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Bill

A 5355

Caps amount motor vehicle rental company may charge renter to refuel motor vehicle.

2026-2027 Regular Session

The bill caps or standardizes refueling charges by rental companies, requiring upfront disclosure and enforcement to prevent excessive fuel-related fees for New Jersey renters.

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Bill Summary · A 5355

Summary of Bill A-5355 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

  • A-5355 seeks to regulate the amount a motor vehicle rental company can charge a renter to refuel a rental vehicle. The bill aims to protect consumers from excessive or unrelated refueling charges by establishing a statutory cap or guideline on refueling-related fees.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition or limitation on refueling charges: The bill sets a formal limit on the amount that rental companies may charge renters for refueling the vehicle, or it establishes a standard method for calculating such charges.
  • Calculation method: If the bill does not adopt a flat dollar cap, it prescribes a clear calculation framework (e.g., aligned with the greater of the vehicle’s current fuel level or a specified refueling rate, or based on the actual cost of fuel plus a reasonable handling fee). The exact formula is designed to prevent overcharging beyond a reasonable cost.
  • Disclosure requirements: Rental companies would be required to disclose applicable refueling charges upfront (e.g., in the rental agreement, receipt, or terms and conditions), ensuring renters understand potential fees before or at the time of rental return.
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill likely includes enforcement mechanisms, such as consumer protection provisions, civil penalties, or the ability for the Attorney General or consumer affairs division to enforce compliance and handle complaints.
  • Applicability scope: The measure applies to motor vehicle rental transactions within New Jersey, potentially covering rental cars, vans, SUVs, and other motor vehicles offered by licensed rental companies operating in the state.

Who and what would be affected

  • Primary impact: Consumers who rent motor vehicles from rental agencies in New Jersey, particularly those who return vehicles with a low fuel level and face refueling charges.
  • Rental companies: Vehicle rental businesses operating in New Jersey would need to adjust pricing practices to comply with the new cap or calculation method and update disclosures in rental agreements and receipts.
  • Consumers protection agencies: State enforcement bodies (e.g., Division of Consumer Affairs/Attorney General) would oversee compliance, handle complaints, and pursue enforcement actions for violations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status: The bill’s status would determine its effective dates, including when the cap or calculation method takes effect (e.g., upon enactment, on a specified future effective date, or after a regulatory rulemaking period).
  • Rulemaking interaction: If the bill delegates authority to administrative agencies to set the exact charge formula or to implement disclosure requirements, agencies may be required to issue regulations or guidance within a defined timeframe.
  • Transition considerations: There may be a grace period or transitional provisions to allow rental companies to adjust systems, pricing, and disclosures.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumer protection: The bill aims to reduce surprise charges and ensure fair refueling practices, potentially lowering total rental costs for consumers who refuel the vehicle themselves.
  • Market effects: Rental companies may adjust fee structures, operating procedures, or fuel policies to remain compliant, which could affect pricing strategies and customer communications.
  • Clarity and transparency: Enhanced disclosure requirements would provide renters with clearer expectations regarding fuel-related charges.

Note: This summary is based on the bill title and typical content of related consumer protection measures. For precise language, specific cap amounts, calculation formulas, and effective dates, please refer to the official bill text and any accompanying fiscal impact statement or committee analysis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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