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S 3501

Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to 9-11 Fallen Firefighters

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alexis Weik

Requires annual DOT/DHTS public awareness campaigns and yearly signage to boost motorist compliance with move-over laws for emergency, tow, maintenance vehicles and pedestrians.

SIGNED CHAP.389
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Bill Summary · S 3501

Summary — S 3501 (SIGNED CHAP.389)

Status: Signed into law (Ch. 389) — delivered to Governor 2025-09-05; signed 2025-09-10
Introduced: June 26, 2024 | Primary sponsor: Sen. Alexis Weik

Note on title: although the provided title references dedicating a portion of the highway system to 9‑11 Fallen Firefighters, the enacted text of S 3501 amends existing public awareness requirements and public safety campaigns related to motorists’ duties (i.e., “move over” and related laws). This summary reflects the bill text and fiscal note.

Purpose / Intent

To strengthen public education about motorists’ legal duties and safe behavior when approaching:
- stationary authorized emergency, tow, highway maintenance, emergency service, sanitation, and disabled vehicles; and
- pedestrians, bicycles, and personal conveyances

The goal is to increase compliance with existing laws (move-over and related statutes), reduce crashes and injuries, and inform motorists of associated risks and penalties.

Key provisions

  • Amends P.L.2017, c.358 and P.L.2019, c.370 to require annual development and updating of public awareness programs by:
    • The Commissioner of Transportation (DOT), in consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (DHTS), and
    • The Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
  • Requires DOT to use variable message signs at least once per year to inform motorists of their duties when approaching the listed classes of vehicles and when approaching pedestrians, bicycles, or personal conveyances.
  • Requires DHTS to establish and annually update a public awareness campaign that:
    • Explains the importance of complying with the laws (including C.39:4-92.2 and C.39:4-92.4),
    • Describes risks associated with noncompliance, and
    • Details the penalties and fines applicable for violations.

Who is affected

  • Motorists (required to change lanes or reduce speed under existing law)
  • Pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of personal conveyances
  • Operators of emergency, tow, maintenance, sanitation, and disabled vehicles (safety beneficiaries)
  • State agencies: NJ Department of Transportation and Division of Highway Traffic Safety (implementation/communications)

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Office of Legislative Services estimates an annual State expenditure increase of approximately $1,000 (primarily for updated outreach materials such as brochures and use of existing variable message signs).
  • Agencies are expected to rely largely on existing materials and infrastructure; DOT owns and operates variable message signs and will program them at no significant additional cost.
  • The act takes effect immediately and imposes an ongoing requirement for annual updates and at-least-once-per-year messaging.

Related legislation

  • Companion: A3347
  • Prior session bills: S 2242, S 7178

For specifics on the statutory sections referenced (move-over and pedestrian/personal conveyance duties and penalties), see C.39:4-92.2 and C.39:4-92.4 in New Jersey law.

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

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