Drivers’

Immigrant Driver’s Licenses a National Topic, But A New Jersey Law

TRENTON, NJ – What started as a state-level initiative in New Jersey has now become a heated national issue. With key figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris advocating for a federal law that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, the conversation is now front and center in the national election debate. In New Jersey, immigrants have been able to get driver’s licenses since 2021, thanks to a law enacted by Governor Phil Murphy. This law made it possible for undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, provided they meet specific criteria and follow

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Traffic Delays Welcome Drivers Across North Jersey, Lanes Shut on GWB

FORT LEE, NJ – This morning, commuters in New Jersey are facing delays on several key routes due to a mix of ongoing construction and heavy traffic. The Garden State Parkway is experiencing slowdowns in both directions, particularly near the Raritan Toll Plaza, where construction work is causing lane closures. Northbound traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike is backed up from Interchange 9 in East Brunswick up to Interchange 13 in Elizabeth, with congestion being reported in the local lanes as well. In addition, Route 3 eastbound is seeing significant delays due to an earlier accident near the Meadowlands, and

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Prince William County Reminds Drivers to Be Cautious Around School Buses and Crossing Guards

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA—Prince William County Schools are set to begin classes on Monday, August 19. The start of the school year is anticipated to bring heavier traffic than usual due to an influx of new residents and first-time students. Local authorities are concerned about potential gridlock around school zones. The Prince William County Police Department emphasizes the importance of patience during this busy period. They urge all drivers and pedestrians to heed the instructions of School Crossing Guards to ensure the safety of students and all community members. As schools reopen, both school bus drivers and crossing guards face

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New Jersey Drivers Still Wary of Phil Murphy EV Push

In New Jersey, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is generating both excitement and uncertainty among drivers, accentuated by the current political discourse. A recent survey by Quantrell Subaru reveals that while the appeal of EVs is strong, particularly due to their environmental benefits and potential cost savings, apprehensions remain about their practicality and the upfront costs involved. The survey, which involved 3,000 New Jersey drivers, found that 36% are still undecided about the practicality of switching to an EV. Concerns include the higher initial purchase price noted by 20% of respondents, and another 20% are wary of the adequacy

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Uber Offers Drivers Premium for Pickups in Lakewood Area

Uber Offers Premium for Jobs in Lakewood Area Lakewood, NJ – An Uber driver shared a Reddit post displaying an incentive offered by the company to take rides in Lakewood and neighboring towns, including Jackson, Toms River, and Howell. The company has not provided an explanation for the bonus, but speculation among drivers suggests it may be due to traffic conditions and frequent road safety hazards in Lakewood Township. A Reddit user, brckinabox, commented, “I decline rides to and from Lakewood, it’s going to take a lot more than $1.50 to get me to go there!” Another user, beeatenbyagrue, added,

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Toms River Porch Pirates Dressing As Amazon Delivery Drivers

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River Police Department is cautioning local residents about a series of package thefts involving perpetrators disguised as Amazon employees. The warning follows multiple incidents reported across various communities. According to Toms River police, these thefts are being coordinated by individuals dressed in Amazon vests who target homes right after deliveries have been made by Amazon, FedEx, or UPS. “Several agencies, including ours, are investigating these thefts,” a spokesperson from the police department stated. The majority of the stolen items are iPhones. The police are urging anyone with information about these thefts to contact Detective Joseph

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Recognize Her? Cops Say She’s Using Stolen Driver’s License from Twin Lakes Smash and Grab

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA—The Westmoreland County Park Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a woman involved in a recent theft and subsequent fraudulent activity. The individual is suspected of using a driver’s license, stolen during a smash-and-grab incident at Twin Lakes Park, to make unauthorized bank withdrawals. Authorities have released images of the suspect in hopes that someone will recognize her. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Westmoreland County Park Police at (724) 830-3567 or through their Facebook page.

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Former Mexican judicial officer convicted for hiring drivers to transport drug loads

The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before finding Gilberto Almaraz-Muniz, 55, guilty on one count of conspiracy and three counts of possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances following a five-day trial. BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a Mexican citizen residing in the Brownsville area for conspiracy with intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Further evidence showed co-conspirator Jetzrael Saldana, 25, Brownsville, recruited Venegas as driver on behalf of Almaraz-Muniz who was a law enforcement official in Mexico and operated as the drug supplier.

