New NJ Traffic Law Passed - Everyone Must Read
04-03-2009, 11:35 AM
#1
RX8 Club OG
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Clinton NJ
Posts: 2,459
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New NJ Traffic Law Passed - Everyone Must Read
I am posting this so that everyone is aware of this new law for highway safety.
Article taken from the NJ Attorney Generals Web Page:
http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090325c.html
Move Over. It’s the Law.
State Police and Highway Safety officials join forces to draw attention to the new law
Cranbury, N.J. - A coalition of agencies promoted the new “Move Over Law” at the State Police’s New Jersey Turnpike Headquarters today to bring attention to a recently enacted law protecting roadside emergency workers. The outreach effort marks the beginning of a public awareness campaign to educate the state’s drivers on the legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Jon S. Corzine on Jan. 27.
The coalition supporting today’s Move Over Law event included the Office of the Attorney General, the New Jersey State Police, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the Department of Transportation, the NJ Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute, and AAA Clubs of New Jersey.
Public education for the Move Over Law has begun on a number of fronts. The Department of Transportation is transmitting a message over their Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) system telling motorists about the new law. Variable message signs on state highways and toll roads are pointing drivers to the radio frequencies for those messages. Today, the Office of the Attorney General launched a new website with Move Over Law information. This site will have links on other state government websites. The web address is www.moveoverlaw.com.
The new law requires motor vehicle operators to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights. Such vehicles include police, fire and medical services vehicles, and also highway maintenance, tow trucks and official motorist aid vehicles displaying amber emergency lights. Where possible, drivers are required to move over to create an empty lane next to the emergency vehicle. When safely changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit prior to passing emergency vehicles. Drivers should also be prepared to stop, if necessary.
“Motorists approaching stationery flashing lights, whether an ambulance, police, fire or tow truck, must heed the warning and safely move over to another lane, or slow down below the posted speed limit,” said Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer. “Remember, emergency responders are there to help. Give them the space they need, so they can work safely.”
Major Matt Walker, who commands troopers on the Turnpike, has seen more than a few troopers and patrol vehicles hit by passing motorists. He outlined the risks that workers face while serving the public at roadside emergencies. Walker mentioned a crash two days ago (Monday) that injured a trooper on a traffic stop on Route 78 in Hillside, Union County. Nationwide since 1997, more than 150 law enforcement officers have been killed after being struck by vehicles along America's highways.
“New Jersey contains some of the busiest highways in the nation,” said Major Walker. “This law is a critical step in protecting the very workers that are protecting all motorists. But the second and most important step involves drivers obeying this law, and the State Police is ready to ‘encourage’ the public to do just that.”
Walker added: “To borrow a line from a law enforcement video, a Kevlar vest can stop a speeding bullet, but it cannot stop a speeding vehicle.”
Fines for violating this law run from $100 to $500 and will be determined by the municipal court in which the violator is charged.
Fischer said a public service message on the law will be distributed to minor league ballparks and other outdoor recreational venues this spring and summer. Posters with information on the law are also being developed for use by local and state law enforcement, community, traffic safety and emergency responders in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will incorporate provisions of the law into their driver improvement program, and will be sending literature to driver training schools throughout the state. The agency will also be updating driver testing materials to reflect the new mandate.
“As with any new motor vehicle law, educating our state’s drivers is essential,” said MVC Deputy Chief Administrator Shawn Sheekey. “Through the use of the MVC’s educational tools, such as the New Jersey Driver Manual, we will be able share the Move Over message with a very important segment of the driving population - new drivers preparing for a lifetime behind the wheel.”
"Motorists' best bet is to merge safely away from emergency workers in the shoulder, providing an empty lane of protection while they work. Slowing down significantly is the next best move if this is not possible," AAA Clubs of New Jersey spokesman David Weinstein said. "AAA commends the Governor for signing this safety measure into law and law enforcement, particularly the New Jersey State Police, for informing motorists and enforcing the Move Over law, which acknowledges that the safety of emergency workers on our roadways is paramount."
“We are delighted to see such a rapid and comprehensive response to this important new law by so many agencies,” said Paul Roman, president of the NJ Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute. “Our effort will surely result in saved lives and safer working conditions for thousands of emergency response personnel in our state, many of whom are civilian volunteers.”
New Jersey is the 44th state to pass a Move Over Law. Thirty of those states, including New Jersey, include tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles as part of the move over requirement. New Jersey was among seven states in 2008 to move a bill like this.
Additional public education materials can also be found on the Division’s web site, at www.njsaferoads.com/move-over-law . The full text of the Move Over statute follows:
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2
Procedure for motorist approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle.
1. a. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light or a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck or highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
L. 2009, c.5, s.1.
Article taken from the NJ Attorney Generals Web Page:
http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090325c.html
Move Over. It’s the Law.
