New Jersey Assembly Bill A5911

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/24/25
• Refer: 7/24/25

Caption

Lowers minimum amount of motor vehicle liability coverage for autocabs.

Impact

The proposed reduction in liability coverage requirements is designed to potentially ease the financial burden on autocab owners and operators, making it more accessible to enter the market. Supporters might argue that this change can promote economic growth by lowering barriers to entry for new businesses in the transportation sector. However, critics of the bill may raise concerns about the adequacy of $200,000 coverage in protecting passengers and other road users, especially in cases of severe accidents resulting in significant bodily injury or property damage.

Summary

A5911 is a bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that proposes to lower the minimum required amount of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage for autocabs. The bill seeks to amend existing laws (P.L.1972, c.197 and R.S.48:16-3) that currently mandate that owners of autocabs maintain a liability insurance coverage of at least $1.5 million. Under A5911, this requirement would be significantly reduced to a minimum coverage of $200,000, reflecting a substantial change in the insurance landscape for vehicle-for-hire services.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding A5911 may revolve around safety and public welfare concerns. Advocates for higher insurance coverage argue that lower limits could lead to inadequate compensation for victims of accidents involving autocabs, which could hinder their ability to recover from injuries or damages. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision requiring drivers to pass a criminal background check before they can operate an autocab. Critics may question the effectiveness and fairness of this requirement, and whether it sufficiently protects public safety while balancing the operational Flexibility for autocab drivers.