Creates new motor vehicle offense of engaging in a pattern of aggressive driving.
Impact
If enacted, S565 will amend Title 39 of the Revised Statutes to include penalties specifically for aggressive driving offenses. First offenses could lead to a suspension of the driver’s license for 15 to 30 days and possibly mandatory attendance in a driving education or anger management class. For repeated offenses or those resulting in injury or death, penalties increase significantly, including a 60 to 90-day suspension and fines between $1000 to $3000. No plea bargaining is allowed, which emphasizes the law's seriousness and aims to deter aggressive behavior on the road.
Summary
Bill S565 aims to introduce a new motor vehicle offense termed 'engaging in a pattern of aggressive driving' into New Jersey law. This bill categorizes aggressive driving as a behavioral issue that not only consists of reckless actions like excessive speeding, tailgating, and improper lane changes but also incorporates aggressive verbal or physical gestures aimed at other drivers. The legislation defines a 'pattern of aggressive driving' based on specific criteria, illustrating the seriousness of the offense. This approach underscores the need for stringent law enforcement and educational initiatives surrounding aggressive driving behaviors in the state.
Contention
The bill's introduction is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety on New Jersey roads, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of aggressive driving as a significant risk factor in traffic incidents. Critics, however, may express concerns regarding the subjective interpretation of aggressive driving behaviors and the potential for elevated traffic stops and penalties. Nevertheless, the bill backs its rationale with data from the AAA Foundation and the NHTSA, showing a prevalent perception among drivers that aggressive driving threatens personal safety.
Enforcement
To ensure the legislative changes take effect efficiently, the bill outlines requirements for the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. This includes conducting public awareness campaigns on aggressive driving, reviewing the law's impact through periodic reports, and promoting mechanisms for reporting aggressive drivers. Such initiatives aim to reinforce the new law and engage communities in preventing aggressive driving behaviors.
Teachers; making certain provisions applicable to administrators; requiring certain recommendation to be forwarded to the State Board of Education; providing for expungement; effective date; emergency.