State Police and Highway Safety officials join forces to draw attention to the new law
Cranbury, N.J. - A coalition of agencies promoted the new “Move Over Law” at the State Police’s New Jersey Turnpike Headquarters today to bring attention to a recently enacted law protecting roadside emergency workers. The outreach effort marks the beginning of a public awareness campaign to educate the state’s drivers on the legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Jon S. Corzine on Jan. 27.
The coalition supporting today’s Move Over Law event included the Office of the Attorney General, the New Jersey State Police, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the Department of Transportation, the NJ Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute, and AAA Clubs of New Jersey.
Public education for the Move Over Law has begun on a number of fronts. The Department of Transportation is transmitting a message over their Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) system telling motorists about the new law. Variable message signs on state highways and toll roads are pointing drivers to the radio frequencies for those messages. Today, the Office of the Attorney General launched a new website with Move Over Law information. This site will have links on other state government websites. The web address is www.moveoverlaw.com.
The new law requires motor vehicle operators to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights. Such vehicles include police, fire and medical services vehicles, and also highway maintenance, tow trucks and official motorist aid vehicles displaying amber emergency lights. Where possible, drivers are required to move over to create an empty lane next to the emergency vehicle. When safely changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit prior to passing emergency vehicles. Drivers should also be prepared to stop, if necessary.
“Motorists approaching stationery flashing lights, whether an ambulance, police, fire or tow truck, must heed the warning and safely move over to another lane, or slow down below the posted speed limit,” said Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer. “Remember, emergency responders are there to help. Give them the space they need, so they can work safely.”
Major Matt Walker, who commands troopers on the Turnpike, has seen more than a few troopers and patrol vehicles hit by passing motorists. He outlined the risks that workers face while serving the public at roadside emergencies. Walker mentioned a crash two days ago (Monday) that injured a trooper on a traffic stop on Route 78 in Hillside, Union County. Nationwide since 1997, more than 150 law enforcement officers have been killed after being struck by vehicles along America's highways.
“New Jersey contains some of the busiest highways in the nation,” said Major Walker. “This law is a critical step in protecting the very workers that are protecting all motorists. But the second and most important step involves drivers obeying this law, and the State Police is ready to ‘encourage’ the public to do just that.”
Walker added: “To borrow a line from a law enforcement video, a Kevlar vest can stop a speeding bullet, but it cannot stop a speeding vehicle.”
Fines for violating this law run from $100 to $500 and will be determined by the municipal court in which the violator is charged.
Fischer said a public service message on the law will be distributed to minor league ballparks and other outdoor recreational venues this spring and summer. Posters with information on the law are also being developed for use by local and state law enforcement, community, traffic safety and emergency responders in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will incorporate provisions of the law into their driver improvement program, and will be sending literature to driver training schools throughout the state. The agency will also be updating driver testing materials to reflect the new mandate.
“As with any new motor vehicle law, educating our state’s drivers is essential,” said MVC Deputy Chief Administrator Shawn Sheekey. “Through the use of the MVC’s educational tools, such as the New Jersey Driver Manual, we will be able share the Move Over message with a very important segment of the driving population - new drivers preparing for a lifetime behind the wheel.”
"Motorists' best bet is to merge safely away from emergency workers in the shoulder, providing an empty lane of protection while they work. Slowing down significantly is the next best move if this is not possible," AAA Clubs of New Jersey spokesman David Weinstein said. "AAA commends the Governor for signing this safety measure into law and law enforcement, particularly the New Jersey State Police, for informing motorists and enforcing the Move Over law, which acknowledges that the safety of emergency workers on our roadways is paramount."
“We are delighted to see such a rapid and comprehensive response to this important new law by so many agencies,” said Paul Roman, president of the NJ Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute. “Our effort will surely result in saved lives and safer working conditions for thousands of emergency response personnel in our state, many of whom are civilian volunteers.”
New Jersey is the 44th state to pass a Move Over Law. Thirty of those states, including New Jersey, include tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles as part of the move over requirement. New Jersey was among seven states in 2008 to move a bill like this.
Additional public education materials can also be found on the Division’s web site, at www.njsaferoads.com/move-over-law . The full text of the Move Over statute follows:
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2
Procedure for motorist approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle.
1. a. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light or a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck or highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
L. 2009, c.5, s.1.
Last edited by Alucard; 04-03-2009 at 11:41 AM.
04-03-2009, 08:03 PM
#4
The anti-ricer
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Hillsdale, NJ
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm happy with that, in fact, it's something that I've always done. They have a hard enough time wondering what a driver is going to do when they pull them over, they shouldn't have to worry about oncoming traffic also.
04-03-2009, 10:56 PM
#7
RX8 Club OG
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Clinton NJ
Posts: 2,459
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well.. it was announced about three months ago her in NJ and now we just got notice that it is in effect.
