Drivers may risk $45 automated fines for blocking NJ bus and bike lanes

Motorists soon may risk $45 traffic fines—triggered by automated cameras—for parking or idling in bus lanes and bus stops. Penalties outlined in Bill A5612, which passed the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on Dec. 4, also would apply to drivers who clog marked bicycle lanes. 

The bill calls for New Jersey Transit, the biggest statewide mass-transit operator in the country, to install cameras to document violations along its more than 250 routes. The cameras also would cover “a clearly marked traffic lane for bicycles adjacent to a roadway that serves a motorbus regular route,” the bill states.

Drivers who go against posted regulations would receive citations based on license plate images. Some lawmakers questioned whether alleged violators could challenge the tickets in court, like any other traffic summonses.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

• Bill A5612 aims to reduce traffic delays and passenger risks caused by cars blocking areas intended for commuter buses that transport 144 million riders annually.
• Existing law bans motor vehicles from blocking access to bus and bike zones, and summonses are issued by police or parking-enforcement officers as they occur. According to the bill, drivers who park or briefly pull over in any of those areas—even with every intention of moving before a bus or bicycle arrives—could receive tickets based on camera evidence.
• The bill would require “a designated employee” or “a contracted law enforcement agency” to review the photos remotely, then issue the violations, according to the bill. 

WHERE IT STANDS:

• In May, the bill cleared the Assembly Transportation Committee in an 8-3 vote along party lines, with Republicans opposing.
• An identical version of the bill is pending before the Senate Transportation Committee. If the legislation passes after that hearing, it will head to the full legislature for consideration.
• The Assembly bill is sponsored by Democratic Assembly members Clinton Calabrese of Cliffside Park, a Hudson River borough popular with New Jersey Transit commuters to New York City, and William F. Moen Jr. of Audubon. 

WHAT LAWMAKERS ARE SAYING:

• “If the defendant challenges it, who’s going to show up in court to testify to the issue and to the summons?” said Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin, a Republican from Toms River who voted against the legislation. 
• Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, a Republican from Wyckoff, had other doubts. “I’m not confident that New Jersey Transit can get this done and get it done right,” he said. However, he added, “I don’t feel strongly enough to vote against it, so I’m going to abstain.”

FLASHBACK – NEW JERSEY SHUT DOWN RED-LIGHT CAMERAS:

• New Jersey ended a red-light traffic camera pilot program in 2014 after years of controversy over accuracy, inconsistent yellow-light timing, and complaints that the system prioritized revenue over safety. 
• Critics of A5612 drew comparisons, warning that automated bus-lane ticketing could raise similar concerns about fairness and over-enforcement.

This article is written by Brooke Holzhauer, courtesy of NJ State House News Service.