the applicant is aware of the provisions of the "Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act," P.L.2008, c.50 (C.26:6-77 et al.) and the procedure for indicating on the driver's license the intention to make a donation of body organs or tissues pursuant to 3section 1 of3 P.L.1978, c.181 (C.39:3-12.2).
The commission shall expand the driver's license examination to include a question asking whether the applicant is aware of the dangers of failing to comply with this State's motor vehicle traffic laws and the "STOP for Nikhil Safety Pledge" set forth in subsection e. of R.S.39:3-41.
Any person applying for a driver's license to operate a motor vehicle or motorized bicycle in this State shall surrender to the commission any current driver's license issued to the applicant by another state or jurisdiction upon the applicant's receipt of a driver's license for this State. The commission shall refuse to issue a driver's license if the applicant fails to comply with this provision. An applicant for a permit or license who is less than 18 years of age, and who holds a permit or license for a passenger automobile issued by another state or country that is valid or has expired within a time period designated by the commission, shall be subject to the permit and license requirements and penalties applicable to State permit and license applicants who are of the same age; except that if the other state or country has permit or license standards substantially similar to those of this State, the credentials of the other state or country shall be acceptable.
The commission shall create classified licensing of drivers covering the following classifications:
a. Motorcycles, except that for the purposes of this section, motorcycle shall not include any three-wheeled motor vehicle equipped with a single cab with glazing enclosing the occupant, seats similar to those of a passenger vehicle or truck, seat belts and automotive steering or any vehicle defined as a motorcycle pursuant to R.S.39:1-1 having a motor with a maximum piston displacement that is less than 50 cubic centimeters or a motor that is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower with a maximum speed of no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface.
b. Omnibuses as classified by R.S.39:3-10.1 and school buses classified under N.J.S.18A:39-1 et seq.
c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.28) 3[.]3
d. All motor vehicles not included in classifications a. and b. A license issued pursuant to this classification d. shall be referred to as the "basic driver's license."
Every applicant for a license under classification b. shall be a holder of a basic driver's license. Any issuance of a license under classification b. shall be by endorsement on the basic driver's license.
A driver's license for motorcycles may be issued separately, but if issued to the holder of a basic driver's license, it shall be by endorsement on the basic driver's license. The holder of a basic driver's license or a separately issued motorcycle license shall be authorized to operate a motorcycle having a motor with a maximum piston displacement that is less than 50 cubic centimeters or a motor that is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower with a maximum speed no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface.
The commission, upon payment of the lawful fee and after it or a person authorized by it has examined the applicant and is satisfied of the applicant's ability as an operator, may, in its discretion, issue a license to the applicant to drive a motor vehicle. The license shall authorize [him] the person to drive any registered vehicle, of the kind or kinds indicated [, and] .
The license shall expire, except as otherwise provided, [on the last day of] during the 1[48th] fourth1 calendar 1[month] year1 following the 1[calendar month] date1 in which [such] the license was issued and on the same 1[numerical]1 calendar day as the person's 1[numerical day] date1 of birth. If the person's 1[numerical day] date1 of birth does not correspond to a 1[numerical]1 calendar day of the 1[48th] fourth1 calendar 1[month] year1 , the license shall expire on the last day of the 1[48th calendar] person's birth1 month.
The commission may, at its discretion and for good cause shown, issue licenses which shall expire on a date fixed by it. If the commission issues a license to a person who has demonstrated authorization to be present in the United States for a period of time shorter than the standard period of the license, the commission shall fix the expiration date of the license at a date based on the period in which the person is authorized to be present in the United States under federal immigration laws. The commission may renew [such a] the license only if it is demonstrated that the person's continued presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. The fee for licenses with expiration dates fixed by the commission shall be fixed by the commission in amounts proportionately less or greater than the fee herein established.
The required fee for a license for the 2[48-month] license2 period shall be as follows:
Motorcycle license or endorsement: $18.
Omnibus or school bus endorsement: $18.
Basic driver's license: $18.
The commission shall waive the payment of fees for issuance of omnibus endorsements whenever an applicant establishes to the commission's satisfaction that [said] the applicant will use the omnibus endorsement exclusively for operating omnibuses owned by a nonprofit organization duly incorporated under Title 15 or 16 of the Revised Statutes or Title 15A of the New Jersey Statutes.
The commission shall issue licenses for the following license period on and after the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding the commencement of [such] the period, [such] the licenses to be effective immediately.
