NJSA 39:3-1 through NJSA 39:3-6.10
NJSA 39:3-1
39:3-1. Certain vehicles excepted from chapter
Automobile fire engines and such self-propelling vehicles as are used neither for the conveyance of persons for hire, pleasure or business, nor for the transportation of freights, such as steam road rollers and traction engines are excepted from the provisions of this chapter.
NJSA 39:3-2
39:3-2. Motor vehicles used on rural mail routes not commercial cars
Motor vehicles not of the commercial type may be used in the delivery of mail on rural free delivery routes and shall not be classed or considered as commercial cars.
NJSA 39:3-3
39:3-3 Motor Vehicle Agents, appointment, duties; background checks.
39:3-3. A Motor Vehicle Agent (hereinafter "agent") shall administer and ensure the efficient operations of a local commission office. The commission shall designate at least one person in each county for each 300,000 inhabitants or fraction thereof to be its agent for the registering of motor vehicles, issuing registration certificates and licensing of drivers, subject to the requirements of this subtitle and to any rules and regulations the commission imposes. The agent shall so act until his authority is revoked by the commission. All moneys received by such agents for registrations and licenses granted under the provisions of this chapter shall forthwith be deposited as received with the State Treasurer. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, all current agent contracts shall remain in effect until their expiration. Until the agent contract expires, the fee allowed the agent for registration certificates issued by him and for every license granted by him shall be fixed by the commission on the basis of the registration or license fees collected by the agent. The commission may limit the fee so paid to a maximum. Such fee shall be paid to the agent by the State Treasurer upon the voucher of the commission in the same manner as other State expenses are paid until the agent contract expires. At such time as the agent becomes a State employee, the agent shall receive a salary as fixed by the administrator in accordance with the commission table of organization. Future agent appointments shall be in the State unclassified service and the agents shall serve at the pleasure of the administrator. To determine suitability for appointment, all agents shall undergo a background check prior to appointment based upon an examination of State, federal and financial records. No person shall be appointed as an agent who has contributed $1,000 or more to any gubernatorial or State party committee in any one year during the five years preceding appointment. All agents appointed pursuant to this section shall be qualified by education and experience to administer and ensure the efficient operation of a local commission office. As used in this section, education and experience shall include a background in law enforcement, security services, customer relations or services; business administration, finance or management; or public administration or finance.
Amended 1955, c.8, ss.2,14; 1959, c.145, s.1; 2003, c. 13, s.43.
NJSA 39:3-4
39:3-4 Registration of automobiles and motorcycles, application, registration certificates; expiration; issuance; violations; notification.
39:3-4. Except as hereinafter provided, every resident of this State and every nonresident whose automobile or motorcycle shall be driven in this State shall, before using such vehicle on the public highways, register the same, and no automobile or motorcycle shall be driven unless so registered.
Such registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer, in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the chief administrator or the chief administrator's agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the chief administrator, containing the name, street address of the residence or the business of the owner, mailing address, if different from the street address of the owner's residence or business, and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile or motorcycle, including the name of the maker and the vehicle identification number, or the manufacturer's number or the number assigned by the chief administrator if the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number, and any other statement that may be required by the chief administrator. A post office box shall appear on the application only as part of a mailing address that is submitted by the owner, agent or officer, as the case may be, in addition to the street address of the applicant's residence or business; provided, however, the chief administrator, upon application, shall permit a person who was a victim of a violation of N.J.S.2C:12-10, N.J.S.2C:14-2, or N.J.S.2C:25-17 et seq., or who the chief administrator otherwise determines to have good cause, to use as a mailing address a post office box, an address other than the applicant's address or other contact point. An owner whose last address appears on the records of the division as a post office box shall change his address on his application for renewal to the street address of his residence or business and, if different from his street address, his mailing address unless the chief administrator has determined, pursuant to this section, that the owner may use a post office box, an address other than the owner's address or other contact point as a mailing address. The application shall contain the name of the insurer of the vehicle and the policy number. If the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle, the application shall make note of that fact and shall include along with the name and street address of the lessor the name, street address and driver license number of the lessee.
Thereupon the chief administrator shall have the power to grant a registration certificate to the owner of any motor vehicle, if over 17 years of age, application for the registration having been properly made and the fee therefor paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this title. The form and contents of the registration certificate to be issued shall be determined by the chief administrator.
If the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle, the registration certificate shall, in addition to containing the name and street address of the lessor, identify the vehicle as a leased motor vehicle.
The chief administrator shall maintain a record of all registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof.