I am happy that the state did pass this law.
Duke... the have a law for that... failure to keep right
I am happy that the state did pass this law.
Duke... the have a law for that... failure to keep right
04-04-2009, 02:24 AM
#9
I've been on the side of the road a few times. Anytime I've been out of the car, the thought of 80 mph traffic 3 feet over was somewhat daunting. To have a job where it is fairly routine would seem dangerous. Heck, if I get pulled over on a 50mph or above road, I usually turn off onto a side street to get my ticket. Good law and noted.
04-04-2009, 05:44 AM
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Marlborough, MA
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just had that take effect here in Mass this past week.
Of course, everyone is just ignoring it. Just yesterday, a line of 10 cars in the right lane went right by a cop that had someone pulled over on the right, like he wasn't even there. On the left side of the road, is the big honkin flashing sign reminding everyone about the law. Guess you really can't fix stupid.
Of course, everyone is just ignoring it. Just yesterday, a line of 10 cars in the right lane went right by a cop that had someone pulled over on the right, like he wasn't even there. On the left side of the road, is the big honkin flashing sign reminding everyone about the law. Guess you really can't fix stupid.
04-06-2009, 01:13 AM
#16
This is one of the most retarded law ever exist.
Seriously. People will just "z00m" by those "emergency" vehicle.
when people see "emergency" vehicle lights, MOST of the time they will slow down, so I dont really see the point of this law.
Uhh whatever. another way for government to generate income
Seriously. People will just "z00m" by those "emergency" vehicle.
when people see "emergency" vehicle lights, MOST of the time they will slow down, so I dont really see the point of this law.
Uhh whatever. another way for government to generate income
04-06-2009, 05:53 AM
#17
Misfit Moderator TnC
no this is for cop safety.....its a damn good law that needs to be enforced......just check the statistic of how many cops get hit by cars on routine stops......
04-06-2009, 07:42 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Carteret, NJ
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i completely agree with this, and its just a shame that there are so many stupid people (who should have never even gotten their licenses to begin with) driving out there...
They really should stop messing around with this little laws, and just make getting a license harder.. i mean really, i didnt even have to fully finish parallel parking on my test, i was like halfway through backing up and he said "ok, good job" ... different arguement for a different day tho
you cant fix stupidity, but you could lmit it
04-07-2009, 10:24 AM
#22
doin' the bull dance
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Quahog, RI
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm curious about our resident po-pos' opinions on this law (Alu, police34, #1Stunna if he still posts . . .) This law has been enacted everywhere.
I have always done this anyway and think this is a useless law. People that are too inconsiderate or oblivious to what's going on on the road will not change. So what's the point? How is this even enforceable? Unless plain old dumb luck puts a cop in the right spot at the right time, how does anyone even get ticketed for this infraction?
I have always done this anyway and think this is a useless law. People that are too inconsiderate or oblivious to what's going on on the road will not change. So what's the point? How is this even enforceable? Unless plain old dumb luck puts a cop in the right spot at the right time, how does anyone even get ticketed for this infraction?
04-07-2009, 10:31 AM
#23
He's as bad as Can
Many times local cops will call for backup on a traffic stop because they ride alone. The 2nd car would be able to chase the offender of this new law. I don't see this with troopers much, but the locals are the ones doing most of the ticket writing in NJ.
04-07-2009, 01:33 PM
#24
doin' the bull dance
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Quahog, RI
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, that makes more sense for NJ. Here in RI it's the opposite, with the troopers always sitting in spots on the highways w/their radar on. They rarely have backup on stops (at least my stops 
) so it seems useless. The locals rarely patrol the highways.
) so it seems useless. The locals rarely patrol the highways.
04-08-2009, 01:04 AM
#25
RX8 Club OG
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Clinton NJ
Posts: 2,459
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
expo is correct....
basically this law was enacted to protect emergency personell and highway workers. If 'god-for-bid' there is an accident, it gives the state another thing to charge the person.
Don't Forget this is also for ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance, etc... so if an officer is sitting with any of the above... well you might get pulled over if he can leave
basically this law was enacted to protect emergency personell and highway workers. If 'god-for-bid' there is an accident, it gives the state another thing to charge the person.
Don't Forget this is also for ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance, etc... so if an officer is sitting with any of the above... well you might get pulled over if he can leave
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fc2se
NE For Sale/Wanted
2
06-01-2016 08:55 PM
br0wm
Canada For Sale/Wanted
5
10-24-2015 11:06 PM
1.3_LittersOfFurry
Series I Trouble Shooting
9
09-22-2015 01:54 AM
Touge
Canada Forum
0
09-18-2015 12:21 AM
LMURailsplitter02
New Member Forum
1
09-06-2015 10:56 PM