All applications for renewals of licenses shall be made in a manner prescribed by the commission and in accordance with procedures established by it.
The commission in its discretion may refuse to grant a permit or license to drive motor vehicles to a person who is, in its estimation, not a proper person to be granted [such] a permit or license, but 1[no] a1 defect of the applicant shall 1not1 debar the applicant from receiving a permit or license unless it can be shown by tests approved by the commission that the defect incapacitates the applicant from safely operating a motor vehicle.
In addition to requiring an applicant for a driver's license to submit satisfactory proof of identity and age, the commission also shall require the applicant to provide, as a condition for obtaining a permit and license, satisfactory proof that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.
If the commission has reasonable cause to suspect that any document presented by an applicant as proof of identity, age or legal residency is altered, false1,1 or otherwise invalid, the commission shall refuse to grant the permit or license until [such] the time as the document may be verified by the issuing agency to the commission's satisfaction.
A person violating this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 60 days, but if that person has never been licensed to drive in this State or any other jurisdiction, the applicant shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 and, in addition, the court shall issue an order to the commission requiring the commission to refuse to issue a license to operate a motor vehicle to the person for a period of not less than 180 days. The penalties provided for by this paragraph shall not be applicable in cases where failure to have actual possession of the operator's license is due to an administrative or technical error by the commission.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or extend the expiration of any license issued prior to the date this amendatory and supplementary act becomes operative.
As used in this section:
"Parking sensors" means proximity sensors which use either electromagnetic or ultrasonic technology and are designed to alert the driver to obstacles while parking.
"Rear visibility system" means devices or components installed on a motor vehicle at the time of manufacture that allow a forward facing driver to view a visual image of the area directly behind the vehicle.
(cf: P.L.2016, c.41, s.1)
12. Section 4 of P.L.1980, c.47 (C.39:3-29.5) is amended to read as follows:
4. a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, each original identification card authorized by section 2 of [this act] P.L.1980, c.47 (C.39:3-29.3) shall, unless canceled earlier or otherwise provided, 3[be valid for]3 [48 calendar months] 3[four calendar years from] expire during the fourth calendar year following3 its date of issuance, and 3[shall expire]3 on the same 3calendar3 day as the 3[date of birth of the bearer of the identification card] person's date of birth3 . If the date of birth of the bearer of the identification card does not correspond to a calendar day of the fourth calendar year, the identification card shall expire on the last day of the birth month of the bearer of the card.
[and] The identification card shall be renewable upon the request of the bearer of the card, pursuant to terms of license renewal established by the [Division of Motor Vehicles] New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, and upon payment of a fee as required by section 6 of [this act] P.L.1980, c.47 (C.39:3-29.7). An identification card issued pursuant to [this act] P.L.1980, c.47 (C.39:3-29.2 et seq.) to an applicant who is blind, disabled, or handicapped shall be valid for the life of the holder unless canceled by the holder. Cards issued prior to October 16, 1989 and valid upon the effective date of [this amendatory act] P.L.1990, c.30 shall be valid for the life of the holder unless canceled by the holder. Cards issued to blind, disabled or handicapped persons between October 16, 1989 and the effective date of [this amendatory act] P.L.1990, c.30, and which are valid on the effective date of [this act] P.L.1980, c.47 (C39:3-29.2 et seq.), shall be made valid for the life of the holder unless canceled by the holder, upon presentation of proof that the blindness, disability, or handicap existed at the time of the original application. The 3[director] chief administrator3 is authorized to require periodic verification of information included on any identification card issued for or valid for the life of the holder. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or change any expiration date on any New Jersey identification card issued prior to the operative date of P.L.2001, c.391 (C.39:3-10f4 et al.) and any such identification card shall remain valid until its expiration date.
b. If the 3[director] chief administrator3 issues an identification card to a person who has demonstrated authorization to be present in the United States for a period of time shorter than the standard periods of [such] identification cards, the 3[director] chief administrator3 shall fix the expiration date of the identification card at a date based on the period in which the person is authorized to be present in the United States under federal immigration laws. The [director] chief administrator may renew such an identification card only if it is demonstrated that the person's continued presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.1
(cf: P.L.2001, c.391, s.7)
1[2.] 3.1 This act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment 2and shall apply only to licenses and cards issued or renewed on and after this date2.
Provides that driver's license and identification cards expire every four years on licensee or cardholder's birthday.
