N.J. Stat. tit. 48, ch. 4

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-1 Scope of chapter; terms defined

48:4-1. The term "autobus" as used in this chapter means and includes, except as hereinafter noted, any motor vehicle or motorbus operated over public highways or public places in this State for the transportation of passengers for hire in intrastate business, whether used in regular route, casino, charter or special bus operations, notwithstanding such motor vehicle or motorbus may be used in interstate commerce. The term "ridesharing" as used in this chapter means the transportation of persons in a motor vehicle, with a maximum carrying capacity of not more than 15 passengers, including the driver, where such transportation is incidental to the purpose of the driver. The term shall include such ridesharing arrangements known as carpools and vanpools. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to include: a. Vehicles engaged in the transportation of passengers for hire in the manner and form commonly called taxicab service unless such service becomes or is held out to be regular service between stated termini; b. Hotel buses used exclusively for the transportation of hotel patrons to or from local railroad or other common carrier stations including local airports; c. Buses operated for the transportation of enrolled children and adults only when serving as chaperones to or from a school, school connected activity, day camp, summer day camp, nursery school, child care center, pre-school center or other similar places of education, including "School Vehicle Type I" and "School Vehicle Type II" as defined in R.S.39:1-1; d. Any autobus with a carrying capacity of not more than 13 passengers operated under municipal consent upon a route established wholly within the limits of a single municipality or with a carrying capacity of not more than 20 passengers operated under municipal consent upon a route established wholly within the limits of not more than four contiguous municipalities within any county of the fifth or sixth class, which route in either case 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 route; e. Autocabs, limousines or livery services as defined in R.S.48:16-13, unless such service becomes or is held out to be regular service between stated termini; f. Any vehicle used in a "ridesharing" arrangement, as defined by the "New Jersey Ridesharing Act of 1981", P.L.1981, c.413 (C.27:26-1 et al.); g. Any special paratransit vehicle as defined in this chapter. The word "person" as used in this chapter means and includes any individual, copartnership, association, corporation or joint stock company, their lessees, trustees, or receivers appointed by any court. The word "street" as used in this chapter means and includes any street, avenue, park, parkway, highway, road or other public place. The term "special paratransit vehicle" as used in this chapter means any motor vehicle which is used exclusively for the transportation of persons who are at least 60 years of age or who have disabilities or who are the clients of social service agencies, provided, that the motor vehicle is used in a service provided by a county either directly or by contract, or provided by a nonprofit organization, and the service is included by a county as part of its county plan required by section 6 of P.L.1983, c.578 (C.27:25-30), regardless of whether a fare is charged or donations are accepted. The term "regular route bus operation" as used in this chapter means and includes the operation of an autobus between fixed termini, on a regular schedule and with provision for convenient one-way transportation in either direction, and shall also include all existing regular route operations to or from any casino licensed under the "Casino Control Act," P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), unless that operation to or from casinos has been determined by the Commissioner of Transportation to be other than a regular route operation. The term "regular route in the nature of special bus operation" or "casino bus operation" as used in this chapter means and includes the operation of an autobus to or from any casino licensed under the "Casino Control Act," P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), unless that operation has been determined by the Commissioner of Transportation to be a regular route bus operation. The term "charter bus operation" as used in this chapter means and includes the operation of an autobus or autobuses, not on a regular schedule, by the person owning or leasing such bus or buses pursuant to a contract, agreement or arrangement to furnish an autobus or autobuses and a driver or drivers thereof to a person, group of persons or organization (corporate or otherwise) for a trip designated by such person, group of persons or organization for a fixed charge per trip, per autobus, per period of time or per mile. The term "special bus operation" as used in this chapter means and includes the operation by the owner or lessee of an autobus or autobuses for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire, not on a regular schedule, each passenger paying a fixed charge for his carriage, on a special trip arranged and designated by such owner or lessee, which fixed charge may or may not include special premiums. The term "special premiums" as used in this chapter means the provision of meals, gifts, lodging, entertainment, sightseeing services or other similar inducements in connection with the purchase or issuing of a ticket. No casino bonuses shall be included in this definition. Amended 1946,c.125; 1947,c.161; 1952,c.251,s.2; 1962,c.198,s.64; 1971,c.16,s.2; 1973,c.272,s.2; 1974,c.163; 1978,c.72,s.1; 1979,c.224,s.1; 1980,c.105,s.11; 1981,c.413,s.11; 1987,c.445,s.1; 1992,c.192,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-1.2 Charter and special busses; jurisdiction

The board shall have full jurisdiction over charter busses and special busses, to the same extent that it has jurisdiction over autobusses. L.1973, c. 158, s. 9, eff. June 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2 § 48:4-2

Nothing in this chapter shall exempt a person owning or operating an autobus from complying with the laws relating to the ownership, registration and operation of automobiles in this state.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1a Discontinuance of operation of motor vehicle.

90. a. The commission may make rules, regulations and orders applicable to the construction, equipment and insurance required of every motor vehicle within the jurisdiction of the commission, and shall inspect, through its agents, inspectors and employees, any such motor vehicle to determine the manner of compliance with such rules, regulations and orders. b. In the event of noncompliance with such rules, regulations and orders, or with statutory requirements, the commission may, through its agents, inspectors and employees, cause the immediate discontinuance of the operation of such motor vehicle, and no such motor vehicle shall be restored to service without the express approval of the commission. c. Any person who shall remove or deface any notice of discontinuance that has been affixed or otherwise attached to the motor vehicle without approval of the commission is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. In addition to any other penalties or remedies provided by law, a person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000. d. Any person who owns or causes to be operated a motor vehicle subject to this section without a valid certificate of inspection issued by the commission, or in violation of rules or orders made by the commission concerning insurance requirements of that vehicle, is a disorderly person. In addition to any other penalties or remedies provided by law, a person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of $500 per day for each vehicle so operated. e. Any person who operates a motor vehicle subject to this section without a valid certificate of inspection issued by the commission, or in violation of rules or orders made by the commission concerning insurance requirements of that vehicle, is a petty disorderly person. f. Any inspection conducted pursuant to this section relating to emissions from a motor vehicle powered with diesel fuel that is also subject to the provisions of P.L.1995, c.157 (C.39:8-59 et al.) shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of that act. L.1962,c.198,s.90; amended 1987, c.452, s.1; 1995, c.157, s.36; 2003, c.13, s.92.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1b Vehicle emission, brake tests, emissions inspections.

