New Jersey Assembly Bill A1851

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

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.