Every registration shall expire and the registration certificate thereof become void on the last day of the twelfth calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was issued; provided, however, that the chief administrator may, at his discretion, require registrations which shall expire, and issue certificates thereof which shall become void, on a date fixed by him, which date shall not be sooner than three months nor later than 26 months after the date of issuance of such certificates, and the fees for such registrations, including any other fees or charges collected in connection with the registration fee, shall be fixed by the chief administrator in amounts proportionately less or greater than the fees established by law. The chief administrator may fix the expiration date for registration certificates at a date other than 12 months if the chief administrator determines that the change is necessary, appropriate or convenient in order to aid in implementing the vehicle inspection requirements of chapter 8 of Title 39 or for other good cause. The chief administrator may, for good cause extend a registration beyond the expiration date that appears upon the registration certificate for periods not to exceed 12 additional months. The chief administrator may extend the expiration date of a registration without payment of a proportionate fee when the chief administrator determines that such extension is necessary for good cause. If any registration is so extended, the owner shall pay upon renewal the full registration fee for the period fixed by the chief administrator as if no extension had been granted.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, every registration for new passenger automobiles shall expire and the registration certificate shall become void on the last day of the 48th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was initially issued. On and after February 1, 2005, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to new passenger automobiles purchased by a rental company for use as rental passenger automobiles. As used in this paragraph, "rental company" means a person engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles; and "rental passenger automobile" means a passenger automobile that is rented without a driver and used in the transportation of persons or property other than commercial freight.
If the new passenger automobile being registered is a leased passenger automobile, the registration shall expire in accordance with the term of the lease. If the term of the lease extends beyond one or more 12-month periods by one or more months, the registration period shall be based upon the full year into which one or more of the months extend; provided, however, the registration period for a leased automobile shall not exceed 48-months.
Following the 48-month period of the initial registration of a new passenger automobile, the subsequent registration shall expire, and the registration certificate shall become void, on the last day of the 12th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was next issued.
All motorcycles for which registrations have been issued prior to the effective date of P.L.1989, c.167 and which are scheduled to expire between November 1 and March 31 shall, upon renewal, be issued registrations by the chief administrator which shall expire on a date fixed by him, but in no case shall that expiration date be earlier than April 30 nor later than October 31. The fees for the renewal of the motorcycle registrations authorized under this paragraph shall be fixed by the chief administrator in an amount proportionately less or greater than the fee established by R.S.39:3-21.
Application forms for all renewals of registrations for passenger automobiles shall be sent to the last addresses of owners of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as they appear on the records of the division.
No person owning or having control over any unregistered vehicle shall permit the same to be parked or to stand on a public highway.
Any police officer is authorized to remove any unregistered vehicle from the public highway to a storage space or garage, and the expense involved in such removal and storing of the vehicle shall be borne by the owner of the vehicle, except that the expense shall be borne by the lessee of a leased vehicle.
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100, except that for the misstatement of any fact in the application required to be made to the chief administrator, the person making such statement or omitting the statement that the motor vehicle is to be used as a leased motor vehicle when that is the case shall be subject to the penalties provided in R.S.39:3-37.
The chief administrator may extend the expiration date of a registration certificate without payment of a proportionate fee when the chief administrator determines that such extension is necessary, appropriate or convenient to the implementation of vehicle inspection requirements. If any registration certificate is so extended, the owner shall pay upon renewal the full registration fee for the period fixed by the chief administrator as if no extension had been granted.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall make a reasonable effort to notify any lessor whose name and address is on file with the commission, or any other lessor the commission may determine it is necessary to notify, of the requirements of this amendatory act.
A lessor doing business in this State shall notify in writing the lessee of a motor vehicle registered pursuant to this Title of any change in its policies or procedures affecting the registration of the motor vehicle.
Amended 1938, c.66, s.1; 1940, c.246, s.1; 1944, c.5; 1949, c.275; 1952, c.45; 1954, c.172; 1955, c.8, s.3; 1957, c.107; 1968, c.321; 1969, c.103; 1972, c.205, s.1; 1983, c.403, s.6; 1989, c.167, s.2; 1989, c.326, s.1; 1993, c.125, s.2; 1995, c.112, s.27; 1997, c.189, s.1; 2003, c.204, s.3; 2003, c.212; 2004, c.64, s.1.
NJSA 39:3-4a
39:3-4a. Temporary registration of motor vehicle in another state by resident of New Jersey
Notwithstanding the provisions of Revised Statutes 39:3-4 every resident of this State who acquires and temporarily registers a motor vehicle in another State may operate such vehicle or cause such vehicle to be operated on the public highways of this State for a period not in excess of the unexpired term of such temporary registration in another State.
L.1967, c. 38, s. 1, eff. April 27, 1967.
NJSA 39:3-4b
39:3-4b. Temporary registration
Any nonresident purchasing an automobile in the State while enroute to another State or Federal district from a licensed dealer may register the same in New Jersey on a temporary basis.
Such temporary registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the director or his lawful agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the director, containing the name, address and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile, including the name of the maker and the manufacturer's number or the motor number, or both, and any other statement that may be required by the director. If the vehicle is insured by motor vehicle liability insurance as provided for in section 3 of chapter 173 of the laws of 1952, the applicant must file an accompanying certificate, issued by the insurance carrier. An application shall contain the name of the insurer of said vehicle and the policy number.
In the event that such insurance is terminated, the insurer shall notify the director within 30 days, following such termination.
Thereupon the director or licensed dealer shall have the power to grant a temporary registration certificate and temporary plates to the owner of any automobile, if over 17 years of age, either directly or through any licensed motor vehicle dealer who is not within the geographical district, application for the temporary registration having been properly made and the fee therefor paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this subtitle. The form and contents of the temporary registration certificate to be issued shall be prescribed by the director. The director shall maintain a record of all temporary registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof.