1. The commission may, in conjunction with any program of self-inspection established to ensure compliance with regulations adopted under section 90 of P.L.1962, c.198 (C.48:4-2.1a), and at the request of any owner or operator of a motor vehicle required to be self-inspected, authorize commission personnel to conduct vehicle emission tests and brake tests. The commission may adopt regulations setting the amount of and providing for the charging and collecting of a fee for each vehicle emission test and each brake test conducted pursuant to this section, which fee shall be in an amount necessary to cover only the actual costs of the program. Any inspection conducted pursuant to this section relating to emissions from a motor vehicle powered with diesel fuel that is also subject to the provisions of P.L.1995, c.157 (C.39:8-59 et al.) shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of that act. L.1987,c.373,s.1; amended 1995, c.157, s.37; 2003, c.13, s.93.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1c Short title

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Bus Safety Compliance Act." L.1995,c.225,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1d Findings, determinations on bus safety

2. The Legislature finds that bus safety is of paramount importance to the residents of this State, to those travelling on the public highways or in public places within the State, and to the many tourists and travellers who visit this State's many diverse tourist and business destinations. The Legislature further finds that, to promote and assure the highest possible level of bus safety, it is necessary to establish statutory sanctions and penalties for bus safety out-of-service violations. The Legislature, therefore, determines that it is in the public interest to enact such sanctions and to provide for their enforcement through the Department of Transportation. L.1995,c.225,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1e Definitions.

3. As used in this act: "Bus" or "buses" means and includes all autobuses, of whatever size or configuration, under the jurisdiction of the commission; all autobuses of NJ Transit and its contract carriers which are under the inspection jurisdiction of the commission; all autobuses of whatever size or configuration, that are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, operated on public highways or in public places in this State; and all autobuses operated on public highways or in public places in this State under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission, or its successor agency. "Bus safety out-of-service violation" means any serious mechanical, electrical or vehicular condition that is determined to be so unsafe as to potentially cause an accident or breakdown, or would potentially contribute to loss of control of the vehicle by the driver. "Casino" means a licensed casino or gambling house located in Atlantic City at which casino gambling is conducted pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.). "Category 1 violation" means any bus safety out-of-service violation that should have been detected during the daily pre-trip inspection or during periodic repair and maintenance procedures conducted by the driver or the operator. "Category 2 violation" means any bus safety out-of-service violation that may have occurred after the daily pre-trip inspection and therefore might not have been detected by the operator or driver during the daily pre-trip inspection or during periodic repair and maintenance procedures. "Operator" means the person responsible for the day to day maintenance and operation of buses. L.1995, c.225, s.3; amended 2003, c.13, s.94; 2011, c.162, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1f Bus safety out-of-service violations; schedule, sanctions established.

4. a. The commission shall establish by regulation, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), a schedule of bus safety out-of-service violations and applicable sanctions and penalties for buses operating with bus safety out-of-service violations. The regulations shall promote uniformity with national safety standards. The regulations shall establish penalties for category 1 and category 2 safety violations which shall be proportional with the severity of such violations as determined by the commission. The bus operator shall be responsible for all penalties. b. The schedule of bus safety out-of-service violations shall establish and specify those violations which the commission determines to be category 1 violations, and shall further establish and specify the monetary civil penalty for category 1 violations. The monetary civil penalties established and specified by the commission in the schedule shall be proportional to the nature, severity and repetition of the violation. The minimum monetary civil penalty for a category 1 violation shall be $300 and the maximum monetary civil penalty for a category 1 violation shall be $5,000. c. The schedule of bus safety out-of-service violations shall establish and specify those violations which the commission determines to be category 2 violations, and shall further establish and specify the monetary civil penalty for category 2 violations. The monetary civil penalties established and specified by the commission in the schedule shall be proportional to the nature, severity and repetition of the violation. The maximum monetary civil penalty for a category 2 violation shall be $500. L.1995,c.225,s.4; amended 2003, c.13, s.95.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1g Evidence of appropriate insurance; holding, impoundment of vehicle

5. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, when a bus is operated on public highways or in public places in this State, without satisfactory evidence of appropriate insurance as required by statute or regulation, that vehicle may be immediately placed out-of-service and held or impounded by law enforcement authorities or the department. The vehicle may be held or impounded until evidence of appropriate insurance for that vehicle is on file with the department or the bus owner or operator otherwise meets applicable statutes or regulations governing same. L.1995,c.225,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1h Bus safety out-of-service violation; holding, impoundment of vehicle

6. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, when a bus is operated on public highways or in public places in this State, with a bus safety out-of-service violation, whether in interstate or intrastate commerce, whether registered or not in this or any other jurisdiction, that vehicle may be immediately placed out-of-service and held or impounded by law enforcement authorities or the department. The vehicle may be held or impounded until appropriate repairs are made on-site or until towed by the owner or operator to an appropriate repair facility, maintenance garage or otherwise, so that repairs of all bus safety out-of-service violations can be made. The vehicle shall not be operated in this State until the defects are remediated and such remedial action is either certified or approved by the department. L.1995,c.225,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1i Inspection; penalty, MVC inspections prohibited on casino-owned property; exceptions.

7. a. The commission or any duly authorized representative of the commission is authorized to direct any bus operated in this State to immediately proceed to a designated facility for inspection. If a driver fails to immediately report as directed to the designated facility, the operator shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000. b. At the time of inspection, the commission or any duly authorized representative of the commission is authorized to demand and examine the driver's operating credentials. c. Except for an inspection undertaken in exigent circumstances, an inspection authorized pursuant to P.L.1995, c.225 (C.48:4-2.1c et seq.) shall not be conducted on property owned or controlled by a casino, or on property, whether public or private, that is a designated parking, drop-off, or pick-up location for casino patrons other than a bus parking facility; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority of the commission, or any duly authorized representative thereof, to demand and examine the bus driver's operating credentials at any such location. All inspections authorized pursuant to P.L.1995, c.225 shall be conducted at a location, designated for inspection by the commission, that shall not be on any property owned or controlled by a casino. Nothing in this subsection shall limit or prevent the commission or any duly authorized representative of the commission from directing any bus located on casino property to proceed to a designated location for inspection. No inspection and no check of a bus driver's operating credentials conducted pursuant to this section shall occur while passengers are either on the bus or disembarking therefrom. As used in this subsection, "exigent circumstances" means circumstances in which a commission representative determines that operation of the bus may place the public safety at risk, including but not limited to, a bus safety out-of-service violation or the inoperability of the bus. L.1995, c.225, s.7; amended 2003, c.13, s.96; 2011, c.162, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1j Vehicle inspection report

8. a. The bus driver shall have in his possession a copy of the most recent vehicle inspection report for the bus he is driving. If defects or deficiencies are noted on the report, the driver shall have signed the report to acknowledge that the driver has reviewed it and that there is a certification that the required repairs have been made. A driver failing to produce the most recent vehicle inspection report shall be subject to a maximum monetary civil penalty of $100. b. An operator shall annually provide a notice to each driver employed by the operator containing a copy of the provisions of subsection a. of this section. c. No operator shall compel, coerce or otherwise cause a driver to include false information on a vehicle inspection report. An operator violating the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to a maximum monetary civil penalty of $5,000. L.1995,c.225,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1k Penalty enforcement; summons issued for violation of act.

