NJSA 39:4-52 through NJSA 39:4-63
NJSA 39:4-52
39:4-52. Racing on highway prohibited; fine
No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway for a wager or in a race or for the purpose of making a speed record.
A person who violates this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars for the first offense, and, for a subsequent offense, not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars.
NJSA 39:4-53
39:4-53. Leaving vehicle with engine running prohibited; fine
A person who leaves a motor vehicle, with its engine running, stationary on the highway and unoccupied by a person able to control it, and without setting the hand brake in such manner as to prevent the vehicle from moving, shall be fined not less than ten nor more than twenty-five dollars for each offense.
NJSA 39:4-54
39:4-54. Trailers; number permitted; towing methods; auxiliary axles; converter dolly
No motor vehicle shall be used on the public highways while drawing more than 2 motor-drawn vehicles. A "double saddle-mount," herein defined, means mounting the front of a motor vehicle by use of a coupling device, known as a "saddle-mount," on the rear of a towing vehicle and mounting the front of another motor vehicle by use of another "saddle-mount" on the rear of the towed vehicle. The director by regulation may prescribe standards to insure the sufficiency of the coupling, or "saddle-mount," devices, the lighting, braking and towing methods in double saddle-mount operations or in any other combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles. In no event shall the over-all length of a double saddle-mount operation or any other combination of vehicles exceed the over-all length limitation prescribed in Revised Statutes 39:3-84 for combinations of vehicles, and any violation thereof shall be subject to the penalty provided in this Title for violations of the over-all length limitation in said section.
Trailers shall, when operated on the highways of this State, be connected to the towing vehicle by at least one chain or cable, in addition to the hitch bar, of sufficient strength to hold the motor-drawn vehicle on a hill if the hitching bar becomes disconnected, or shall be provided with an adequate device to prevent its rolling backward.
An attachable auxiliary motor vehicle axle, herein defined, means a single axle mounted on 2 or more wheels, an equal number of wheels on each side, which may be attached, and at times dismounted, to a truck or truck tractor to form a tandem axle.
When a tandem axle is thus formed, the allowable gross weight thereon shall be the same as set forth in Revised Statutes 39:3-84 for tandem axles, if the centers of the axles are on or between 2 parallel transverse vertical planes spaced 40 inches, but less than 96 inches apart. Violations of the allowable gross weight shall be treated in the same manner and be subject to the same penalty as provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-84.3.
An attachable auxiliary axle, upon proof of ownership satisfactory to the director, may be registered on a gross weight basis in the same manner as commercial vehicles under Revised Statutes 39:3-20 and shall display one registration plate or tab of a classification to be determined by the director and located on the auxiliary axle in a manner as may be prescribed by the director. Unless so registered and displaying a registration plate or tab no such attachable auxiliary axle owned by a resident of this State shall be operated on the highways of this State, and no such attachable auxiliary axle owned by a non-resident shall be operated on the highways of this State unless registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles of the State, Territory, Federal district of the United States or province of the Dominion of Canada, or foreign country, in which the non-resident resides, if such registration is required therein, and which has conspicuously displayed thereon an identification marker if furnished by said jurisdiction.
When an attachable auxiliary axle registered under this Title is operated on a highway in conjunction with a tractor-semitrailer combination, and one unit of the combination is registered in this State and the other in a foreign jurisdiction, known as a "mixed combination," the registered weight of the auxiliary axle may be added to the registered weight of the New Jersey registered unit in determining if the over-all registered weight conforms with the "mixed combination" registration requirements of Revised Statutes 39:3-20. If the over-all registered weight of the auxiliary axle and the New Jersey registered unit is less than 1/2 the combined gross weight of the entire combination, then the owner, lessee and bailee shall be subject to the penalty formula set forth in Revised Statutes 39:3-20.
When an auxiliary axle or a converter dolly registered under this Title appears on a highway as part of a tractor-semitrailer combination or a combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles registered in a foreign jurisdiction or jurisdictions, the entire combination shall be deemed to be of foreign origin and the registration requirements as to "mixed combinations" shall not apply, provided the auxiliary axle or converter dolly is registered with the director for a gross weight of 10,000 pounds.
A converter dolly, herein defined, means an attachable auxiliary frame with hitch bar and fifth wheel with the axle or axles mounted on 2 or more wheels, an equal number of wheels on each side, which may be attached, and at times dismounted, to a semitrailer to form a trailer.
