GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of New Jersey. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
AKA "Maggie’s Law," effective 2003. Statute deems driving “while knowingly fatigued as recklessness” and defines fatigued as “being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.” (New Jersey Legislature, 2002).
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 17.
Universal helmet law enacted 1968.
4 years
None
None
Legal for medical use
None
65
65
55
55
65
65
Yes
Yes
0.1
3 months
None
Mandatory for all convictions
Under 2 yrs and under 30 lbs in rear-facing seat
Under 4 yrs and under 40 lbs until height or weight limit reached in child safety seat
Under 8 yrs and shorter than 57" in forward-facing child safety seat or booster seat until height or weight limit reached in rear seat, if available
8 yrs or older or over 57"
18 years
16
6
None
17
11 p.m. - 5 a.m.
No more than 1 (exception limited to drivers' dependents)
Primary; Secondary for rear seat occupants
7 and under and more than 57 inches tall 8 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers with permit or provisional license. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
Prohibited
n/a
None
n/a
Following a spike in New Jersey pedestrian fatalities, GHSA's Pam Fischer discusses why fall can be a particularly dangerous time on the road for pedestrians.
Story by Anthony G. Attrino
October 2, 2018
Drowsy Driving Law
AKA "Maggie’s Law," effective 2003. Statute deems driving “while knowingly fatigued as recklessness” and defines fatigued as “being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.” (New Jersey Legislature, 2002).
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 17.
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1968.
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
4 years
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
65
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
Child Restraint Required
Under 2 yrs & under 30 lbs in rear-facing seat
Under 4 yrs & under 40 lbs until height or weight limit reached in child safety seat
Under 8 yrs & shorter than 57" in forward-facing child safety seat or booster seat until height or weight limit reached in rear seat if available
Full Privilege Minimum Age
18 years
