New Jersey Assembly Bill A5163

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23

Caption

Repeals law providing that violation of rear seat belt law be treated as secondary offense; establishes certain reporting requirements; requires AG to issue report.

Impact

The bill addresses a serious issue in New Jersey where traffic fatalities and injuries have risen, largely attributed to non-compliance with seat belt laws. By making rear seat belt violations a primary offense, the law aims to curb the rising number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, which statistics show disproportionately affect unbelted passengers. This shift in legislation could significantly influence state law enforcement practices by allowing officers to enforce compliance without the need for an additional traffic violation to occur.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5163 seeks to enhance passenger safety by amending existing seat belt laws in New Jersey. It transitions the enforcement of rear seat belt usage from a secondary offense, where police could only ticket violators if they were pulled over for another reason, to a primary offense. This change aims to improve compliance with safety belt regulations and aims to reduce fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Supporters assert that stricter seat belt laws will increase the usage rates and ultimately lead to safer roads.

Contention

While proponents of A5163 emphasize the safety benefits and potential reduction in traffic-related costs, opposition arises from concerns regarding the impact on law enforcement procedures. Some critics argue that increasing the scope of primary offenses could lead to over-policing in communities. The bill also includes mandates for law enforcement to submit reports on traffic stops related to rear seat belt violations, raising questions about accountability and the implications for racial profiling or unwarranted citations.