9. Any penalty imposed pursuant to this act may be collected, with costs, in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The Superior Court or Municipal Court of the county or municipality, respectively, wherein the violation occurs, or wherein the operator resides or has a place of business or principal office in this State, shall have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the "Penalty Enforcement Law," in connection with this act. The commission or any duly authorized representative of the commission may issue a summons and complaint returnable in a municipal court or other court of competent jurisdiction for a violation of this act and any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, except that when conducting an inspection at the site of an owner or operator's business, the commission or a representative of the commission shall not issue a summons and complaint for a violation of this act, but shall take any other enforcement action authorized by law for that violation. Municipal, county, and State prosecutors are authorized to assist the commission in the enforcement of this act. The commission may institute an action in the Superior Court for injunctive relief to prevent or restrain any violation of this act, or any order issued, or rule of regulation adopted, pursuant to this act. L.1995,c.225,s.9; amended 2003, c.13, s.97.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1l Enforcement of provisions of act

10. All county, municipal and other officers charged with the enforcement of State and municipal laws, are authorized to assist the department under the direction of the commissioner or any duly authorized representative of the commissioner in the enforcement of the provisions of this act, any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, and any administrative or judicial orders issued pursuant thereto. L.1995,c.225,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1m Agreements with governmental agencies

11. The commissioner is authorized to consult with and enter into agreements with federal, interstate, bi-state, and intrastate agencies and authorities as may be necessary to provide for the efficient and uniform implementation of this act. L.1995,c.225,s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1n Penalty money deposited into General Fund

12. Monies received from penalties collected pursuant to this act shall be deposited in the General Fund. L.1995,c.225,s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.1o Act in addition to other law

13. The implementation and enforcement of this act shall not be deemed as supplanting any other provisions of this Title and shall not preclude enforcement of other provisions of this Title. L.1995,c.225,s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.2 Bus drivers exempt from municipal fees

No driver of any autobus who shall be authorized under the provisions of chapter 3 of the title Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation (s. 39:3-1 et seq.), to drive a motor vehicle and who shall have paid the fee prescribed by said chapter 3, shall be required to pay any further fees or charges for municipal drivers' permits or licenses which may be deemed necessary for municipal registration, regulation and control. Source: L.1935,c.122,s.1,p.325.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.3 Receivers and trustees in bankruptcy operating autobusses to carry insurance; deposit with commissioner of banking and insurance

Receivers appointed by the United States District Court for the district of New Jersey or by the Superior Court of this State, or trustees in bankruptcy, who pursuant to an order of such court are operating any autobus, shall carry such insurance, or make such other provisions as the court appointing such receivers or trustees may by order direct, to indemnify such receivers or trustees against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages on account of bodily injury or death suffered by any person or persons as a result of an accident occurring by reason of the ownership, maintenance or use of such autobusses; but such receivers or trustees shall continue to carry such insurance as is required to be carried by other owners and operators of autobusses under the provisions of this chapter until such court shall have made an order as herein provided, and upon the making of any such order as herein provided, a certified copy of the same shall be filed with the officer or officers with whom insurance policies are required to be filed by this chapter. As a condition precedent to the making of such an order such receivers or trustees in bankruptcy shall deposit with the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance of this State the sum of $100,000.00 in cash or in stocks, bonds, or bonds and mortgages, approved by the commissioner, which cash, stocks, bonds and bonds and mortgages shall be held by the commissioner as security for the liability imposed by law upon such receivers or trustees in bankruptcy, for personal injury and death resulting from the operation of said autobusses by such receivers or trustees in bankruptcy, and shall be subject to levy under execution issued upon judgments for such bodily injuries or death against such receivers or trustees in bankruptcy. Such order shall remain in force and effect only so long as there shall remain in the hands of the commissioner cash, bonds, stocks, or bonds and mortgages aggregating $100,000.00 and meeting with the approval of the commissioner from time to time. So long as said deposit shall be maintained as herein provided, and no levy shall be made thereon, the receivers or trustees making the same shall be entitled to collect and receive the interest and dividends thereon, and to withdraw any deposited stocks, bonds and bonds and mortgages upon depositing with said commissioner other like securities. Said deposit, or the balance thereof remaining, shall be returned to the receivers or trustees making the same upon proof satisfactory to the commissioner that all liabilities secured by said deposit have been discharged or adequately provided for. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 65.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.20 Establishment; autobus defined

Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 2 of Title 48 of the Revised Statutes or any other law to the contrary, all autobuses regulated by and subject to the provisions of Title 48 of the Revised Statutes may establish their rates, fares and charges in accordance with this act. As used in this act "autobus" means any motor vehicle or motorbus operated over public highways or public places in this State for the transportation of passengers for hire in intrastate business which is regulated by and subject to the provisions of Title 48 of the Revised Statutes. L.1983, c. 517, s. 1, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.21 "Zone of rate freedom" established annually.

2. The commission shall establish annually a "zone of rate freedom" which will provide for a maximum permitted percentage adjustment to any rate, fare or charge for regular route autobus service. The commission shall promulgate this percentage within 60 days after the effective date of this act for the time remaining in the 1984 calendar year, and shall thereafter promulgate a percentage for each calendar year 60 days prior to the commencement of the calendar year. The commission shall consider all relevant factors, including but not limited to the availability of alternative modes of transportation, increases or decreases of the costs of bus operations, the interests of the consumers or users of bus services, and the rates, fares and charges prevailing in the bus industry, as well as in other related transportation services, such as rail services, in establishing the "zone of rate freedom" for each period. L.1983,c.517,s.2; amended 2003, c.13, s.98.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.22 Filing by owner or operator; conclusive presumption to be just and reasonable

Any rate, fare or charge for regular route autobus service filed by an owner or operator of an autobus with the Department of Transportation pursuant to this act shall be conclusively presumed to be just and reasonable and no action shall be required by the department for any rate, fare or charge to become effective if: a. the autobus owner or operator notifies the department that it is filing the rate, fare or charge pursuant to this act; and b. the increase or decrease in the rate, fare or charge, or an aggregate of increases and decreases in any single rate, fare or charge, is not more than the maximum percentage increase or decrease promulgated by the commissioner for the "zone of rate freedom" pursuant to this act for the year in question. L.1983, c. 517, s. 3, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.23 Adjustments; notice to department of transportation and public; posting