A converter dolly, upon proof of ownership satisfactory to the director, may be registered on a gross weight basis in the same manner as commercial vehicles under Revised Statutes 39:3-20 and shall display one registration plate or tab of a classification to be determined by the director and located on the dolly in a manner as may be prescribed by the director. Unless so registered and displaying a registration plate or tab no such converter dolly owned by a resident of this State shall be operated on the highways of this State, and no such converter dolly owned by a non-resident shall be operated on the highways of this State unless registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles of the State, Territory, Federal district of the United States or province of the Dominion of Canada, or foreign country, in which the non-resident resides if such registration is required therein, and which has conspicuously displayed thereon an identification marker if furnished by said jurisdiction.
It shall be unlawful for any combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles registered under this Title having gross weight of load and vehicles in excess of the gross weight provided on the registration certificates to be operated on the highways of this State. In any violation thereof, the owner, lessee and bailee shall be subject to the penalty formula provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-20.
In any combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles, with or without use of a converter dolly, and part or parts of the combination is registered in New Jersey and part or parts in a foreign jurisdiction or jurisdictions, the registration requirements as to "mixed combinations" and the penalty formula for violations thereof as provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-20 shall apply.
An auxiliary axle or converter dolly, for the purposes of this section shall not be considered a "vehicle" or "motor vehicle" as defined in Revised Statutes 39:1-1.
A person violating this section, except as specifically provided herein, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00. In default of the payment thereof, there shall be imposed imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding 10 days.
Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 77, s. 32; L.1964, c. 180, s. 1; L.1965, c. 158, s. 1.
NJSA 39:4-55
39:4-55. Action on steep grades and curves
The driver of a motor vehicle traversing a steep grade or mountain highway shall hold the vehicle under control and as near the right-hand side of the highway as reasonably possible, and when traveling upon a down grade upon a highway, shall not coast with the gears of the vehicle in neutral. When approaching a curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of two hundred feet along the highway, he shall give audible warning with a horn or other warning device.
NJSA 39:4-56
39:4-56. Delaying traffic prohibited
No person shall drive or conduct a vehicle in such condition, so constructed or so loaded, as to be likely to cause delay in traffic or accident to man, beast or property.
NJSA 39:4-56.1
39:4-56.1. Willfully causing vehicle to become disabled; abandonment of vehicle upon public highway
(a) No person shall operate a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State in such a manner as to willfully cause such vehicle to become disabled, by reason of lack of fuel or otherwise, for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles.
(b) No person shall willfully abandon a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State, or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 1.
NJSA 39:4-56.2
39:4-56.2. Violations; penalties
Any person who has been convicted of a violation of this act shall be subject, for a first offense, to a fine of not less than $200.00 nor more than $500.00 and shall have his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for a period of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years. For a subsequent violation, he shall be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 and shall have his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for 5 years from the date of his conviction. In fixing the penalty to be imposed, the magistrate shall give consideration to the hazard to the public safety and the public inconvenience created by the conduct of such person.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 2.
NJSA 39:4-56.3
39:4-56.3. Suspension of registration
The registration of any motor vehicle which is used by any person in violation of section 1 of this act shall be suspended for not less than 90 days nor more than 1 year unless the owner thereof can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of Motor Vehicles that said vehicle was used in such a manner without his knowledge and consent. In fixing the period of suspension, the director shall give consideration to the threat to public safety and the public inconvenience caused by the use of said vehicle.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 3.
NJSA 39:4-56.4
39:4-56.4. Legislative findings and declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that a serious threat to the health, safety and welfare of the people of this State may be presented by any concerted effort, plan or demonstration involving the use and operation of vehicles in such a way as to impede, hamper, stall and interfere with the ordinary progress of vehicular traffic on, in and through the roads, highways and bridges of the State. Because of the special road hazards, with consequent danger to the lives and property of the people of this State, and economic loss which would inevitably flow from any such course of conduct, the Legislature determines that the penalties and sanctions provided by this act shall be applicable under such circumstances.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 4.
NJSA 39:4-56.5
39:4-56.5. Abandonment of motor vehicle
1. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a motor vehicle on or along any highway, other than a limited access highway, or other public property or on any private property without the consent of the owner or other person in charge of the private property. A vehicle which has remained on or along any highway or other public property or on private property without such consent for a period of more than 48 hours or for any period without current license plates shall be presumed to be an abandoned motor vehicle. Vehicles used or to be used in the construction, operation or maintenance of public utility facilities and which are left in a manner which does not interfere with the normal movement of traffic shall not be considered abandoned vehicles for the purposes of this section.