Every temporary registration shall expire and the certificate thereof become void on the twentieth day following the date on which the certificate was issued; no temporary registration shall be renewed, except as a permanent registration pursuant to section 39:3-4 of the Revised Statutes, and after payment of the fees prescribed therein.
The director shall issue temporary registration certificates for the 20 day registration period, which shall be effective immediately.
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00, except that for the misstatement of any fact in the application required to be made by the director, the person making such statement shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 39:3-37 of this Title.
L.1969, c. 301, s. 1.
NJSA 39:3-4c
39:3-4c. Rules and regulations; fees
The director may prescribe rules and regulations governing the issuance of temporary registration certificates and temporary plates by motor vehicle dealers, motorized bicycle dealers, and the Division of Motor Vehicles and may require security in sufficient amount to guarantee payment of all fees and moneys to the State of New Jersey and if he finds that any abuse has been practiced by any licensed motor vehicle or motorized bicycle dealer, he shall have the right to suspend his privilege or franchise to issue such temporary registration certificates and plates. The director shall also annually determine the fee to be charged and paid pursuant to this act, except that no such fee shall exceed the actual cost to the State of New Jersey of implementing and enforcing the terms and provisions of this act. All moneys received by such licensed dealers for temporary registration certificates and plates granted under the provisions of this act shall forthwith be deposited as received with the State Treasurer.
L.1969, c. 301, s. 2. Amended by L.1983, c. 105, s. 5.
NJSA 39:3-4d
39:3-4d. "Geographical district" defined
"Geographical district" shall be defined as within a 5 mile radius of a motor vehicle agency or agent designated pursuant to section 39:3-3 of the Revised Statutes.
L.1969, c. 301, s. 3.
NJSA 39:3-4e
39:3-4e. Rules and regulations; information by insurers
The director, after consultation with the Commissioner of Insurance, is hereby empowered to prescribe, adopt, promulgate, rescind and enforce rules and regulations requiring insurers to provide all information with respect to the issuance, renewal, cancellation, nonrenewal and termination of insurance as the director may deem necessary to assist the division in enforcement of the provisions of this Title relating to insurance coverage for motor vehicles.
L.1972, c. 205, s. 2, eff. Dec. 26, 1972.
NJSA 39:3-4f
39:3-4f. Vehicles registered in foreign country, operation by owner permitted temporarily
A resident owner of any motor vehicle which has been registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles in a foreign country may operate the motor vehicle in this State for 20 days after the owner imports the motor vehicle into this State in the same manner and to the same extent as though the motor vehicle was registered in this State, provided the registration number is conspicuously displayed on the motor vehicle.
L.1989, c.210, s.1.
NJSA 39:3-4.1
39:3-4.1. Licensing motor vehicles for transportation of passengers for hire
As used in this section the term "motor vehicle" is hereby defined as meaning any motor vehicle propelled otherwise than by muscular power (except such vehicles as run only on rails or tracks exclusively) carrying passengers for hire of any kind over the highways in this State, except (1) taxicabs, (2) hotel buses, (3) autobuses with a carrying capacity of not more than six passengers now or hereafter operated under municipal consent upon a route established wholly within the limits of a single municipality, which route does not in whole or in part parallel upon the same street the line of any street railway or traction railway or any other autobus line and (4) vehicles used in ridesharing arrangements.
No motor vehicle as herein defined shall be licensed by the commissioner until the applicant for such license shall first obtain a certificate from the Board of Public Utilities, that such motor vehicle conforms to the rules, regulations and specifications of the Board of Public Utilities, as to construction and safety devices of such motor vehicle; but all motor vehicles as herein defined and approved by the Board of Public Utilities, prior to June 6, 1936, shall not require the further approval of such board as a condition precedent to the issuance of such license.
Amended by L.1981, c. 413, s. 8, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.
NJSA 39:3-5
39:3-5. Denial of registration, reciprocity
39:3-5. The director may refuse registration in the case of any automobile, commercial motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, tractor or omnibus that shall not comply with the requirements of this title or that shall seem to him unsuitable for use on the roads and highways of this State. The director shall deny registration to any motor vehicle that has failed to comply with applicable inspection requirements of chapter 8 of Title 39, or of any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, within the time limits established by the director and to any vehicle subject to the inspection jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation that has failed to comply with the applicable inspection requirements of Titles 27 and 48 of the Revised Statutes or of any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. The director may suspend or revoke the registration reciprocity privilege of any motor vehicle that has failed to undergo inspection in accordance with chapter 8 of Title 39 or that is subject to the inspection jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and has failed to undergo inspection in accordance with the requirements of Titles 27 and 48 of the Revised Statutes or of any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Amended 1995,c.112,s.28.
NJSA 39:3-5.1
39:3-5.1. Federal tax payment required
The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall refuse registration of a vehicle which is subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax if the applicant has failed to furnish proof of payment, in the form prescribed by the United States Secretary of the Treasury, that the federal heavy vehicle use tax imposed by section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. s. 4481) has been paid.