An owner or operator of an autobus which adjusts rates, fares or charges for regular route autobus service under this act shall be required to notify the Department of Transportation at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the adjusted rate, fare or charge by filing with the department a complete schedule of all rates, fares or charges to be adjusted. In addition, public notice shall be posted in all autobuses providing service on the route affected by the adjusted rates, fares or charges and in all bus terminals served by those autobuses on the route at least 10 days prior to the effective date of the adjusted rates, fares or charges. L.1983, c. 517, s. 4, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.24 Establishment in accordance with other provisions of law

An owner or an operator of an autobus filing any rate, fare or charge for regular route autobus service pursuant to this act shall not be precluded from also establishing any rates, fares or charges in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 48:2-21 and R.S. 48:2-21.1 or any other provisions of law. L.1983, c. 517, s. 5, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.25 Casino, charter, special bus operations

The provisions of this act shall apply to the rates, fares and charges of autobuses for casino bus operations, charter bus operations and special bus operations in the same manner as they apply to the rates, fares and charges of autobuses for regular route service except that: a. The commissioner may establish a different "zone of rate freedom" for casino, charter and special bus operations relying on the special features of this sector of the bus industry; b. Public notice regarding the rates, fares, and charges for casino, charter and special bus operations pursuant to section 4 of this act shall only be required to be posted in all bus terminals served by the autobus offering casino, charter or special services at least 10 days prior to the effective date of the adjusted rates, fares, or charges; c. Upon petition or upon his own motion, the commissioner may exempt casino, charter or special rates, fares and charges of any owner or operator of an autobus offering casino, charter or special bus operations, or rates, fares and charges of any portion of these operations, from regulation under Title 48 of the Revised Statutes if, in his opinion, there are circumstances prevalent with respect to those operations, or any portion thereof, which will be consistent with the interests of the consumers or users of casino, charter or special bus services; d. Upon petition or upon his own motion, the commissioner may exempt casino, charter and special rates, fares and charges of all owners or operators of autobuses offering casino, charter or special bus operations from regulation under Title 48 of the Revised Statutes if, in his opinion, there are circumstances prevalent with respect to the casino, charter and special bus sector of the bus industry, which will be consistent with the interests of the consumers or users of casino, charter and special bus services; and e. The commissioner may reimpose regulation under Title 48 of the Revised Statutes of casino, charter or special rates, fares and charges of owners or operators of autobuses offering casino, charter or special bus operations if, in his opinion, there are circumstances prevalent with respect to the casino, charter or special bus industry which are or will be inconsistent with the interests of the consumers or users of casino, charter or special bus services. L. 1983, c. 517, s. 6; amended 1987,c.445,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-2.26 Prohibiting certain individuals from use of autobus services.

5. a. An autobus company may, at its discretion, prohibit from using transportation services provided or operated by the autobus company any person who assaults an operator of an autobus or the operator's supervisor while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the person's duties or because of the status as an operator of an autobus or as the operator's supervisor, for a term to be determined by the owner or operator of the autobus not to exceed one calendar year, unless the person used a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault in which case the person may be prohibited from accessing transportation services for life, provided that the person has the right to appeal any determination made pursuant to this subsection in a manner and process established by the autobus company. b. An autobus company shall equip each autobus with a working radio or other communication system that allows the operator of the autobus to alert the autobus company or appropriate law enforcement agencies when the operator is in distress. c. An autobus company shall designate a chief security officer or other manager to serve as the primary contact with the chief of police in any town served by the autobus company and with New Jersey Transit police. The designated primary contact shall provide 24-hour contact information to each police department in jurisdictions served by the autobus company. d. An autobus company shall identify a program or programs to assist and support operators of autobuses that have been a victim of assault and shall annually provide contact and other information about such program to all bus operators employed by the autobus company. e. An autobus company shall periodically provide or engage a qualified professional to provide training to autobus operators which shall include training in techniques to de-escalate situations to avoid violence. f. As used in this section, "autobus company" means an entity that operates an autobus providing transportation services to members of the public. L. 2021, c.352, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-3 Certificate of public convenience and necessity; penalties.

48:4-3. a. No autobus, charter bus operation or special bus operation which is engaged, wholly or partly, in intrastate commerce shall be operated or run while carrying passengers for hire within the State of New Jersey unless there is in force with respect to such operation a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission authorizing such operation upon a determination that such operation is in the public interest. b. Any person who owns or causes to be operated or operates an autobus without a valid certificate of public convenience and necessity or in violation of the provisions thereof is subject to a civil penalty of: $500 for the first violation, $750 for the second violation, and $1,000 for the third and each subsequent violation. Every day upon which a violation occurs shall be considered a separate violation. c. When any person violates the provisions of this section on more than one occasion, the chief administrator may, by order, after notice and hearing, declare that person to be an unfit operator and cause the revocation of any certificates of public convenience and necessity issued to that person and declare that that person shall have no standing to petition for any further certificates. The chief administrator may stay or revoke any order made under this subsection when the chief administrator finds it to be in the public interest to do so. Amended 1946, c.131; 1973, c.158, s.2; 1987, c.452, s.2; 2007, c.13.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-3.1 Conditions permitted

Nothing in this act shall preclude the Commissioner of Transportation from limiting certificates of public convenience and necessity by imposing conditions as to the area of operation, route of operation, expiration of the certificate, equipment, maintenance, service or such other condition as public convenience and necessity may reasonably require or permit, or for providing, with respect to regular route bus operations, for any special provisions relating to the issuance of certificates of public convenience and necessity, and petitions and proceedings concerning the issuance of those certificates, as public convenience and necessity may reasonably require or permit. L. 1973, c. 158, s. 10; amended 1987,c.445,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-6 Transfer of certificate of public convenience and necessity; liability for outstanding debts

Any such certificate of public convenience and necessity for the operation of an autobus, charter bus operation or special bus operation heretofore granted and now in effect or hereafter granted and in effect may be transferred by the holder thereof upon obtaining the approval of the Board of Public Utility Commissioners upon application to it by either the transferor or the transferee. The transferor and the transferee shall be jointly and severally liable for any outstanding debt due the board at the time of the transfer. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 66; L.1973, c. 158, s. 3, eff. June 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-7 Revocation of certificate of public convenience and necessity