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a motor vehicle on or along any limited access highway without the consent of the State Department of Transportation or other entity having jurisdiction over the limited access highway, as the case may be. A vehicle which remains on or along such a highway for a period of more than four hours or for any period without current license plates shall be presumed to be an abandoned motor vehicle. Legally parked vehicles, such as vehicles parked in a designated rest area for not more than 12 hours, or vehicles used or to be used in the construction, operation or maintenance of public utility facilities and which are left in a manner which does not interfere with the normal movement of traffic shall not be considered abandoned vehicles for the purposes of this section.
c. Any person who violates this section shall be subject for the first offense to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 and his license or driving privilege may be suspended or revoked by the director for not more than two years. For any subsequent violation he shall be subject to a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, and his license or driving privilege be suspended or revoked for a period of not more than five years.
L.1967,c.305,s.1; 1967, c.305; amended 1971, c.330; 1999, c.411.
NJSA 39:4-56.6
39:4-56.6. Abandonment of vehicle on private property; removal by owner of property; costs; sale of vehicle
1. No person shall park or leave unattended a vehicle on private property without the consent of the owner or other person in control or possession of the property or for a period in excess of that for which consent was given, except in the case of emergency or disablement of the vehicle in which case the owner or operator thereof shall arrange for the expeditious removal of the vehicle. This section shall not apply to manufactured or mobile homes left unattended and for which there exists or existed a rental agreement to occupy a space on the property.
The owner or other person in control or possession of the property on which a vehicle is parked or left unattended in violation of this section may remove or hire another person to remove and store the vehicle. It shall be the obligation of the owner of the vehicle to pay the reasonable costs for the removal and for any storage which may result from such removal before he shall be entitled to recover the possession of the vehicle. If the owner of the vehicle refuses to pay such costs or fails to make any claim for the return of the vehicle within 90 days after such removal, the vehicle may be sold at public auction in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2A:44-20 through N.J.S. 2A:44-31.
L.1973,c.137,s.1; amended 1999, c.340, s.10.
NJSA 39:4-56.7
39:4-56.7. Issuance of summons for violation by law enforcement officer
Any law enforcement officer may in the performance of his duty enter upon the property upon request of the property owner wherein a vehicle is parked in violation of section 1 of this act for the purpose of issuing a summons for such violation.
L.1973, c. 137, s. 2, eff. May 17, 1973.
NJSA 39:4-56.8
39:4-56.8. Definitions; removal of disabled motor vehicles by towing service under contract; failure to remove debris surrounding vehicle; penalty
a. As used in this act:
(1) "Public entity" means the State, and any county, municipality, district, or political subdivision and any authority, agency, board or body thereof.
(2) "Public road or highway" means every street, road or highway open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel.
(3) "Private entity" means any entity other than a public entity with jurisdiction over a road or highway in the State open to the use of the public.
b. Any towing service under contract to a public or private entity to tow disabled motor vehicles which, after being called upon to remove a disabled motor vehicle, fails to remove from public roads or highways any motor vehicle debris or material in the area surrounding that vehicle shall be subject to a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 if the debris or material is likely to cause injury to a person operating a motor vehicle or substantial damage to another motor vehicle. A towing service shall not be required to remove any debris or material which may be hazardous such as oil, gasoline, kerosene or other petroleum or chemical products, or debris or material which the service is not equipped to remove.
L.1983, c. 271, s. 1, eff. July 18, 1983.
NJSA 39:4-57
39:4-57. Observance of directions of officers
Drivers of vehicles, street cars or horses shall at all times comply with any direction, by voice or hand, of a member of a police department, a peace officer, or the director, when enforcing a provision of this chapter.
Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 78, s. 33; L.1983, c. 403, s. 15, eff. Dec. 23, 1983.
NJSA 39:4-57.1
39:4-57.1. Activation of interior light in vehicle upon request of police officer; fine
1. The driver of a motor vehicle equipped with an interior light, when stopped by a law enforcement officer during the period when lighted lamps are required, shall, upon request of the officer, activate an interior light of the vehicle in order to illuminate the driver's compartment of the vehicle. A fine of $50 shall be imposed upon any person who purposely refuses to comply with this section.
L.1997,c.374.
NJSA 39:4-58
39:4-58. Driving vehicle with view to rear and sides obstructed
No person shall drive a vehicle that is so constructed, loaded or covered in as to prevent its driver from having a clear view of the traffic following and at its sides, unless it is equipped with a device that will show the driver the road to the rear and side.