L. 1985, c. 387, s. 1, eff. Dec. 19, 1985.
NJSA 39:3-6.1
39:3-6.1. Definitions
3. As used in this act unless other meaning is clearly apparent from the language or context, or unless inconsistent with the manifest intention of the Legislature:
"Commercial vehicle" means any vehicle which is operated in interstate commerce and used for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation or profit, or designed or used primarily for the transportation of property.
"Jurisdiction" means and includes a State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a foreign country and a state or province of a foreign country.
"Properly registered," as applied to place of registration, means:
(a) The jurisdiction where the person registering the vehicle has his legal residence, or
(b) In the case of a commercial vehicle, the jurisdiction in which it is registered if the commercial enterprise in which such vehicle is used has a place of business therein and, if the vehicle is most frequently dispatched, garaged, serviced, maintained, operated or otherwise controlled in or from such place of business and, the vehicle has been assigned to such place of business, or
(c) In the case of a commercial vehicle, the jurisdiction where, because of an agreement or arrangement between two or more jurisdictions, or pursuant to a declaration, the vehicle has been registered as required by that jurisdiction.
In case of doubt or dispute as to the proper place of registration of a vehicle, the division shall make the final determination, but in making such determination, the division may confer with departments of the other jurisdictions affected.
"Fleet" means one or more commercial vehicles.
The words "division," "motor vehicle," "person," "vehicle," and "owner" shall each have the meanings ascribed to them respectively by R.S.39:1-1.
The director shall promulgate regulations, after public hearing, establishing definitions of other words and terms as may be necessary for the administration of this act.
L.1969,c.119,s.3; amended 1995,c.157,s.33.
NJSA 39:3-6.2
39:3-6.2. Authority of director to make arrangements, agreements or declarations
The director shall have the authority to execute or make arrangements, agreements or declarations to carry out the provisions of this act.
The director may enter into an agreement or arrangement with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions, granting to vehicles or to owners of vehicles which are properly registered or licensed in such jurisdictions, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, benefits, privileges and exemptions from the payment, wholly or partially, of any taxes, fees, or other charges imposed upon such vehicles or owners with respect to the operation or ownership of such vehicles under the laws of this State. Such an agreement or arrangement shall provide that vehicles properly registered or licensed in this State, when operated upon highways of such other jurisdiction, shall receive exemptions, benefits and privileges of a similar kind or to a similar degree as are extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such jurisdiction when operated in this State. Each such agreement or arrangement shall, in the judgment of the director be in the best interest of this State and the citizens thereof and shall be fair and equitable to this State and the citizens thereof, and all of the same shall be determined on the basis and recognition of the benefits which accrue to the economy of this State from the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 4, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.3
39:3-6.3. Registration in another jurisdiction of vehicles located or operated from base in such jurisdiction
An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under the authority of this act may contain provisions authorizing the registration or licensing in another jurisdiction of vehicles located in or operated from a base in such other jurisdiction which vehicles otherwise would be required to be registered or licensed in this State; and in such event the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration shall apply to such vehicles, when properly licensed or registered in such base jurisdiction.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 5, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.5
39:3-6.5. Exemptions, benefits and privileges; examination of laws and requirements of other jurisdictions
In the absence of an agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction, the director may examine the laws and requirements of such jurisdiction and declare the extent and nature of exemptions, benefits and privileges to be extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction, or to the owners of such vehicles, which shall, in the judgment of the director be in the best interest of this State and the citizens thereof, and which shall be fair and equitable to this State and the citizens thereof, and all of the same shall be determined on the basis and recognition of the benefits which accrue to the economy of this State from the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 7, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.6
39:3-6.6. Leased vehicles
An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under the authority of this act, may contain provisions under which a leased vehicle properly registered by the lessor thereof may be entitled, subject to terms and conditions stated therein, to the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 8, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.7
39:3-6.7. Vehicles registered in jurisdiction where no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect; commercial vehicles
After July 1, 1969 if no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect with respect to another jurisdiction as authorized by this act, any vehicle properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, shall receive, when operated in this State, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to vehicles properly registered in this State. Reciprocity extended under this section shall apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate commerce, except as to a foreign registered trailer or semitrailer in intrastate commerce when hauled by a truck, road tractor, or truck tractor registered with the director in conformity with Revised Statutes 39:3-20.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 9, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.9
39:3-6.9. Written agreements, arrangements or declarations required; filing
All agreements, arrangements or declarations, or amendments thereto, shall be in writing and shall be filed in the office of the director. A copy of each agreement, arrangement or declaration, or amendment thereto, shall be filed by the director in the office of the Secretary of State within 10 days after execution, or the effective date of the instrument whichever is later.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 11, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.10
39:3-6.10. Suspension or cancellation of exemptions, benefits, or privileges
Agreements, arrangements or declarations made under the authority of this act may include provisions authorizing the director to suspend or cancel the exemptions, benefits, or privileges granted thereunder to a person who violates any of the conditions or terms of such agreements, arrangements or declarations or who violates the laws of this State relating to motor vehicles, or regulations lawfully promulgated thereunder.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 12, eff. July 1, 1969.
