Trenton, NJ – In a significant move to enhance child safety in vehicles, a new bill has been introduced that substantially increases the penalties for drivers who fail to properly secure children in child passenger restraint systems or booster seats as required by law.
Under the existing regulations, the penalty for not securing a child properly ranges from $50 to $75. The new bill proposes a more stringent approach. For a first offense, the fine will be raised to $100. However, the court is authorized to waive this fine if the defendant can demonstrate possession of an appropriate child passenger restraint system.
For second and subsequent offenses, the stakes are higher, with fines ranging from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $500. This increase underscores the seriousness of the offense and the importance of adhering to child safety regulations in vehicles.
An innovative aspect of this bill is the establishment of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety Child Passenger Restraint System Assistance Fund, which will be managed by the State Treasurer. A portion of the revenues collected from these fines, specifically $25 from each fine, will be directed into this fund. The sole purpose of this fund is to support the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in purchasing child passenger restraint systems. These systems will then be distributed to individuals and organizations that run child passenger restraint system lending programs, making safety devices more accessible to those in need.
This bill reflects a concerted effort by the state to prioritize the safety of its youngest residents on the road and to provide resources for those who may struggle to afford proper child safety equipment. The introduction of this bill marks a pivotal step in reinforcing the importance of child safety in vehicles and ensuring that the necessary tools are available to protect young passengers.