Any such certificate of public convenience and necessity for the operation of an autobus, charter bus operation or special bus operation heretofore granted and now in effect or hereafter granted and in effect, shall continue in effect until revoked, as herein provided unless otherwise provided in the certificate. Any such certificate of public convenience and necessity, heretofore or hereafter granted, may be revoked by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners after notice and hearing whenever it shall appear that the holder thereof has failed to comply with any law of this State or any lawful regulation imposed by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. The Board of Public Utility Commissioners, after notice and hearing may revoke any certificate of public convenience and necessity provided it finds that, (a) the operation of autobus service under certificates of public convenience and necessity held by more than one autobus operator for service in a specific area will adversely affect the financial stability of operators rendering service in such area because of insufficient revenues, (b) the adverse effect upon the operators will result in improper or inadequate service to the public and (c) there will be sufficient autobus service to meet the requirements of public convenience and necessity even though one or more certificates of public convenience and necessity are revoked by the board. The authority contained in this section is in addition to any authority to revoke certificates of public convenience and necessity which the board of Public Utility Commissioners may otherwise have. Amended by L.1973, c. 158, s. 4, eff. June 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-7.1 Notice of intent to change service; violations, penalty.

2. Any holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the operation of an autobus who files a petition with the Motor Vehicle Commission for permission to discontinue, substantially curtail, or abandon service shall give at least 45 days' notice of its intent to file the petition to the board of chosen freeholders of each county whose residents will be affected and to the clerk of each municipality in which there is located a bus stop on the route or routes that would be affected by the discontinuation, substantial curtailment, or abandonment of service. In the event that a petition is not filed by the certificate holder, the certificate holder shall give at least 45 days' notice prior to the discontinuation, substantial curtailment, or abandonment of service to the board of chosen freeholders of each county whose residents will be affected and to the clerk of each municipality in which there is located a bus stop on the route or routes that would be affected by the discontinuation, substantial curtailment, or abandonment of service. A holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the operation of an autobus, who files a petition with the Motor Vehicle Commission for permission to discontinue, substantially curtail, or abandon service, shall cause to be posted in a prominent place on each bus serving the affected routes, a notice of its intent to discontinue, substantially curtail, or abandon service, at least 45 days prior to the change in service. A holder of a certificate who fails to give notice in accordance with this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of $100 per day. Every day that a violation exists shall be a separate violation for which a penalty may be recovered. A penalty imposed under this section shall be in addition to any other penalty or fine imposed pursuant to law and shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). L.2009, c.259, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-8 Substitution of busses

The holder of any such certificate of public convenience and necessity for the operation of an autobus heretofore granted and now in effect or hereafter granted and in effect may replace any autobus operated under such certificate of public convenience and necessity with another autobus and may substitute one autobus for another and may operate such other or substituted autobus under such certificate of public convenience and necessity provided such other or substituted autobus shall conform with lawful regulations and specifications. Amended by L.1973, c. 158, s. 5, eff. June 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-9 Special or occasional trips

The holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the operation of an autobus may use such autobus for special or occasional trips off its regular route whenever the autobus is not required for the operation of the schedule on its regular route. No special or occasional trip shall be operated in competition with any autobus route or a street railway line. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply to operators of special or occasional trips whether or not they hold certificates of public convenience and necessity. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 67; L.1973, c. 158, s. 6, eff. June 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-11 Penalties.

48:4-11. a. Any person who shall operate an autobus, charter bus operation or special bus operation within the State of New Jersey without complying with the provisions of this article shall be subject to the penalties provided herein. Proceedings to prevent a person from operating an autobus without a valid certificate of public convenience and necessity, and to recover damages for lost revenues caused by those operations, may be instituted by an autobus public utility, the business or revenues of which are adversely affected thereby. Except for proceedings instituted by an autobus public utility, every civil penalty for violation of any provision of this article and for a violation of section 90 of P.L.1962, c.198 (C.48:4-2.1a) shall be sued for and recovered by and in the name of the commission and shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Process shall issue at the suit of the commission, as plaintiff, and shall be in the nature of a summons and complaint returnable in the Law or Chancery Division of the Superior Court or in the various municipal courts. Every day that a violation exists shall be a separate violation for which a penalty may be recovered. Proceedings may be instituted on any day of the week including Sunday or upon a holiday, and any process issued pursuant to this article or pursuant to section 90 of P.L.1962, c.198 (C.48:4-2.1a) shall be deemed valid as if served or issued on any other day. b. The commission may, in addition to seeking a civil penalty, seek injunctive relief in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court as to any person found to have violated any provision of this article or any provision of section 90 of P.L.1962, c.198 (C.48:4-2.1a). Amended 1962, c.198, s.68; 1973, c.158, s.7; 1987, c.452, s.3; 2003, c.13, s.99.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-12 Corporations may carry own liability insurance; paid up cash capital

Whenever the owner of any autobus, or the person possessing the right to use the same, is required by any law of this State or any ordinance of any municipality of this State to obtain or file with any public board, body or official within this State an insurance policy against loss from liability imposed by law upon autobus owners, or the persons possessing the right to use same, for damages either as a condition for the obtaining or making or continuing effective the permit or consent of any municipality to operate, or for the operation of, such autobus, or otherwise, said owner or person possessing the right to use the same, if a corporation, organized under the laws of this State, may carry its own liability insurance providing it can reasonably satisfy the Commissioner of Insurance as to the permanence and financial standing of its business and providing its paid up cash capital is not less than that required in the following schedule: SCHEDULE Class 1 For any such corporation operating not more than 20 of such autobusses, there shall be required a cash paid up capital of $400,000.00. Class 2 For any such corporation operating not more than 30 of such autobusses, there shall be required a cash paid up capital of $600,000.00. Class 3 For any such corporation operating not more than 40 of such autobusses, there shall be required a cash paid up capital of $800,000.00. Class 4 For any such corporation operating not more than 50 of such autobusses, there shall be required a cash paid up capital of $1,000,000.00. Class 5 For any such corporation operating more than 50 of such autobusses, there shall be required a cash paid up capital of not less than $2,000,000.00. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 69; L.1972, c. 182, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-13 Exemption; revocation

Any owner desiring to be exempt from obtaining or filing such insurance policy, as aforesaid, shall make application to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, showing its financial ability to pay such damages, whereupon the commissioner, if reasonably satisfied of the applicant's financial ability, shall by written order make such exemption. The commissioner may from time to time require further statements of the financial ability of such company; and if at any time, in the opinion of the commissioner, such company appears no longer able to pay damages, the commissioner shall revoke his order granting exemption, in which case the said company shall immediately insure its liability as required by law. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 70.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-14.1 Franchise tax or license fee on owner or operator of autobus; imposition by municipalities; prohibition; exception

