Almost anyone who drives in New Jersey had a moment where they had documentation problems during a traffic stop with police. Not being able to find your valid insurance or registration card during a traffic stop can lead to a costly ticket that pads government coffers.
How many times have you sifted through a pile of expired registrations only to find you didn’t bring the latest year’s document into your car?
Now, a law being pushed in Trenton seeks to end the practice of police issuing documentation fines to drivers during traffic stops by extending registration terms for more than one year.
Senator Declan O’Scanlon has introduced a bill aimed at reducing vehicle registration violations in New Jersey. The proposed legislation would allow drivers in the state to renew their vehicle’s registration for more than one year, providing greater flexibility to responsible drivers who plan to keep the same car for an extended period.
According to Senator O’Scanlon, the current requirement for yearly renewals can lead to complications and financial repercussions for drivers. Unintentional lapses in registration, such as missed notices or forgotten renewals, can result in costly tickets or even the possibility of having the vehicle towed. To address these issues and lessen the administrative burden on the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, the bill, known as S-4078, would grant New Jersey drivers the option to extend their vehicle’s registration for up to ten years.
Under the proposed legislation, drivers would pay the then-current registration fee for all the years they choose to extend upfront. Additionally, if a driver sells the registered vehicle, any remaining years of registration could be transferred to the new car.
Senator O’Scanlon believes that by offering this option, drivers would have a convenient and efficient way to handle their vehicle registration. The bill aims to protect drivers from being pulled over and penalized for registration violations, ultimately saving them time, hassle, and money in the long run. Additionally, it is expected to result in cost savings for both New Jersey drivers and the MVC.
As the bill progresses, Senator O’Scanlon hopes for a positive outcome, highlighting the potential benefits for drivers and the state agency involved.