NJSA 39:4-59
39:4-59. Begging rides prohibited
No person shall stand in a highway for the purpose of or while soliciting a ride from the operator of any vehicle other than an omnibus or a street car.
Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 78, s. 34.
NJSA 39:4-60
39:4-60. Soliciting trade or contributions permitted, certain; designation of particular highway as hazardous for such purposes; signs; penalty
39:4-60. Except as provided herein, no person shall stand in the roadway of a highway to stop, impede, hinder or delay the progress of a vehicle for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of goods, merchandise or tickets, or for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause, and the only question of law and fact in determining guilt under this section shall be whether goods, merchandise or tickets were tendered or offered for sale, or whether a contribution was solicited.
A municipal governing body by ordinance may authorize charitable organizations as defined in section 3 of P.L.1994, c. 16 (C.45:17A-20) to solicit contributions in the roadway of a highway, other than interstate highways or toll roads maintained pursuant to P.L.1962, c.10 (C.27:12C-1 et seq.) or P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-1 et seq.), P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-1 et seq.), or P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-1 et seq.), subject to regulations promulgated pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), by the Department of Transportation in consultation with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
A municipality shall not authorize charitable organizations to solicit on any county highway or intersection of a county highway without the approval of the board of chosen freeholders. A municipality shall not authorize charitable organizations to solicit on any State highway or intersection of a State highway without the approval of the Commissioner of Transportation. The board of chosen freeholders and the Commissioner of Transportation shall not unreasonably withhold approval.
In addition to the prohibition contained in the first paragraph of this section, whenever in his judgment the public safety so requires, the Commissioner of Transportation may, by regulation, designate any highway or sections of any highway as a location wherein the standing of any person or the parking of any vehicle for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of goods, merchandise or tickets, or for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause, is deemed hazardous or inimical to the proper flow of traffic, and shall be prohibited. Each highway or section thereof so designated shall be clearly marked by appropriate signs which shall be erected and maintained by the authority having the responsibility for the maintenance of such highway, upon receipt by such authority of written notice from the director of the adoption of such regulation. No person shall stand in, and no operator shall allow a vehicle to stand in, any section of a highway so designated and marked to stop, impede, hinder or delay the progress of a vehicle for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of goods, merchandise or tickets, or for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause, and the only question of law and fact in determining guilt under this section shall be whether goods, merchandise or tickets were tendered or offered for sale, or whether a contribution was solicited. Whenever in his judgment the public safety so requires the Commissioner of Transportation may, by regulation, amend or alter any designation made by him pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize or permit any person to stand in or to allow a vehicle to stand in any highway where the same is or shall be prohibited by any other provision of this Title or by any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or by any ordinance, resolution, regulation or order duly adopted pursuant to authority thereunder.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall pay, upon conviction, a penalty not to exceed $100.
Amended 1951, c.23, s.35; 1997,c.82,s.1.
NJSA 39:4-60.1
39:4-60.1. Certain rotating or flashing lights prohibited
On and after the effective date of this act no rotating or flashing light which imitates or resembles rotating or flashing lights such as are used by public and governmental agencies or any public utility to indicate emergency or hazardous conditions shall be erected or used within 100 feet of the roadway of a highway within the State.
L.1970, c. 134, s. 1, eff. July 9, 1970.
NJSA 39:4-60.2
39:4-60.2. Removal without notice
Every such prohibited light or signal is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway or the municipality in which the prohibited act takes place is empowered to remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice.
L.1970, c. 134, s. 2, eff. July 9, 1970.
NJSA 39:4-60.3
39:4-60.3. Emergency use
This act shall not apply to any rotating or flashing light used to indicate an emergency or hazardous condition.
L.1970, c. 134, s. 3, eff. July 9, 1970.
NJSA 39:4-61
39:4-61. Tailboard riding
No person shall ride upon the rear end of a vehicle, without the consent of the driver, and when so riding, no part of the person's body shall protrude beyond the limits of the vehicle.
NJSA 39:4-62
39:4-62. Leaving curb
A vehicle waiting at the curb shall promptly give place to a vehicle about to take on or let off passengers.
NJSA 39:4-63
39:4-63. Placing, throwing or depositing from motor vehicle, injurious substance on highway; fine; forfeiture of right to operate motor vehicle
A person who throws, places or deposits, or who permits to be thrown, placed, or deposited from a motor vehicle, any glass or other sharp, injurious or cutting substance in or upon a public highway of this State shall, except when acting under the authority of the governing body of a municipality, be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and may forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of 30 days.
Amended by L.1980, c. 100, s. 1, eff. Sept. 11, 1980.
