Possible New NJ Helmet Law

I want to inform everyone that a bill has been introduced into both the New Jersey State Senate (S3791) and the Assembly (A5424), which will make it legal for many riders to ride without a helmet in the state of New Jersey.  The Senate bill is sponsored by Senator Robert Andrzejczak and the Assembly version is sponsored by Rep. Matthew Milam.

Here are the basics.  If you are 21 years old or older, have been riding for at least two years and have taken a motorcycle safety class, then you are not required to wear a helmet.  Likewise, the passengers carried by any qualifying rider will also be exempt from wearing a helmet.  Whether or not to wear a helmet will become the rider’s choice.

As of right now those two bills only have one sponsor.  We know that in order to get any action on this we will need more sponsors.

Call to Action!

Please contact your Senator and your Assembly people and tell them that you ride and you would like them to support A5424 in the Assembly and S3791 in the Senate and to please consider becoming a co-sponsor.  It should be a rider’s choice whether or not they wear a helmet.

You can find out who your senator and assembly people are, and how to contact them, here…

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/njmap210.html

Thank you,

Bill Downs

Chairman, State Board of Directors

ABATE of the Garden State

Mission Statement

To enhance and protect the motorcyclist riding rights in New Jersey. To enhance the common good and general welfare of New Jersey’s motorcycling community by promoting education, awareness, safety concerns and to foster a general understanding by motorcyclist and motorist alike. To make our voices heard on legislation affecting riders in New Jersey on a local, state and national level by creating a united community of motorcyclists connected through our organization.  Furthermore, we address any legislation concerning motorcyclists locally, statewide or nationally. Finally, we will engage in charitable activities benefiting our organization, the motorcycle community and society at large.

To all VETS,

ABATE had a meeting with representatives of NJ State Senator Steve Sweeney, MVC, a representative from DMAVA, a representative from NJ MVC, a representative from the American Legion Riders and the Combat VETS, three representatives from ABATE and a representative from ABATE/AMA.

Jason, Sen Sweeney’s rep., explained the current VET plate law elements to the attendees.  The primary points were:

1. The current law needs a “sponsor” (someone who would coordinate advertising the new law, verify requests and collect the monies).  DMAVA would assist in establishing the guidelines that would be used for “verification” purposes.
2. Under the current law the “sponsor” would need 500 approved applicants to send in $50 for each plate before the MVC would start production.
3. Plate holders would then pay an additional $10 in their registration fee every year for the privilege of having a VET plate.

It was explained that all of the specialty plates (Rutgers Alumni, Phillies, etc) use the same process, except for the Gold Star Mothers, who pay NONE of the above fees.  Some of our questions resulted in some astonishing replies.  The plates themselves actually cost about $5 each to produce, the rest of the $45 is partially the MVC’s “handling charge”, but the largest expense is the 3M contractual charge for production!  That’s how you change $5 cost into $50 charge with no actual production costs.   Next we questioned the yearly $10 charge, which was for DMAVA to fund Veteran programs.  No one, yes, no one could tell us what the MVC would have left out of each $10 charge to send to DMAVA after they deducted their “operating and handling” charges.

The final design of the plate, per the MVC, has not been decided.  I tentatively volunteered ABATE to handle the sponsorship, with the Williamstown ALR’s assistance, after some changes were made.  Then we discussed previous promises made by Sen. Sweeney, Sen. Madden, Sen. Van Drew and others related to the cost of the plates.  I had 635 names of people who are interested in the plates when they are available.  We were told that Sen. Sweeney’s promise didn’t matter, since the Bill that became law contained the current cost template.  Once again, smoke in our eyes.

There was a discussion about going forward with the current law, and forever paying $50 + $10, of which the VETS would see very little, or redoing the bill to change the law to a more acceptable arrangement.  The suggestion was made that the current law be put on hold, ABATE will make the agreed changes so that it can be resubmitted.  Glenn Mullary (ALR), Don Lewis (Combat VETs) and ABATE all agreed to the proposed changes.  Eliminate\reduce the initial $50 registration charge, eliminate the annual $10 charge, change any residual funds from VET programs to VET homes and have the veteran’s service related logo on the plate along with the word VETERAN across the bottom.

The involved parties have reviewed the recommended changes to the law (basically, out with the $50 purchase, out with the $10 a year fee and replace the flag with the Vet’s service logo of record).  A “marked up” copy was then forwarded to  Sen. Van Drew, who has agreed to support and push this amendment through ASAP.  Sen Van Drew’s  office and the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) are now refining the law for amendment.

WHAT’s NEXT,

ABATE of the Garden State is fighting for motorcyclists’ rights on several state level issues. Most of these issues will not only help all motorcyclists, but will either directly or indirectly help all motorists.

1. Sponsor/Support Legislation addressing motorcycle profiling.
2. Veteran Motorcycle License Plate
3. Option to proceed at unresponsive red lights.
4. Continue the fight against E-15 and higher blends of Ethanol fuel.
5. Increased penalties for right of way violations causing injury or death.
6. Fight for increased penalties for and enforcement of distracted driving violations.
7. Maximum utilization of motorcycle safety funding program.
8. Promotion of driver and rider education courses and motorcycle awareness.
9. Legalize multiple motorcycles per parking spot.
10. Educated freedom of choice concerning helmet use for adults.

For full explanation Click Here