Except as provided in R.S. 48:16-25 no municipality shall assess or impose any franchise tax or municipal license fee upon any person owning or operating an autobus in such municipality. L.1972, c. 211, s. 5, eff. Dec. 31, 1972.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-14.2 Payment in lieu of franchise taxes on autobusses by state to municipalities; annual certification of amount due

In order that no municipality shall suffer a loss in revenue due to the repeal of R.S. 48:4-14, the State shall annually remit to each municipality which received franchise taxes pursuant to said section an amount equal to that received by the municipality during the calendar year 1972, upon certification of said amount to the Director of the Division of Local Finance. L.1972, c. 211, s. 7, eff. Dec. 31, 1972.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-18 § 48:4-18

The board of public utility commissioners may prescribe reasonable regulations with respect to the construction and equipment of autobusses carrying passengers between points in this state and points in other states. Such regulations shall be consistent with regulations prescribed by the board applying to the operation of autobusses between points in this state.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-19 Insurance

The board of public utility commissioners may require operators of such interstate busses to carry insurance equal in amount to that required by law of operators of busses carrying passengers between points in this state, against loss by reason of the liability imposed by law for damages on account of bodily injury or death suffered by any person as a result of an accident occurring by reason of the ownership, maintenance or use of such autobusses. The board may require the operators of such autobusses to file with it duplicates of insurance policies or such other records as in the judgment of the board will show that the operators carry insurance against loss for liability for damages. The board may reject any policy if and when it determines, after hearing, upon notice in writing to the insurance company, that the company or companies writing or underwriting said policies of insurance is or are not financially responsible to respond in damages. Upon any hearing as provided herein, the burden of proving its financial responsibility shall rest upon said insurance company or companies. This section shall not be construed to require the operators of any such autobusses to carry insurance, the total amount of which shall exceed that required of operators of autobusses carrying passengers between points in this state.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-20 Tax on interstate bus service; exemptions

A person owning or operating an autobus which is operated over any highway in this State for the purpose of carrying passengers from a point outside the State to another point outside the State, or from a point outside the State to a point within the State, or from a point within the State to a point outside the State shall pay to the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, as an excise for the use of such highway, one-half cent for each mile or fraction thereof such autobus shall have been operated over the highways of this State, except that a person owning or operating an autobus providing regular route service under authority conferred pursuant to R.S. 48:4-3, and a person owning or operating an autobus providing regular route commuter bus service from a point within the State to a point outside the State, or from a point outside the State to a point within the State, shall be exempt from payment of the excise tax on the mileage traversed in providing that service. This exemption shall also apply to any person owning or operating an autobus under contract with the New Jersey Transit Corporation for providing bus service or under a contract with a county for special or rural transportation bus service subject to the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Transit Corporation pursuant to P.L. 1979, c. 150 (C. 27:25-1 et seq.). "Commuter bus service" means regularly scheduled passenger service utilized by passengers using reduced fare, multiple ride or commutation tickets and shall not include charter bus operations or special bus operations as defined in R.S. 48:4-1 or buses operated for the transportation of enrolled children and adults referred to in subsection c. of R.S. 48:4-1. Amended by L. 1962, c. 198, s. 71; L. 1972, c. 211, s. 2, eff. Dec. 31, 1972; L. 1985, c. 207, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-21 Monthly report of mileage; payment of tax

Every such owner or operator shall file with the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles on or before the twenty-fifth day of each month a report, under oath, on such form as the director shall prescribe, which report shall disclose the number of miles such autobus shall have been so operated over the highways of this State during the preceding calendar month, together with the registration number of such vehicle and such other information as the director may require. Every such person shall pay to the director upon the filing of such report the amount of tax due from such person as disclosed in the report. Amended by L.1958, c. 171, p. 710, s. 1, eff. Feb. 9, 1959.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-22 Report of schedule of operations; contents; subsequent changes

On or before May 7, 1934, every such owner or operator shall file with the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles a report of schedule of operations setting forth the routes traveled, their termini, the number of miles traveled daily in this State, the names of municipalities to which monthly franchise tax is payable and the miles traveled therein and the registration numbers of autobusses operated and such other information as the director may require. Every such owner or operator shall give to the director immediate report in writing of any subsequent change in such schedule, or routes, or number of miles traveled daily, or autobusses, except that no notice need be given in case of the operation of an autobus which is temporarily used to supplement a fixed schedule of operation. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 72.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-23 Revenues used for highway purposes

All moneys derived from the excise hereby imposed shall be paid over monthly by the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles to the State Treasurer and such revenues are hereby appropriated to the State Highway Department for use by it for the construction and maintenance of highways. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 73.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-24 Enforcement; bond

The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall enforce the payment of the excise hereby imposed and for such purpose make and enforce such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary. He may require a bond or other surety for the payment of excise and penalties imposed by and payable pursuant to sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this Title and for compliance with the provisions of said sections and the rules and regulations made by him pursuant hereto. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 74.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-25 Examination of records of owners or operators; oaths

The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall have power, whenever he deems it expedient, to make or cause to be made by deputy, auditor or investigator, an examination or investigation of the books, records, papers, vouchers, accounts and documents of every such owner or operator for the purpose of administering the provisions of sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this Title. It shall be the duty of every such owner or operator and of every director, officer, agent or employee thereof to exhibit to the director, his deputy, auditor or investigator all of the books, records, papers, vouchers, accounts and documents of the owner or operator to facilitate, as far as it may be in his or their power so to do, any such examination or investigation. The director, his deputy, auditor or investigator may take any oath of any person signing a deposition, statement, return or report required by the director in the administration of said sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 75.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-26 Hearings; examination of witnesses

The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles or his deputy, auditors or investigators shall have power to conduct hearings and to administer oaths to, and to examine under oath, any such owner or operator and the directors, officers, agents and employees of such owner or operator, and as well all other witnesses relative to the transportation business of such owner or operator, in respect to any matter incident to the administration of sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this Title. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 76.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-27 Subpoenas; witnesses' fees

The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall have power by subpoena to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any books, records, papers, vouchers, accounts and documents of any such owner or operator, or of any other person at any such hearing. The fees of witnesses required to attend any such hearing shall be the same as those allowed to witnesses appearing in the Superior Court. Fees shall be paid in a manner provided for the payment of other expenses incident to the administration of sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this Title. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 77.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-28 Refusal to obey subpoena; procedure before supreme court; contempt