39:4-52. Racing on highway prohibited; fine
No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway for a wager or in a race or for the purpose of making a speed record.
A person who violates this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars for the first offense, and, for a subsequent offense, not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars.
NJSA 39:4-53
39:4-53. Leaving vehicle with engine running prohibited; fine
A person who leaves a motor vehicle, with its engine running, stationary on the highway and unoccupied by a person able to control it, and without setting the hand brake in such manner as to prevent the vehicle from moving, shall be fined not less than ten nor more than twenty-five dollars for each offense.
NJSA 39:4-54
39:4-54. Trailers; number permitted; towing methods; auxiliary axles; converter dolly
No motor vehicle shall be used on the public highways while drawing more than 2 motor-drawn vehicles. A "double saddle-mount," herein defined, means mounting the front of a motor vehicle by use of a coupling device, known as a "saddle-mount," on the rear of a towing vehicle and mounting the front of another motor vehicle by use of another "saddle-mount" on the rear of the towed vehicle. The director by regulation may prescribe standards to insure the sufficiency of the coupling, or "saddle-mount," devices, the lighting, braking and towing methods in double saddle-mount operations or in any other combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles. In no event shall the over-all length of a double saddle-mount operation or any other combination of vehicles exceed the over-all length limitation prescribed in Revised Statutes 39:3-84 for combinations of vehicles, and any violation thereof shall be subject to the penalty provided in this Title for violations of the over-all length limitation in said section.
Trailers shall, when operated on the highways of this State, be connected to the towing vehicle by at least one chain or cable, in addition to the hitch bar, of sufficient strength to hold the motor-drawn vehicle on a hill if the hitching bar becomes disconnected, or shall be provided with an adequate device to prevent its rolling backward.
An attachable auxiliary motor vehicle axle, herein defined, means a single axle mounted on 2 or more wheels, an equal number of wheels on each side, which may be attached, and at times dismounted, to a truck or truck tractor to form a tandem axle.
When a tandem axle is thus formed, the allowable gross weight thereon shall be the same as set forth in Revised Statutes 39:3-84 for tandem axles, if the centers of the axles are on or between 2 parallel transverse vertical planes spaced 40 inches, but less than 96 inches apart. Violations of the allowable gross weight shall be treated in the same manner and be subject to the same penalty as provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-84.3.
An attachable auxiliary axle, upon proof of ownership satisfactory to the director, may be registered on a gross weight basis in the same manner as commercial vehicles under Revised Statutes 39:3-20 and shall display one registration plate or tab of a classification to be determined by the director and located on the auxiliary axle in a manner as may be prescribed by the director. Unless so registered and displaying a registration plate or tab no such attachable auxiliary axle owned by a resident of this State shall be operated on the highways of this State, and no such attachable auxiliary axle owned by a non-resident shall be operated on the highways of this State unless registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles of the State, Territory, Federal district of the United States or province of the Dominion of Canada, or foreign country, in which the non-resident resides, if such registration is required therein, and which has conspicuously displayed thereon an identification marker if furnished by said jurisdiction.
When an attachable auxiliary axle registered under this Title is operated on a highway in conjunction with a tractor-semitrailer combination, and one unit of the combination is registered in this State and the other in a foreign jurisdiction, known as a "mixed combination," the registered weight of the auxiliary axle may be added to the registered weight of the New Jersey registered unit in determining if the over-all registered weight conforms with the "mixed combination" registration requirements of Revised Statutes 39:3-20. If the over-all registered weight of the auxiliary axle and the New Jersey registered unit is less than 1/2 the combined gross weight of the entire combination, then the owner, lessee and bailee shall be subject to the penalty formula set forth in Revised Statutes 39:3-20.
When an auxiliary axle or a converter dolly registered under this Title appears on a highway as part of a tractor-semitrailer combination or a combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles registered in a foreign jurisdiction or jurisdictions, the entire combination shall be deemed to be of foreign origin and the registration requirements as to "mixed combinations" shall not apply, provided the auxiliary axle or converter dolly is registered with the director for a gross weight of 10,000 pounds.
A converter dolly, herein defined, means an attachable auxiliary frame with hitch bar and fifth wheel with the axle or axles mounted on 2 or more wheels, an equal number of wheels on each side, which may be attached, and at times dismounted, to a semitrailer to form a trailer.