39:3-1. Certain vehicles excepted from chapter
Automobile fire engines and such self-propelling vehicles as are used neither for the conveyance of persons for hire, pleasure or business, nor for the transportation of freights, such as steam road rollers and traction engines are excepted from the provisions of this chapter.
NJSA 39:3-2
39:3-2. Motor vehicles used on rural mail routes not commercial cars
Motor vehicles not of the commercial type may be used in the delivery of mail on rural free delivery routes and shall not be classed or considered as commercial cars.
NJSA 39:3-3
39:3-3 Motor Vehicle Agents, appointment, duties; background checks.
39:3-3. A Motor Vehicle Agent (hereinafter "agent") shall administer and ensure the efficient operations of a local commission office. The commission shall designate at least one person in each county for each 300,000 inhabitants or fraction thereof to be its agent for the registering of motor vehicles, issuing registration certificates and licensing of drivers, subject to the requirements of this subtitle and to any rules and regulations the commission imposes. The agent shall so act until his authority is revoked by the commission. All moneys received by such agents for registrations and licenses granted under the provisions of this chapter shall forthwith be deposited as received with the State Treasurer. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, all current agent contracts shall remain in effect until their expiration. Until the agent contract expires, the fee allowed the agent for registration certificates issued by him and for every license granted by him shall be fixed by the commission on the basis of the registration or license fees collected by the agent. The commission may limit the fee so paid to a maximum. Such fee shall be paid to the agent by the State Treasurer upon the voucher of the commission in the same manner as other State expenses are paid until the agent contract expires. At such time as the agent becomes a State employee, the agent shall receive a salary as fixed by the administrator in accordance with the commission table of organization. Future agent appointments shall be in the State unclassified service and the agents shall serve at the pleasure of the administrator. To determine suitability for appointment, all agents shall undergo a background check prior to appointment based upon an examination of State, federal and financial records. No person shall be appointed as an agent who has contributed $1,000 or more to any gubernatorial or State party committee in any one year during the five years preceding appointment. All agents appointed pursuant to this section shall be qualified by education and experience to administer and ensure the efficient operation of a local commission office. As used in this section, education and experience shall include a background in law enforcement, security services, customer relations or services; business administration, finance or management; or public administration or finance.
Amended 1955, c.8, ss.2,14; 1959, c.145, s.1; 2003, c. 13, s.43.
NJSA 39:3-4
39:3-4 Registration of automobiles and motorcycles, application, registration certificates; expiration; issuance; violations; notification.
39:3-4. Except as hereinafter provided, every resident of this State and every nonresident whose automobile or motorcycle shall be driven in this State shall, before using such vehicle on the public highways, register the same, and no automobile or motorcycle shall be driven unless so registered.
Such registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer, in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the chief administrator or the chief administrator's agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the chief administrator, containing the name, street address of the residence or the business of the owner, mailing address, if different from the street address of the owner's residence or business, and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile or motorcycle, including the name of the maker and the vehicle identification number, or the manufacturer's number or the number assigned by the chief administrator if the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number, and any other statement that may be required by the chief administrator. A post office box shall appear on the application only as part of a mailing address that is submitted by the owner, agent or officer, as the case may be, in addition to the street address of the applicant's residence or business; provided, however, the chief administrator, upon application, shall permit a person who was a victim of a violation of N.J.S.2C:12-10, N.J.S.2C:14-2, or N.J.S.2C:25-17 et seq., or who the chief administrator otherwise determines to have good cause, to use as a mailing address a post office box, an address other than the applicant's address or other contact point. An owner whose last address appears on the records of the division as a post office box shall change his address on his application for renewal to the street address of his residence or business and, if different from his street address, his mailing address unless the chief administrator has determined, pursuant to this section, that the owner may use a post office box, an address other than the owner's address or other contact point as a mailing address. The application shall contain the name of the insurer of the vehicle and the policy number. If the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle, the application shall make note of that fact and shall include along with the name and street address of the lessor the name, street address and driver license number of the lessee.
Thereupon the chief administrator shall have the power to grant a registration certificate to the owner of any motor vehicle, if over 17 years of age, application for the registration having been properly made and the fee therefor paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this title. The form and contents of the registration certificate to be issued shall be determined by the chief administrator.
If the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle, the registration certificate shall, in addition to containing the name and street address of the lessor, identify the vehicle as a leased motor vehicle.
The chief administrator shall maintain a record of all registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof.