If a person subpoenaed to attend any hearing refuses to appear, be examined or answer any question or produce any books, records, papers, vouchers, accounts and documents when ordered so to do by the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles or his deputy, auditor or investigator designated by him to conduct such hearing, the director, such deputy, auditor or investigator, may apply to the Superior Court, or any judge thereof, who shall have the power of the court for that purpose, upon proof by affidavit of the facts, to make an order returnable not less than 2, nor more than 10 days, directing such person to show cause before the court or a judge thereof, why he should not comply with the direction or order of the director, or of the deputy, auditor or investigator so appointed by the director. Upon the return of such order, the court or judge before whom the matter shall come, shall examine such person under oath, and such person shall be given an opportunity to be heard and if the court or judge shall determine that such person refused without legal excuse to obey the command of the subpoena, or to be examined, or to answer a question, or to produce any book, paper, voucher, record, account or document which he was ordered to answer or produce, the court or judge may order such person to comply forthwith with the subpoena or order. Any failure to obey such order of the court or judge, may be punished by the court or judge as contempt of the Superior Court. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 78.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-29 Appointment of auditors, investigators, etc.; civil service

The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles may appoint one or more auditors and investigators and such clerical assistants as he may deem necessary, subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service. Amended by L.1953, c. 430, p. 2165, s. 1, eff. Sept. 18, 1953.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-30 Revocation of registration certificate; grounds

Failure to file a report or bond in the manner prescribed by the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, or to pay proper excise, or any legal penalties imposed by sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this Title, or to adhere to any reasonable rules and regulations imposed by the director, or preventing an examination or investigation of books, records, papers, vouchers, accounts and documents, or refusing to exhibit such books, records, papers, vouchers, accounts and documents, or ignoring subpoena whether served within the State or without the State, shall be good cause for the director to revoke the registration certificates for autobusses issued to such owner or operator, or to prevent the operation in this State of autobusses registered in another State. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 79.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-31 Collection of excise; prior lien

The excise imposed by section 48:4-20 of this Title, and interest and penalties thereon from the time the same shall be due and payable, shall be a personal debt due from such owner or operator to the State, recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction in any action at law to be commenced by the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles on behalf of the State. Such excise, interest and penalties shall be a first and prior lien upon the assets of such owner or operator and payment thereof shall be preferred in any distribution of the assets of the owner or operator whether in insolvency, bankruptcy or otherwise. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 80.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-32 Failure to file report or pay excise; penalty

Any such owner or operator who shall fail to file a report as required by section 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this Title, or bond when demanded, or fail to pay the excise imposed by said sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 within the time herein fixed and limited, shall forfeit and pay to the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles for the use of the State the sum of $5.00 for each and every day of such default, which sum shall be recovered by the director in the manner hereinbefore provided for the enforcement of the payment of the excise imposed by said sections. Such moneys, when recovered, shall be paid over to the State Treasurer for the use of the State Highway Commission for construction and maintenance of highways. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 81.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-33 § 48:4-33

Any person who shall make any false or fraudulent report, or any false statement in any report with intent to defraud the state, or to evade the payment of any excise, or any part thereof imposed by section 48:4-20 of this title, or who shall aid or abet another in any attempt to evade the payment of any such excise, or any part thereof, or any person who shall make, or permit to be made, for any corporation, association or partnership any false report or any false statement in any report required to be filed under sections 48:4-20 to 48:4-34 of this title with intent to evade the payment of any excise hereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-34 § 48:4-34

Any person who shall knowingly swear to, affirm or verify any false or fraudulent statement with intent to evade the payment of any excise hereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-35 Definitions.

48:4-35. a. "Motor vehicle" as used in this article includes all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular power (excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks exclusively) carrying passengers for hire now or hereafter operated by virtue of a certificate of public convenience and necessity including vehicles used in connection with charter or special bus operations to which this act applies within the State of New Jersey. b. "Self-insurer" means any person who, by virtue of any law of this State is exempted by some official, board or body of this State from the requirements imposed upon other owners of similar motor vehicles to carry insurance in an insurance company. c. "Financial responsibility" means ability to satisfy claims to the extent set forth in section 48:4-36 of this Title. d. "For hire" means compensation in any form, whether directly or indirectly made. e. "Financial coverage" means insurance and also self-insurer. f. "Magistrate" shall mean judges and other officers having powers of the committing magistrate. Amended 1973,c.158,s.8; 1991,c.91,s.469.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-36 Financial coverage required; insurance policy; filing with utility board; rejection; minimum and maximum liability for bodily injury or death

Any person engaged in the operation of motor vehicles shall at all times have financial coverage. If such financial coverage shall be by insurance policy, such insurance policy or policies or true copies thereof, shall be filed with the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. Said board may reject any policy if and when it determines after hearing upon notice in writing to the insurance company that the company or companies writing or underwriting said policies of insurance is or are not financially responsible to respond in damages. Upon any hearing as provided herein, the burden of proving its financial responsibility shall rest upon said insurance company or companies. Said insurance policies shall be conditioned for the payment of a minimum sum of not less than hereinafter set forth, hereinafter called "minimum liability," on any one judgment, and a maximum sum of not less than hereinafter set forth, hereinafter called "maximum liability," on all judgments recovered against any such person, upon claims arising out of the same transaction or transactions connected with the same subject of action, to be apportioned ratably among the judgment creditors according to the amount of their respective judgments for damages because of bodily injury, including death, at any time resulting therefrom, or injury caused in the operation, maintenance, use, or the defective construction of such motor vehicles, as follows: a. For damages because of bodily injury, including death, at any time resulting therefrom, for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not more than 12 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $100,000.00. b. For each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not less than 13 nor more than 20 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $200,000.00. c. For each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not less than 21 nor more than 30 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $400,000.00. d. For each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of more than 30 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $600,000.00. Amended by L.1948, c. 178, p. 921, s. 1; L.1962, c. 198, s. 82; L.1972, c. 182, s. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-37 Property damage; liability

For damages because of injury to or destruction of property, for each motor vehicle an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $10,000.00 and a maximum liability of $25,000.00. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 83; L.1972, c. 182, s. 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-38 § 48:4-38

Insurance policies filed under this article shall contain a provision for a continuing liability, notwithstanding any recovery thereon, until the expiration thereof according to their terms or until ten days after notice in writing of cancellation has been given to the board of public utility commissioners.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-39 § 48:4-39

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to repeal any law permitting self-insurance of motor vehicles.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-40 § 48:4-40

The driver of every motor vehicle shall have in his possession and exhibit for inspection when requested by any proper person (a) the original policy of insurance covering such vehicle; or (b) a certificate thereof issued by the insurance company; or (c) if a self-insurer, a certificate of such self-insurance issued by the official, board or body authorized by law to permit such self-insurance.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-41 § 48:4-41