A converter dolly, upon proof of ownership satisfactory to the director, may be registered on a gross weight basis in the same manner as commercial vehicles under Revised Statutes 39:3-20 and shall display one registration plate or tab of a classification to be determined by the director and located on the dolly in a manner as may be prescribed by the director. Unless so registered and displaying a registration plate or tab no such converter dolly owned by a resident of this State shall be operated on the highways of this State, and no such converter dolly owned by a non-resident shall be operated on the highways of this State unless registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles of the State, Territory, Federal district of the United States or province of the Dominion of Canada, or foreign country, in which the non-resident resides if such registration is required therein, and which has conspicuously displayed thereon an identification marker if furnished by said jurisdiction.
It shall be unlawful for any combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles registered under this Title having gross weight of load and vehicles in excess of the gross weight provided on the registration certificates to be operated on the highways of this State. In any violation thereof, the owner, lessee and bailee shall be subject to the penalty formula provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-20.
In any combination of 2 motor-drawn vehicles, with or without use of a converter dolly, and part or parts of the combination is registered in New Jersey and part or parts in a foreign jurisdiction or jurisdictions, the registration requirements as to "mixed combinations" and the penalty formula for violations thereof as provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-20 shall apply.
An auxiliary axle or converter dolly, for the purposes of this section shall not be considered a "vehicle" or "motor vehicle" as defined in Revised Statutes 39:1-1.
A person violating this section, except as specifically provided herein, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00. In default of the payment thereof, there shall be imposed imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding 10 days.
Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 77, s. 32; L.1964, c. 180, s. 1; L.1965, c. 158, s. 1.
NJSA 39:4-55
39:4-55. Action on steep grades and curves
The driver of a motor vehicle traversing a steep grade or mountain highway shall hold the vehicle under control and as near the right-hand side of the highway as reasonably possible, and when traveling upon a down grade upon a highway, shall not coast with the gears of the vehicle in neutral. When approaching a curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of two hundred feet along the highway, he shall give audible warning with a horn or other warning device.
NJSA 39:4-56
39:4-56. Delaying traffic prohibited
No person shall drive or conduct a vehicle in such condition, so constructed or so loaded, as to be likely to cause delay in traffic or accident to man, beast or property.
NJSA 39:4-56.1
39:4-56.1. Willfully causing vehicle to become disabled; abandonment of vehicle upon public highway
(a) No person shall operate a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State in such a manner as to willfully cause such vehicle to become disabled, by reason of lack of fuel or otherwise, for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles.
(b) No person shall willfully abandon a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State, or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 1.
NJSA 39:4-56.2
39:4-56.2. Violations; penalties
Any person who has been convicted of a violation of this act shall be subject, for a first offense, to a fine of not less than $200.00 nor more than $500.00 and shall have his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for a period of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years. For a subsequent violation, he shall be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 and shall have his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for 5 years from the date of his conviction. In fixing the penalty to be imposed, the magistrate shall give consideration to the hazard to the public safety and the public inconvenience created by the conduct of such person.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 2.
NJSA 39:4-56.3
39:4-56.3. Suspension of registration
The registration of any motor vehicle which is used by any person in violation of section 1 of this act shall be suspended for not less than 90 days nor more than 1 year unless the owner thereof can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of Motor Vehicles that said vehicle was used in such a manner without his knowledge and consent. In fixing the period of suspension, the director shall give consideration to the threat to public safety and the public inconvenience caused by the use of said vehicle.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 3.
NJSA 39:4-56.4
39:4-56.4. Legislative findings and declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that a serious threat to the health, safety and welfare of the people of this State may be presented by any concerted effort, plan or demonstration involving the use and operation of vehicles in such a way as to impede, hamper, stall and interfere with the ordinary progress of vehicular traffic on, in and through the roads, highways and bridges of the State. Because of the special road hazards, with consequent danger to the lives and property of the people of this State, and economic loss which would inevitably flow from any such course of conduct, the Legislature determines that the penalties and sanctions provided by this act shall be applicable under such circumstances.
L.1964, c. 18, s. 4.
NJSA 39:4-56.5
39:4-56.5. Abandonment of motor vehicle
1. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a motor vehicle on or along any highway, other than a limited access highway, or other public property or on any private property without the consent of the owner or other person in charge of the private property. A vehicle which has remained on or along any highway or other public property or on private property without such consent for a period of more than 48 hours or for any period without current license plates shall be presumed to be an abandoned motor vehicle. Vehicles used or to be used in the construction, operation or maintenance of public utility facilities and which are left in a manner which does not interfere with the normal movement of traffic shall not be considered abandoned vehicles for the purposes of this section.