Every registration shall expire and the registration certificate thereof become void on the last day of the twelfth calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was issued; provided, however, that the chief administrator may, at his discretion, require registrations which shall expire, and issue certificates thereof which shall become void, on a date fixed by him, which date shall not be sooner than three months nor later than 26 months after the date of issuance of such certificates, and the fees for such registrations, including any other fees or charges collected in connection with the registration fee, shall be fixed by the chief administrator in amounts proportionately less or greater than the fees established by law. The chief administrator may fix the expiration date for registration certificates at a date other than 12 months if the chief administrator determines that the change is necessary, appropriate or convenient in order to aid in implementing the vehicle inspection requirements of chapter 8 of Title 39 or for other good cause. The chief administrator may, for good cause extend a registration beyond the expiration date that appears upon the registration certificate for periods not to exceed 12 additional months. The chief administrator may extend the expiration date of a registration without payment of a proportionate fee when the chief administrator determines that such extension is necessary for good cause. If any registration is so extended, the owner shall pay upon renewal the full registration fee for the period fixed by the chief administrator as if no extension had been granted.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, every registration for new passenger automobiles shall expire and the registration certificate shall become void on the last day of the 48th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was initially issued. On and after February 1, 2005, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to new passenger automobiles purchased by a rental company for use as rental passenger automobiles. As used in this paragraph, "rental company" means a person engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles; and "rental passenger automobile" means a passenger automobile that is rented without a driver and used in the transportation of persons or property other than commercial freight.
If the new passenger automobile being registered is a leased passenger automobile, the registration shall expire in accordance with the term of the lease. If the term of the lease extends beyond one or more 12-month periods by one or more months, the registration period shall be based upon the full year into which one or more of the months extend; provided, however, the registration period for a leased automobile shall not exceed 48-months.
Following the 48-month period of the initial registration of a new passenger automobile, the subsequent registration shall expire, and the registration certificate shall become void, on the last day of the 12th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was next issued.
All motorcycles for which registrations have been issued prior to the effective date of P.L.1989, c.167 and which are scheduled to expire between November 1 and March 31 shall, upon renewal, be issued registrations by the chief administrator which shall expire on a date fixed by him, but in no case shall that expiration date be earlier than April 30 nor later than October 31. The fees for the renewal of the motorcycle registrations authorized under this paragraph shall be fixed by the chief administrator in an amount proportionately less or greater than the fee established by R.S.39:3-21.
Application forms for all renewals of registrations for passenger automobiles shall be sent to the last addresses of owners of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as they appear on the records of the division.
No person owning or having control over any unregistered vehicle shall permit the same to be parked or to stand on a public highway.
Any police officer is authorized to remove any unregistered vehicle from the public highway to a storage space or garage, and the expense involved in such removal and storing of the vehicle shall be borne by the owner of the vehicle, except that the expense shall be borne by the lessee of a leased vehicle.
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100, except that for the misstatement of any fact in the application required to be made to the chief administrator, the person making such statement or omitting the statement that the motor vehicle is to be used as a leased motor vehicle when that is the case shall be subject to the penalties provided in R.S.39:3-37.
The chief administrator may extend the expiration date of a registration certificate without payment of a proportionate fee when the chief administrator determines that such extension is necessary, appropriate or convenient to the implementation of vehicle inspection requirements. If any registration certificate is so extended, the owner shall pay upon renewal the full registration fee for the period fixed by the chief administrator as if no extension had been granted.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall make a reasonable effort to notify any lessor whose name and address is on file with the commission, or any other lessor the commission may determine it is necessary to notify, of the requirements of this amendatory act.
A lessor doing business in this State shall notify in writing the lessee of a motor vehicle registered pursuant to this Title of any change in its policies or procedures affecting the registration of the motor vehicle.
Amended 1938, c.66, s.1; 1940, c.246, s.1; 1944, c.5; 1949, c.275; 1952, c.45; 1954, c.172; 1955, c.8, s.3; 1957, c.107; 1968, c.321; 1969, c.103; 1972, c.205, s.1; 1983, c.403, s.6; 1989, c.167, s.2; 1989, c.326, s.1; 1993, c.125, s.2; 1995, c.112, s.27; 1997, c.189, s.1; 2003, c.204, s.3; 2003, c.212; 2004, c.64, s.1.
NJSA 39:3-4a
39:3-4a. Temporary registration of motor vehicle in another state by resident of New Jersey
Notwithstanding the provisions of Revised Statutes 39:3-4 every resident of this State who acquires and temporarily registers a motor vehicle in another State may operate such vehicle or cause such vehicle to be operated on the public highways of this State for a period not in excess of the unexpired term of such temporary registration in another State.
L.1967, c. 38, s. 1, eff. April 27, 1967.
NJSA 39:3-4b
39:3-4b. Temporary registration
Any nonresident purchasing an automobile in the State while enroute to another State or Federal district from a licensed dealer may register the same in New Jersey on a temporary basis.
Such temporary registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the director or his lawful agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the director, containing the name, address and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile, including the name of the maker and the manufacturer's number or the motor number, or both, and any other statement that may be required by the director. If the vehicle is insured by motor vehicle liability insurance as provided for in section 3 of chapter 173 of the laws of 1952, the applicant must file an accompanying certificate, issued by the insurance carrier. An application shall contain the name of the insurer of said vehicle and the policy number.
In the event that such insurance is terminated, the insurer shall notify the director within 30 days, following such termination.
Thereupon the director or licensed dealer shall have the power to grant a temporary registration certificate and temporary plates to the owner of any automobile, if over 17 years of age, either directly or through any licensed motor vehicle dealer who is not within the geographical district, application for the temporary registration having been properly made and the fee therefor paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this subtitle. The form and contents of the temporary registration certificate to be issued shall be prescribed by the director. The director shall maintain a record of all temporary registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof.
