TRENTON, N.J. – Electric vehicle drivers in New Jersey could soon have an easier time finding charging stations along major highways under a new bill introduced in the state legislature that directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to post official highway signs marking nearby EV charging locations.
The measure, Senate Bill (unassigned number pending technical review), requires the DOT to erect and maintain standardized exit signs on interstates and limited-access highways to guide motorists to the nearest electric vehicle charging stations. The proposed signage would display the availability, direction, and location of charging facilities, similar to the blue gas, food, and lodging signs that already line the state’s highways.
Lawmakers say the legislation is designed to make electric vehicle travel more accessible and reliable, particularly for drivers on long-distance routes. “As New Jersey transitions toward cleaner transportation, it’s critical that EV drivers have clear, consistent information about where they can recharge,” the bill’s sponsors wrote in their statement.
Uniform standards and federal compliance
Under the bill, all signs must comply with federal and state design standards and meet the specifications outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, issued by the Federal Highway Administration. That requirement ensures that the signs follow uniform color, size, and placement rules to maintain consistency with other directional highway signs.
The proposed law applies to all interstate and limited-access highways in New Jersey, including the state’s busiest routes such as the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and Interstate 195.
Supporting electric vehicle growth
New Jersey has set ambitious goals for electric vehicle adoption, with a statewide mandate requiring all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Officials say infrastructure visibility—making charging stations as easy to locate as gas stations—is a key factor in building public confidence in the shift to electric.
Transportation advocates say this bill would fill an important gap. While thousands of public charging ports exist across New Jersey, many drivers report difficulty locating them while traveling, particularly in rural and coastal areas.
Immediate effect if signed into law
If approved by the legislature and signed by the governor, the law would take effect immediately, authorizing the DOT to begin identifying exit locations and installing signs for charging facilities that meet qualifying standards.
State officials say the plan would likely prioritize interchanges where EV charging is available within a short distance of the highway, mirroring how existing fuel service signs are managed.
The bill reflects a growing focus among lawmakers on practical, visible measures to support electric mobility and ensure the state’s expanding EV infrastructure is accessible to all motorists.