The board of public utility commissioners is hereby empowered to make rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of this state with respect to financial coverage as herein provided.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-42 § 48:4-42

Any person who shall knowingly operate or permit to be operated any motor vehicle not at the time of such use covered by insurance or other financial coverage as herein provided for shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-43 § 48:4-43

Any driver of a motor vehicle who shall fail or refuse to exhibit upon request of a proper person the evidence of insurance or other financial coverage provided for in this article shall, upon conviction, be adjudged a disorderly person and shall be liable to a penalty of not more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment for a term of not more than ninety days, or both a fine and imprisonment not exceeding the aforesaid maximum, at the discretion of the magistrate before whom the conviction shall be had.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-44 § 48:4-44

This article shall not be construed to repeal any act or portion of any act not wholly inconsistent therewith but all such acts shall be construed in pari materia herewith.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-45 Certain autobusses excepted

The provisions of this article shall not apply to autobusses with a carrying capacity of not more than 10 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 route, nor to any autobus solely engaged in transportation of school children, jurisdiction over which is now vested in any board or body other than the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 84.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-46 Definitions

(a) As used in this article "motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire" is hereby defined as meaning any motor vehicle propelled otherwise than by muscular power (excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks exclusively) carrying passengers for hire of any kind over the highways in this State except (1) motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire over the highways in this State by virtue of municipal consent or consents upon a route or routes established in any municipality or municipalities; (2) taxicabs; (3) hotel buses; (4) buses employed solely for transporting school children and teachers to or from school; (5) autobuses with a carrying capacity of not more than 10 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 route; (6) autobuses operated over highways in this State for the purpose of carrying passengers from a point outside the State to another point outside the State or from a point outside the State to a point within the State, or from a point within the State to a point outside the State between fixed termini on a regular schedule; (7) any vehicle with a maximum carrying capacity of not more than 15 passengers, including the driver, which is used in the form of service termed "ridesharing," where the transportation of passengers is incidental to the purpose of the driver. The term shall include such ridesharing arrangements known as carpools and vanpools. (b) "Self-insurer" means any person who by virtue of any law of this State, or in case of a nonresident, of the state of which such person is a resident and in which any motor vehicle coming within the provisions of this article is registered, is exempted by some official, board or body of this State or such other state from requirements imposed upon other owners of similar motor vehicles to carry insurance or secure possible claims for damages by a bond of a surety company. (c) "Financial responsibility" means ability to satisfy claims to the extent set forth in sections 48:4-47 and 48:4-48 of this Title. (d) "For hire" means compensation in any form, whether directly or indirectly made. (e) "Financial coverage" means insurance and also self-insurer. (f) "Magistrate" shall be deemed and understood to mean and include all judges of county and criminal courts, and other officers having powers of the committing magistrate. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 85; L.1981, c. 413, s. 12, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-47 Financial coverage required; insurance policy; filing with utility board; rejection; minimum and maximum liability for bodily injury or death

Any person engaged in the business of operating motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire shall at all times have financial coverage. If such financial coverage shall be by insurance policy, such insurance policy or policies, or true copies thereof, shall be filed with the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. Said board may reject any policy if and when it determines after hearing upon notice in writing to the insurance company that the company or companies writing or underwriting said policies of insurance is or are not financially responsible to respond in damages. Upon any hearing as provided herein, the burden of proving its financial responsibility shall rest upon said insurance company or companies. Said insurance policies shall be conditioned for the payment of a minimum sum, hereinafter called "minimum liability," on any one judgment, and a maximum sum hereinafter called "maximum liability," on all judgments recovered against any such person upon claims arising out of the same transaction or transactions connected with the same subject of action, to be apportioned ratably among the judgment creditors according to the amount of their respective judgments, for damages because of bodily injury, including death, at any time resulting therefrom caused in the operation, maintenance, use or the defective construction of such motor vehicles, as follows: (a) For damages because of bodily injury, including death, at any time resulting therefrom, for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not more than 12 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $100,000.00. (b) For each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not less than 13 nor more than 20 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $200,000.00. (c) For each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not less than 21 nor more than 30 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $400,000.00. (d) For each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of more than 30 passengers, an insurance policy with a minimum liability of $25,000.00 and a maximum liability of $600,000.00. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 86; L.1972, c. 182, s. 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-48 Property damage; liability

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-49 § 48:4-49

Insurance policies filed under this article shall contain a provision for a continuing liability, notwithstanding any recovery thereon, until the expiration thereof, according to their terms or until ten days after notice in writing of cancellation has been given to the board of public utility commissioners.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-50 § 48:4-50

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to repeal any law permitting self-insurance of motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire, nor shall the foregoing requirements as to insurance apply to a vehicle owned or operated by a nonresident who is a self-insurer under the laws of the state of which he is a resident and in which such vehicle is registered, if such laws are substantially similar to the laws of this state with respect to the qualifications for self-insurance; provided, any such nonresident self-insurer shall have filed with the board of public utility commissioners a certified copy of the certificate permitting such operator to be a self-insurer under the laws of the state of which he is a resident and in which the motor vehicle is registered; the board may reject any such certificate of self-insurance if and when it determines, after hearing upon notice in writing to the self-insurer, that such self-insurer is not financially responsible to respond in damages.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-51 § 48:4-51

The driver of every motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire shall have in his possession and exhibit for inspection when requested by any proper person, either (a) the original policy of insurance covering such vehicle or (b) a certificate thereof issued by the insurance company; or (c) if a self-insurer, a certificate of such self-insurance issued by the official, board or body authorized by law to permit such self-insurance.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-52 § 48:4-52

The board of public utility commissioners is hereby empowered to make rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of this state with respect to financial coverage as herein provided.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-53 § 48:4-53

Any person who shall knowingly operate or permit to be operated any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire not at the time of such use covered by insurance or other financial coverage as herein provided for shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-54 Refusal to exhibit evidence of financial coverage; penalty

Any person who shall knowingly operate or permit to be operated a motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire who shall fail to display or who refuses to exhibit upon request of a proper person the evidence of insurance or other financial coverage provided for in this article shall, upon conviction, be adjudged a disorderly person and shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $100.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 90 days, or both a fine and imprisonment not exceeding the aforesaid maximum, at the discretion of the magistrate before whom the conviction shall be had. Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 88.

N.J. Stat. § 48:4-55 § 48:4-55

This article shall not be construed to repeal any act or portion of any act not wholly inconsistent therewith, but all such acts shall be construed in paria materia herewith.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026