Every temporary registration shall expire and the certificate thereof become void on the twentieth day following the date on which the certificate was issued; no temporary registration shall be renewed, except as a permanent registration pursuant to section 39:3-4 of the Revised Statutes, and after payment of the fees prescribed therein.
The director shall issue temporary registration certificates for the 20 day registration period, which shall be effective immediately.
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00, except that for the misstatement of any fact in the application required to be made by the director, the person making such statement shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 39:3-37 of this Title.
L.1969, c. 301, s. 1.
NJSA 39:3-4c
39:3-4c. Rules and regulations; fees
The director may prescribe rules and regulations governing the issuance of temporary registration certificates and temporary plates by motor vehicle dealers, motorized bicycle dealers, and the Division of Motor Vehicles and may require security in sufficient amount to guarantee payment of all fees and moneys to the State of New Jersey and if he finds that any abuse has been practiced by any licensed motor vehicle or motorized bicycle dealer, he shall have the right to suspend his privilege or franchise to issue such temporary registration certificates and plates. The director shall also annually determine the fee to be charged and paid pursuant to this act, except that no such fee shall exceed the actual cost to the State of New Jersey of implementing and enforcing the terms and provisions of this act. All moneys received by such licensed dealers for temporary registration certificates and plates granted under the provisions of this act shall forthwith be deposited as received with the State Treasurer.
L.1969, c. 301, s. 2. Amended by L.1983, c. 105, s. 5.
NJSA 39:3-4d
39:3-4d. "Geographical district" defined
"Geographical district" shall be defined as within a 5 mile radius of a motor vehicle agency or agent designated pursuant to section 39:3-3 of the Revised Statutes.
L.1969, c. 301, s. 3.
NJSA 39:3-4e
39:3-4e. Rules and regulations; information by insurers
The director, after consultation with the Commissioner of Insurance, is hereby empowered to prescribe, adopt, promulgate, rescind and enforce rules and regulations requiring insurers to provide all information with respect to the issuance, renewal, cancellation, nonrenewal and termination of insurance as the director may deem necessary to assist the division in enforcement of the provisions of this Title relating to insurance coverage for motor vehicles.
L.1972, c. 205, s. 2, eff. Dec. 26, 1972.
NJSA 39:3-4f
39:3-4f. Vehicles registered in foreign country, operation by owner permitted temporarily
A resident owner of any motor vehicle which has been registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles in a foreign country may operate the motor vehicle in this State for 20 days after the owner imports the motor vehicle into this State in the same manner and to the same extent as though the motor vehicle was registered in this State, provided the registration number is conspicuously displayed on the motor vehicle.
L.1989, c.210, s.1.
NJSA 39:3-4.1
39:3-4.1. Licensing motor vehicles for transportation of passengers for hire
As used in this section the term "motor vehicle" is hereby defined as meaning any motor vehicle propelled otherwise than by muscular power (except such vehicles as run only on rails or tracks exclusively) carrying passengers for hire of any kind over the highways in this State, except (1) taxicabs, (2) hotel buses, (3) autobuses with a carrying capacity of not more than six passengers now or hereafter operated under municipal consent upon a route established wholly within the limits of a single municipality, which route does not in whole or in part parallel upon the same street the line of any street railway or traction railway or any other autobus line and (4) vehicles used in ridesharing arrangements.
No motor vehicle as herein defined shall be licensed by the commissioner until the applicant for such license shall first obtain a certificate from the Board of Public Utilities, that such motor vehicle conforms to the rules, regulations and specifications of the Board of Public Utilities, as to construction and safety devices of such motor vehicle; but all motor vehicles as herein defined and approved by the Board of Public Utilities, prior to June 6, 1936, shall not require the further approval of such board as a condition precedent to the issuance of such license.
Amended by L.1981, c. 413, s. 8, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.
NJSA 39:3-5
39:3-5. Denial of registration, reciprocity
39:3-5. The director may refuse registration in the case of any automobile, commercial motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, tractor or omnibus that shall not comply with the requirements of this title or that shall seem to him unsuitable for use on the roads and highways of this State. The director shall deny registration to any motor vehicle that has failed to comply with applicable inspection requirements of chapter 8 of Title 39, or of any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, within the time limits established by the director and to any vehicle subject to the inspection jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation that has failed to comply with the applicable inspection requirements of Titles 27 and 48 of the Revised Statutes or of any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. The director may suspend or revoke the registration reciprocity privilege of any motor vehicle that has failed to undergo inspection in accordance with chapter 8 of Title 39 or that is subject to the inspection jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and has failed to undergo inspection in accordance with the requirements of Titles 27 and 48 of the Revised Statutes or of any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Amended 1995,c.112,s.28.
NJSA 39:3-5.1
39:3-5.1. Federal tax payment required
The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall refuse registration of a vehicle which is subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax if the applicant has failed to furnish proof of payment, in the form prescribed by the United States Secretary of the Treasury, that the federal heavy vehicle use tax imposed by section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. s. 4481) has been paid.
