WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 1545

Concerns parking violations that obstruct NJT bus operations and bicycle lanes in certain circumstances.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 1 co-sponsor

NJ Transit would deploy a bus obstruction monitoring system using on-board cameras to automatically cite vehicles blocking bus lanes, stops, or designated bike lanes.

Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1545

Overview

A 1545 would authorize the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) to deploy a bus obstruction monitoring system (BOMS) that uses on-board cameras to capture recorded images of motor vehicles committing certain parking violations. These violations would include blocking dedicated bus lanes, bus stop zones, or designated bicycle lanes in specific circumstances. The bill establishes how citations would be issued, processed, and appealed; sets fines and enforcement mechanics; and outlines training, data security, revenue use, and reporting requirements. The act would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Main purpose and intent

  • Improve motorbus operations and rider safety by deter ing improper parking or stopping that obstructs bus lanes, bus stops, or bicycle lanes.
  • Introduce a camera-based enforcement mechanism (BOMS) tied to NJ Transit’s operations.
  • Create a framework for citation issuance, contest, penalties, and program administration, including privacy and data-security safeguards.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:
    • Access Link: NJT paratransit service per the ADA.
    • Bus obstruction monitoring system (BOMS): camera system that records motor vehicles during a covered violation.
    • Covered violation: stopping, standing, or parking in a bus lane, bus stop zone (with certain exceptions), or a designated bicycle lane (with exceptions for lawful use or emergencies).
    • Bus stop zone, dedicated bus lane, designated bicycle lane, and other terms defined for enforcement context.
  • Deployment and operation:
    • NJT must issue citations based on recorded images from BOMS.
    • BOMS must be operated by an authorized BOMS operator and clearly signage must warn drivers that the bus is equipped with BOMS.
    • Deployment: number of buses and routes selected by NJT based on cost-benefit analysis and operational considerations.
  • Image retention and privacy:
    • Recorded images retained only if evidence of a covered violation.
    • Retention: up to 6 months (or 60 days after final disposition, whichever is later) if a violation is evidenced.
    • If no violation, images destroyed within 15 days.
    • Images stored on secure/encrypted systems meeting state security standards.
    • Images are not government records or discoverable in most civil/administrative proceedings, except by subpoena or court order in criminal matters.
    • No biometric identification (no facial recognition).
  • Training and operations:
    • BOMS operators must complete manufacturer training and obtain a certificate.
    • Operators must perform manufacturer-specified self-tests before daily service and at intervals, with a daily test verification log retained and admissible in proceedings.
  • Contests and due process:
    • Citations may be contested on specified grounds (e.g., transit vehicles, school buses, emergency vehicles, government vehicles, medical/mechanical emergencies, funeral transportation, stolen vehicle reports, or prior paid fines for same violation).
    • Owners have 30 days from citation mailing to contest, via online portal, mail, or hearing per NJT rules.
    • Appeals of final NJT decisions may be taken to the New Jersey Superior Court.
  • Fines and enforcement mechanics:
    • Citations issued within 15 days of the violation.
    • Fine structure: first offense $45; subsequent offenses within a 12-month period increase by $45 up to a maximum of $135. Violations reset after 12 months with no further violations.
    • Fines tied to vehicle registration numbers, not the operator identity.
    • Leasing/rental firms can transfer liability by providing lessee information and proof of lease period; the citation is reissued to the lessee and fines for the rental business are avoided.
    • If an owner/operator fails to pay three or more fines, NJMVC may suspend the driver’s license or vehicle registration, with prompt notification of any subsequent payments or disposals.
    • Revenue use: fines can cover administrative costs; any excess revenue goes to fund Access Link services.
    • The contract cannot monetize driver or operator compensation based on fines.
  • Public education and phased rollout:
    • 180-day public education/awareness campaign before full implementation.
    • 90-day period of warning notices before issuing any citations or fines.
  • Reporting:
    • Annual report to the Governor and Legislature on implementation, including:
    • Total citations by route and violation type.
    • Revenue generated and its allocation by route/type.
    • Impacts on bus service efficiency (speed, schedule adherence, delays, safety, congestion).
  • Rulemaking and implementation:
    • NJT may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the statute, covering citation administration, data security, operator training, and dispute procedures.
  • Effective date:
    • Takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Who is affected

  • Primary: NJ Transit Corporation (administrative program design, operation, enforcement, and revenue use).
  • Vehicle owners and lessees: recipients of citations tied to the vehicle’s registration number; lessees can be identified to reassign liability for leasing/rental vehicles.
  • Vehicle operators: subject to potential license/registration actions if fines go unpaid.
  • General public and transit riders: impacted by enforcement presence, potential changes in bus speed and reliability, and access to information about the program.
  • Law enforcement and contracted agencies: involved in training, oversight, and potential enforcement support.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • 90-day countdown after enactment for the act to take effect.
  • 180-day public education campaign starting at program implementation.
  • 90-day warning period prior to first issuance of citations.
  • 15-day window for sending citations after violation.
  • 30-day window for contesting a citation.
  • Fines apply on a per-violation basis with a 12-month reset period for the penalty ladder.

This bill would significantly expand NY Transit’s use of automated camera enforcement for bus operations and certain bike-lane violations, with structured due-process protections, privacy safeguards, and dedicated use of revenue for program administration and Access Link services.

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

Sign in to ask a question.