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New Jersey Thinks EV Drivers Should Pay Their Fair Share Too

MADISON, NJ — A recent poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University reveals that New Jersey voters support additional fees on electric vehicles (EVs) by a wide margin, with 65% in favor versus 29% opposed. The poll, conducted for the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, indicates a strong preference for using gas tax and vehicle registration revenues exclusively for roads and bridges rather than for New Jersey Transit subsidies. The survey, which took place on Tuesday, also shows that 58% of voters prefer that these funds are not used to subsidize NJ Transit. The new fees, endorsed by majorities across both

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Montana Hit With Lawsuit Over Sex-Change Policy For Birth Certificates, Driver’s Licenses

Two transgender people sued Montana on Thursday, challenging a state policy that bars residents from changing the sex designations on their birth certificates unless they meet certain criteria. Jessica Kalarchik and an individual identified only as “Jane Doe” are listed as plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging a state policy that, they argue, makes it “impossible” for transgender people born in Montana to change their birth certificates. The policy, which was finalized in 2022, prohibits individuals from changing the gender on their birth certificate, unless their gender was listed incorrectly on the original certificate as a result of data error or

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New Jersey Bill to Lower Requirements for School Bus Drivers Passes Unanimously

New Legislation Eases Requirements for Type S School Bus Drivers in New Jersey TRENTON, NJ — The Assembly Education Committee recently advanced Assembly Bill No. 2180, incorporating committee amendments that would allow Type S school bus certificate holders to operate buses without a commercial driver license and other endorsements, provided they meet specific requirements outlined in the bill. The legislation aims to streamline the process for school bus operation, ensuring drivers are still held to stringent legal standards. On Monday, the bill passed with a unanimous 70-0 vote in the assembly. 10 assemblypersons abstained on the vote. The bill stipulates

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New Jersey Bill Seeks to Shield Drivers from Out-of-State Traffic Camera Fines

TRENTON, NJ – Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) has introduced the Automated Enforcement Inoculation Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at protecting New Jersey drivers from being penalized by out-of-state automated traffic enforcement systems. Senate President Scutari has joined as a co-prime sponsor of the bill, showcasing a united front against what they describe as predatory fines. The bill, designated S-3067, proposes to prohibit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and other state agencies from sharing personal information of New Jersey’s driver’s license holders with entities seeking to enforce or collect fines based on automated camera traffic violations from outside the

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Multiple Drivers Injured, Vehicles Damaged by Rock Throwing Incident on NYC Overpass

NEW YORK, NY — In a dangerous act of vandalism, an unidentified individual targeted vehicles with rocks from an overpass at 39th Avenue and the Clearview Expressway. The incident, occurring at approximately 2:00 AM Saturday, resulted in significant damage and injuries. A total of 10 vehicles were hit, with damages surpassing $5,000. Four individuals sustained minor lacerations to their faces and arms. Emergency Medical Services responded promptly, transporting the victims to local hospitals where they were listed in stable condition. The perpetrator fled the scene on foot to an undisclosed location. Authorities are actively seeking information on this individual.

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New Jersey Lawmakers Want EV Drivers to Pay Fair Share of Road Maintenance Taxes

TRENTON, NJ – A legislative move in New Jersey aims to increase the gas tax and introduce a new fee for electric vehicle (EV) owners to contribute to the state’s budget for road maintenance. Democratic Assemblyman Clinton Cal Breeze is spearheading a bill that proposes a $250 registration fee for electric vehicles, which will rise by $90 annually over the next four years. The bill enjoys bipartisan support. The proposed changes seek to distribute the financial burden of infrastructure maintenance across all drivers, not just those using gasoline. The bill also suggests raising the gas tax by $0.02, with incremental

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Police On Alert for St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Drivers Across New Jersey and New York

The Alarming Statistics of Drinking and Driving on St. Patrick’s Day in the New York and New Jersey Area St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, is often associated with festivities, parades, and revelry. However, amid the merrymaking, there lies a grim reality: an increase in drinking and driving incidents, leading to tragic consequences. In the New York and New Jersey area, the statistics surrounding drinking and driving on St. Patrick’s Day paint a concerning picture, prompting the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St.

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New Jersey Bill Lowers Standards for School Bus Drivers, Increase Penalties for Negligence

New Jersey Assembly Bill No. 4835 Simplifies School Bus Operation Requirements TRENTON, NJ – The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee has favorably reported on Assembly Bill No. 4835, a significant piece of legislation aimed at streamlining the process for operating a Type S school bus. This bill allows individuals holding a Type S school bus certificate to transport children to and from school without the need for a commercial driver’s license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement, provided they meet certain criteria outlined in the legislation. Under the new bill, individuals found operating a Type S school bus while

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Bald Eagle Gets Caught Up In Driver’s Grill

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office reported a successful collaboration leading to the rescue of a bald eagle. The incident occurred early on March 9, when a driver on Route 4 accidentally struck the eagle, trapping it in the vehicle’s grill. Animal Control Officer Neel, with assistance from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, responded swiftly to the emergency call. They managed to safely extricate the eagle from its predicament. Following a careful examination, it was determined that the eagle had not sustained any serious injuries and was subsequently released back into the wild. The successful rescue underscored the effective

