8-2-01 -- A1842, which would establish a Truck Safety Advisory Council, also could increase certain fees related to the operation of commercial motor vehicles to fund truck safety operations in the State Police and may double motor vehicle points assessed when operators of heavy vehicles violate certain motor vehicle laws. The bill was introduced and referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee on Jan. 20, 2000. The session ends Jan. 2, 2002. For bill status information, call (609) 292-4840.

4/24/01 - Two identical bills, A2384 and S49, threaten to take New Jersey's truck ban one step further. Current law, since July 16, 1999, bans 102-inch wide standard trucks from New Jersey roads not in the National Network of highways. These bills would extend the ban to include 96-inch trucks. Both bills have been in the hands of the Assembly Transportation Committee since early last year, but could be moved through at any time this session.
Additionally, all trucks traveling through New Jersey are no longer allowed to drive along one of the state's scenic routes. Acting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco signed S1491 into law March 30. The bill permanently bans heavy truck traffic on Route 29 north of Interstate 95.
The general information number for the New Jersey Legislature is (609) 292-4840. The session breaks June 28, 2001, but continues through Jan. 2, 2002.

3/20/01-A3295, authored by assemblymen Wilfredo Caraballo and Anthony Impreveduto, is still lurking in the Assembly Judiciary Committee where it has been since its introduction in June of 1999 as AB1092. Under the provisions of the bill, the owner of a heavy-duty diesel truck involved in (not necessarily at fault in) a fatal crash, and operating in violation of state or federal safety or operating standards, would be guilty of a crime in the second degree. This means five to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $150,000. A3295, and its companion bill A3296, which calls for semi-annual truck inspections of trucks domiciled within the state are still active and could be heard anytime through the close of session in 2002.
The general information number for the New Jersey Legislature is (609) 292-4840.