NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A1611

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1611

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Enhances penalties imposed on drivers who have never been issued a driver's license.

Impact

If enacted, A1611 will significantly alter the existing legal landscape regarding unlicensed driving in New Jersey. Previously, penalties included a fine of $200 to $500 and potential jail time up to 60 days. The new law aims to create a deterrent effect by substantially raising these fines and introducing mandatory imprisonment for repeat offenders, thereby emphasizing serious repercussions for unauthorized drivers. This could lead to a shift in how unlicensed driving is prosecuted and perceived within the legal framework of the state, potentially resulting in reduced instances of unlicensed driving over time.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1611 aims to enhance penalties for individuals who operate a motor vehicle without ever having been issued a driver's license in New Jersey or any other jurisdiction. The bill proposes specific fines and incarceration terms tailored to repeat offenses, introducing a structured framework that escalates consequences for habitual offenders. The legislation establishes fines of $500 for a first offense, $750 and up to five days of imprisonment for a second, and $1,000 and ten days for a third offense. Furthermore, if an unlicensed driver is involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury, they face an additional term of imprisonment between 45 to 180 days depending on the severity of the offense.

Contention

Debate surrounding A1611 may arise concerning its strict penalties and their effectiveness in reducing unlicensed driving. Critics could argue that the increased incarceration terms for non-violent offenders may not address the underlying issues, such as lack of access to driving education or socioeconomic factors that prevent individuals from obtaining a driver's license. Additionally, concerns regarding fairness may surface, especially for those who inadvertently drive without having been licensed due to administrative issues rather than willful negligence. Thus, the proposal may invoke discussions about the balance between public safety and the implications of stringent legal penalties.

Companion Bills

NJ S108

Same As Enhances penalties imposed on drivers who have never been issued a driver's license.

Previously Filed As

NJ A756

Enhances penalties imposed on drivers who have never been issued a driver's license.

NJ S439

Enhances penalties imposed on drivers who have never been issued a driver's license.

NJ S108

Enhances penalties imposed on drivers who have never been issued a driver's license.

NJ A5144

Requires driver's licenses and identification cards issued to non-citizens to bear distinct color and include statement providing document cannot be used to vote; requires identification to vote.

NJ A2930

Requires MVC to offer driver's license knowledge test in Italian.

NJ A2214

Requires MVC to offer driver's license knowledge test in Italian.

NJ S3925

Requires driver's licenses and identification cards issued to non-citizens to bear distinct color and include statement providing document cannot be used to vote; requires identification to vote.

NJ A4765

Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users.

NJ A3032

Clarifies extension of driver's license, identification card, and motor vehicle registration expiration dates for certain military personnel.

NJ A2556

Exempts Purple Heart recipients from payment of motor vehicle registration, driver's license, and identification card fees.

Similar Bills

NJ A756

Enhances penalties imposed on drivers who have never been issued a driver's license.

NJ A2930

Requires MVC to offer driver's license knowledge test in Italian.

NJ A2214

Requires MVC to offer driver's license knowledge test in Italian.

NJ A2951

Requires MVC to provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities during certain knowledge examinations.

NJ A1485

Requires MVC to provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities during certain knowledge examinations.

NJ A1175

Exempts Purple Heart recipients from payment of motor vehicle registration, driver's license, and identification card fees.

NJ A2556

Exempts Purple Heart recipients from payment of motor vehicle registration, driver's license, and identification card fees.

NJ S3925

Requires driver's licenses and identification cards issued to non-citizens to bear distinct color and include statement providing document cannot be used to vote; requires identification to vote.