L. 1985, c. 387, s. 1, eff. Dec. 19, 1985.
NJSA 39:3-6.1
39:3-6.1. Definitions
3. As used in this act unless other meaning is clearly apparent from the language or context, or unless inconsistent with the manifest intention of the Legislature:
"Commercial vehicle" means any vehicle which is operated in interstate commerce and used for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation or profit, or designed or used primarily for the transportation of property.
"Jurisdiction" means and includes a State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a foreign country and a state or province of a foreign country.
"Properly registered," as applied to place of registration, means:
(a) The jurisdiction where the person registering the vehicle has his legal residence, or
(b) In the case of a commercial vehicle, the jurisdiction in which it is registered if the commercial enterprise in which such vehicle is used has a place of business therein and, if the vehicle is most frequently dispatched, garaged, serviced, maintained, operated or otherwise controlled in or from such place of business and, the vehicle has been assigned to such place of business, or
(c) In the case of a commercial vehicle, the jurisdiction where, because of an agreement or arrangement between two or more jurisdictions, or pursuant to a declaration, the vehicle has been registered as required by that jurisdiction.
In case of doubt or dispute as to the proper place of registration of a vehicle, the division shall make the final determination, but in making such determination, the division may confer with departments of the other jurisdictions affected.
"Fleet" means one or more commercial vehicles.
The words "division," "motor vehicle," "person," "vehicle," and "owner" shall each have the meanings ascribed to them respectively by R.S.39:1-1.
The director shall promulgate regulations, after public hearing, establishing definitions of other words and terms as may be necessary for the administration of this act.
L.1969,c.119,s.3; amended 1995,c.157,s.33.
NJSA 39:3-6.2
39:3-6.2. Authority of director to make arrangements, agreements or declarations
The director shall have the authority to execute or make arrangements, agreements or declarations to carry out the provisions of this act.
The director may enter into an agreement or arrangement with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions, granting to vehicles or to owners of vehicles which are properly registered or licensed in such jurisdictions, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, benefits, privileges and exemptions from the payment, wholly or partially, of any taxes, fees, or other charges imposed upon such vehicles or owners with respect to the operation or ownership of such vehicles under the laws of this State. Such an agreement or arrangement shall provide that vehicles properly registered or licensed in this State, when operated upon highways of such other jurisdiction, shall receive exemptions, benefits and privileges of a similar kind or to a similar degree as are extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such jurisdiction when operated in this State. Each such agreement or arrangement shall, in the judgment of the director be in the best interest of this State and the citizens thereof and shall be fair and equitable to this State and the citizens thereof, and all of the same shall be determined on the basis and recognition of the benefits which accrue to the economy of this State from the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 4, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.3
39:3-6.3. Registration in another jurisdiction of vehicles located or operated from base in such jurisdiction
An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under the authority of this act may contain provisions authorizing the registration or licensing in another jurisdiction of vehicles located in or operated from a base in such other jurisdiction which vehicles otherwise would be required to be registered or licensed in this State; and in such event the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration shall apply to such vehicles, when properly licensed or registered in such base jurisdiction.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 5, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.5
39:3-6.5. Exemptions, benefits and privileges; examination of laws and requirements of other jurisdictions
In the absence of an agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction, the director may examine the laws and requirements of such jurisdiction and declare the extent and nature of exemptions, benefits and privileges to be extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction, or to the owners of such vehicles, which shall, in the judgment of the director be in the best interest of this State and the citizens thereof, and which shall be fair and equitable to this State and the citizens thereof, and all of the same shall be determined on the basis and recognition of the benefits which accrue to the economy of this State from the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 7, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.6
39:3-6.6. Leased vehicles
An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under the authority of this act, may contain provisions under which a leased vehicle properly registered by the lessor thereof may be entitled, subject to terms and conditions stated therein, to the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 8, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.7
39:3-6.7. Vehicles registered in jurisdiction where no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect; commercial vehicles
After July 1, 1969 if no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect with respect to another jurisdiction as authorized by this act, any vehicle properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, shall receive, when operated in this State, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to vehicles properly registered in this State. Reciprocity extended under this section shall apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate commerce, except as to a foreign registered trailer or semitrailer in intrastate commerce when hauled by a truck, road tractor, or truck tractor registered with the director in conformity with Revised Statutes 39:3-20.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 9, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.9
39:3-6.9. Written agreements, arrangements or declarations required; filing
All agreements, arrangements or declarations, or amendments thereto, shall be in writing and shall be filed in the office of the director. A copy of each agreement, arrangement or declaration, or amendment thereto, shall be filed by the director in the office of the Secretary of State within 10 days after execution, or the effective date of the instrument whichever is later.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 11, eff. July 1, 1969.
NJSA 39:3-6.10
39:3-6.10. Suspension or cancellation of exemptions, benefits, or privileges
Agreements, arrangements or declarations made under the authority of this act may include provisions authorizing the director to suspend or cancel the exemptions, benefits, or privileges granted thereunder to a person who violates any of the conditions or terms of such agreements, arrangements or declarations or who violates the laws of this State relating to motor vehicles, or regulations lawfully promulgated thereunder.
L.1969, c. 119, s. 12, eff. July 1, 1969.