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a motor vehicle on or along any limited access highway without the consent of the State Department of Transportation or other entity having jurisdiction over the limited access highway, as the case may be. A vehicle which remains on or along such a highway for a period of more than four hours or for any period without current license plates shall be presumed to be an abandoned motor vehicle. Legally parked vehicles, such as vehicles parked in a designated rest area for not more than 12 hours, or vehicles used or to be used in the construction, operation or maintenance of public utility facilities and which are left in a manner which does not interfere with the normal movement of traffic shall not be considered abandoned vehicles for the purposes of this section.
c. Any person who violates this section shall be subject for the first offense to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 and his license or driving privilege may be suspended or revoked by the director for not more than two years. For any subsequent violation he shall be subject to a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, and his license or driving privilege be suspended or revoked for a period of not more than five years.
L.1967,c.305,s.1; 1967, c.305; amended 1971, c.330; 1999, c.411.
NJSA 39:4-56.6
39:4-56.6. Abandonment of vehicle on private property; removal by owner of property; costs; sale of vehicle
1. No person shall park or leave unattended a vehicle on private property without the consent of the owner or other person in control or possession of the property or for a period in excess of that for which consent was given, except in the case of emergency or disablement of the vehicle in which case the owner or operator thereof shall arrange for the expeditious removal of the vehicle. This section shall not apply to manufactured or mobile homes left unattended and for which there exists or existed a rental agreement to occupy a space on the property.
The owner or other person in control or possession of the property on which a vehicle is parked or left unattended in violation of this section may remove or hire another person to remove and store the vehicle. It shall be the obligation of the owner of the vehicle to pay the reasonable costs for the removal and for any storage which may result from such removal before he shall be entitled to recover the possession of the vehicle. If the owner of the vehicle refuses to pay such costs or fails to make any claim for the return of the vehicle within 90 days after such removal, the vehicle may be sold at public auction in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2A:44-20 through N.J.S. 2A:44-31.
L.1973,c.137,s.1; amended 1999, c.340, s.10.
NJSA 39:4-56.7
39:4-56.7. Issuance of summons for violation by law enforcement officer
Any law enforcement officer may in the performance of his duty enter upon the property upon request of the property owner wherein a vehicle is parked in violation of section 1 of this act for the purpose of issuing a summons for such violation.
L.1973, c. 137, s. 2, eff. May 17, 1973.
NJSA 39:4-56.8
39:4-56.8. Definitions; removal of disabled motor vehicles by towing service under contract; failure to remove debris surrounding vehicle; penalty
a. As used in this act:
(1) "Public entity" means the State, and any county, municipality, district, or political subdivision and any authority, agency, board or body thereof.
(2) "Public road or highway" means every street, road or highway open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel.
(3) "Private entity" means any entity other than a public entity with jurisdiction over a road or highway in the State open to the use of the public.
b. Any towing service under contract to a public or private entity to tow disabled motor vehicles which, after being called upon to remove a disabled motor vehicle, fails to remove from public roads or highways any motor vehicle debris or material in the area surrounding that vehicle shall be subject to a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 if the debris or material is likely to cause injury to a person operating a motor vehicle or substantial damage to another motor vehicle. A towing service shall not be required to remove any debris or material which may be hazardous such as oil, gasoline, kerosene or other petroleum or chemical products, or debris or material which the service is not equipped to remove.
L.1983, c. 271, s. 1, eff. July 18, 1983.
NJSA 39:4-57
39:4-57. Observance of directions of officers
Drivers of vehicles, street cars or horses shall at all times comply with any direction, by voice or hand, of a member of a police department, a peace officer, or the director, when enforcing a provision of this chapter.
Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 78, s. 33; L.1983, c. 403, s. 15, eff. Dec. 23, 1983.
NJSA 39:4-57.1
39:4-57.1. Activation of interior light in vehicle upon request of police officer; fine
1. The driver of a motor vehicle equipped with an interior light, when stopped by a law enforcement officer during the period when lighted lamps are required, shall, upon request of the officer, activate an interior light of the vehicle in order to illuminate the driver's compartment of the vehicle. A fine of $50 shall be imposed upon any person who purposely refuses to comply with this section.
L.1997,c.374.
NJSA 39:4-58
39:4-58. Driving vehicle with view to rear and sides obstructed
No person shall drive a vehicle that is so constructed, loaded or covered in as to prevent its driver from having a clear view of the traffic following and at its sides, unless it is equipped with a device that will show the driver the road to the rear and side.
NJSA 39:4-59
39:4-59. Begging rides prohibited
No person shall stand in a highway for the purpose of or while soliciting a ride from the operator of any vehicle other than an omnibus or a street car.
Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 78, s. 34.
NJSA 39:4-60
39:4-60. Soliciting trade or contributions permitted, certain; designation of particular highway as hazardous for such purposes; signs; penalty
39:4-60. Except as provided herein, no person shall stand in the roadway of a highway to stop, impede, hinder or delay the progress of a vehicle for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of goods, merchandise or tickets, or for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause, and the only question of law and fact in determining guilt under this section shall be whether goods, merchandise or tickets were tendered or offered for sale, or whether a contribution was solicited.
A municipal governing body by ordinance may authorize charitable organizations as defined in section 3 of P.L.1994, c. 16 (C.45:17A-20) to solicit contributions in the roadway of a highway, other than interstate highways or toll roads maintained pursuant to P.L.1962, c.10 (C.27:12C-1 et seq.) or P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-1 et seq.), P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-1 et seq.), or P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-1 et seq.), subject to regulations promulgated pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), by the Department of Transportation in consultation with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
A municipality shall not authorize charitable organizations to solicit on any county highway or intersection of a county highway without the approval of the board of chosen freeholders. A municipality shall not authorize charitable organizations to solicit on any State highway or intersection of a State highway without the approval of the Commissioner of Transportation. The board of chosen freeholders and the Commissioner of Transportation shall not unreasonably withhold approval.
In addition to the prohibition contained in the first paragraph of this section, whenever in his judgment the public safety so requires, the Commissioner of Transportation may, by regulation, designate any highway or sections of any highway as a location wherein the standing of any person or the parking of any vehicle for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of goods, merchandise or tickets, or for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause, is deemed hazardous or inimical to the proper flow of traffic, and shall be prohibited. Each highway or section thereof so designated shall be clearly marked by appropriate signs which shall be erected and maintained by the authority having the responsibility for the maintenance of such highway, upon receipt by such authority of written notice from the director of the adoption of such regulation. No person shall stand in, and no operator shall allow a vehicle to stand in, any section of a highway so designated and marked to stop, impede, hinder or delay the progress of a vehicle for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of goods, merchandise or tickets, or for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause, and the only question of law and fact in determining guilt under this section shall be whether goods, merchandise or tickets were tendered or offered for sale, or whether a contribution was solicited. Whenever in his judgment the public safety so requires the Commissioner of Transportation may, by regulation, amend or alter any designation made by him pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize or permit any person to stand in or to allow a vehicle to stand in any highway where the same is or shall be prohibited by any other provision of this Title or by any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or by any ordinance, resolution, regulation or order duly adopted pursuant to authority thereunder.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall pay, upon conviction, a penalty not to exceed $100.
Amended 1951, c.23, s.35; 1997,c.82,s.1.
NJSA 39:4-60.1
39:4-60.1. Certain rotating or flashing lights prohibited
On and after the effective date of this act no rotating or flashing light which imitates or resembles rotating or flashing lights such as are used by public and governmental agencies or any public utility to indicate emergency or hazardous conditions shall be erected or used within 100 feet of the roadway of a highway within the State.
L.1970, c. 134, s. 1, eff. July 9, 1970.
NJSA 39:4-60.2
39:4-60.2. Removal without notice
Every such prohibited light or signal is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway or the municipality in which the prohibited act takes place is empowered to remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice.
L.1970, c. 134, s. 2, eff. July 9, 1970.
NJSA 39:4-60.3
39:4-60.3. Emergency use
This act shall not apply to any rotating or flashing light used to indicate an emergency or hazardous condition.
L.1970, c. 134, s. 3, eff. July 9, 1970.
NJSA 39:4-61
39:4-61. Tailboard riding
No person shall ride upon the rear end of a vehicle, without the consent of the driver, and when so riding, no part of the person's body shall protrude beyond the limits of the vehicle.
NJSA 39:4-62
39:4-62. Leaving curb
A vehicle waiting at the curb shall promptly give place to a vehicle about to take on or let off passengers.
NJSA 39:4-63
39:4-63. Placing, throwing or depositing from motor vehicle, injurious substance on highway; fine; forfeiture of right to operate motor vehicle
A person who throws, places or deposits, or who permits to be thrown, placed, or deposited from a motor vehicle, any glass or other sharp, injurious or cutting substance in or upon a public highway of this State shall, except when acting under the authority of the governing body of a municipality, be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and may forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of 30 days.
Amended by L.1980, c. 100, s. 1, eff. Sept. 11, 1980.