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New Jersey School Bus Operator Admits to Unsafe Practices, Hiring Unqualified Drivers

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ – Ahmed Mahgoub, 65, owner of F&A Transportation, admitted guilt on charges related to the employment of unfit drivers and the operation of hazardous buses for children’s transportation. This admission occurred in Essex County, marking a significant development in the case against the transportation provider. The charges against Mahgoub and his company include false representation for a government contract, highlighting the grave nature of their offenses. Investigations revealed that several drivers lacked the necessary licensing and possessed disqualifying criminal records. Notably, one incident involved an intoxicated driver crashing a bus full of children. Sentencing for Mahgoub is

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Six Drunk Drivers Arrested in St. Patrick’s Day Parade DUI Operation

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — In response to the annual Belmar St. Patrick’s Parade, the Wall Township Police Department increased patrols on Sunday, March 3, utilizing funds from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The initiative aimed to curb drunk driving resulted in six arrests. Sergeant Chris Mason initiated the arrests with a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 71, leading to the arrest of Roger Corrales 3rd, 26, of Manahawkin, on an active warrant from Ocean Township. He was processed and released. Gary Negra, 58, of Brielle, was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) by Patrolman Jason Paulus

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Uber, Lyft drivers strike across US, demanding fairer pay

By Akash Sriram (Reuters) -Drivers for Uber Technologies, Lyft and delivery workers for DoorDash were staging a strike on Wednesday, seeking fair pay and better treatment. Workers say the rideshare and food delivery platforms are taking disproportionate sums from their fares as fees, hurting their earnings. The protest comes just as Uber, the largest ride-share company, saw its shares hit a record high after announcing a $7 billion share buyback. “These platforms continuously decrease driver earnings year after year as means to show they are profitable to investors to get them to buy into their stock,” said Shantwan Humphrey, a

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Spanish police scuffle with farmers, truck drivers on fifth day of protests

MADRID (Reuters) – Spanish police on Saturday clashed with a group of farmers and truck drivers in Madrid as they tried to access a main road in a bid to block it, one of several protests sweeping the European Union against the bloc’s environmental rules and what workers see as excessive taxes and red tape. A group representing drivers, Plataforma Nacional, and a newly created farmers’ group, Plataforma 6-F, on Saturday came together to jointly demand action from Spanish and European leaders. They claim rules to protect the environment make them less competitive compared to other regions. Members of both

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Drunk Drivers in NJ Wanted as Kim Leads Dems Against DWI Migrant Deportation Bill

TRENTON, NJ – There’s nothing an illegal migrant can do that will get them deported, not even risking the lives of innocent Americans. Democrats from New Jersey voted no against a bill in Congress that sought to deport illegal migrants convicted of driving while intoxicated. It didn’t matter, because the bill passed 215-59, but it shows that New Jersey congressional Democrats don’t care about American lives. They care more about compassion toward illegal migrants who drink and drive, often without a license, or insurance, and in unregistered and sometimes stolen vehicles. Congressman Andy Kim, who is running for U.S. Senate

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Digital Driver’s Licenses for Traffic Stops Moves Closer to Law in New Jersey

New Jersey Senate Committee Advances Bill for Mobile Driver’s Licenses and IDs Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee has taken a significant step towards modernizing identification systems by approving a bill that mandates the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to develop mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards. Sponsored by Senator Nellie Pou and Committee Chair Patrick Diegnan, this legislation, if enacted, would enable individuals to voluntarily acquire a mobile version of their driver’s license or ID card. The proposed legislation, S-1297, unanimously passed the committee with a 5-0 vote. It seeks to redefine “mobile electronic communication

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Should Turnpike Toll Fees Be Clearer for Drivers? Legislator Says Yes

Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Assemblyman Bob Auth has introduced a bill aimed at increasing transparency regarding toll charges on the state’s major highways. With toll increases on the horizon, Auth’s bill (A395) mandates that the amounts collected via EZ-Pass be electronically displayed in every lane of toll plazas on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway. This requirement, however, does not extend to cash payments and high-speed EZ-Pass-only lanes. Auth, a Republican representing Bergen County, expressed concern that continuous toll hikes are being implemented without motorists being fully aware of the costs. He stated, “The

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Stellantis’ Peugeot cars to use ChatGPT to talk to drivers

PARIS (Reuters) – Stellantis’ Peugeot brand plans to use ChatGPT to improve the voice assistant in its cars and vans, the French brand said on Tuesday, joining rivals such as Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz in tapping the popular AI chatbot. “We will introduce ChatGPT in all cars, including the new e-3008 model, and small commercial vehicles,” Jerome Micheron, director of Peugeot’s Product Plan, told a media call. Peugeot will launch a pilot version of the ChatGPT service, which will be able to connect to vehicle controls and answer many general or navigation-related questions, on Wednesday in five countries – France, Britain,

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