Permits municipality to sell certain vehicles in connection with motor vehicle offenses.
Impact
If enacted, A1851 will have a broad impact on municipal procedures regarding vehicle impoundment. This legislation will require municipalities to notify vehicle owners about the impending auction through certified mail and public notices—providing a transparent process. The bill stipulates that owners can reclaim their vehicles by demonstrating proof of registration, insurance, and payment of fees, thus ensuring that municipalities also recover costs associated with impoundment. Importantly, any sale proceeds exceeding the owed amounts must be returned to the vehicle owner, adding a layer of consumer protection.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1851 proposes a significant change in how municipalities in New Jersey can manage vehicles that have been impounded due to motor vehicle offenses. It allows municipalities to sell vehicles at public auction if the owner fails to reclaim the vehicle within 30 days of impoundment. This is a shift from current regulations, which only permit sales for specific violations under Title 39 of the Revised Statutes. The bill aims to expand municipal powers, granting them the authority to sell all impounded vehicles instead of limiting this right to certain offenses.
Contention
There are likely points of contention around A1851 regarding its implications for vehicle owners and municipal governance. Critics may argue that allowing municipalities to auction off vehicles could lead to financial burdens on individuals who might struggle to pay the necessary fees to reclaim their vehicles. Furthermore, concerns may arise about the potential for municipalities to abuse this power, possibly leading to hasty sales without careful consideration of individual circumstances. Notably, existing laws that already allow for separate authorizations of vehicle sales will remain unaffected by this new legislation, which may lead to a complex legal landscape for motor vehicle regulation.
Notable_points
The expedient nature of this bill, which takes effect immediately upon passage, suggests an urgency to address issues surrounding vehicle impoundment. The balance between enforcing motor vehicle laws and protecting the rights of vehicle owners will be at the forefront of discussions as stakeholders consider the ramifications of A1851.
Authorizes municipalities to address certain unlawful operation of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes through seizure and, in some circumstances, destruction of vehicles.
An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Department Of Motor Vehicles Regarding Insurance Policies For Certain Vehicles, Youth Instruction Permits, Operator Licenses, Commercial Motor Vehicle Operation, Administrative Fees, Diversion Program, Student Transportation Vehicles, Abandoned Motor Vehicles, Hartford Whaler License Plates And Other Changes To The Motor Vehicle Statutes.
Motor vehicles; modifying name of the Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission; modifying maximum number of certain employees for Commission; effective date.
Motor vehicles; exempting out of state and tribal titles from certain requirements; permitting use of electronic signature for total loss claim. Effective date.