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Bill

A 1552

Revises penalties for certain violations of limousine laws.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 2 co-sponsors

The bill imposes tiered, stiffer penalties for limousine violations (licensing, insurance, registration, inspection, equipment), including suspensions and impoundment for repeat of

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1552

Summary of Bill A-1552 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

  • This bill revises and expands penalties for certain violations of limousine laws in New Jersey.
  • It targets operating a limousine in violation of licensing, insurance, registration, inspection, and equipment requirements, with heightened penalties for repeat offenses.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends Section 18 of P.L.1999, c.356 (C.39:5G-1) to create tiered penalties for listed violations:
    1) Violations related to licensing, driver qualifications, insurance, and seating capacity

    • Offenses include:
      • Operating a limousine without a municipality-issued license (R.S.48:16-17)
      • Knowingly permitting a driver to operate a limousine without a valid driver’s license or valid commercial driver license (if required)
      • Failure to file an insurance policy in the required amount ($1,500,000 or as otherwise required)
      • Operating a limousine with more passengers than the maximum seating capacity
    • Penalties for the first offense: $2,500
    • Penalties for the second or subsequent offense: $5,000
    • Penalties for the third or subsequent offense: $7,500, immediate suspension of the violator’s driver’s license for at least six months, and immediate impoundment of the vehicle 2) Violations related to special registration plates or vehicle inspection
    • Offenses include:
      • Operating a limousine without the required special registration plates
      • Operating a limousine that was not properly inspected
    • Penalties for the first offense: $1,250
    • Penalties for the second or subsequent offense: $2,500
    • Penalties for the third or subsequent offense: $7,500 and immediate impoundment of the vehicle 3) Other enumerated compliance issues
    • Violations such as lacking attached sideboards, failing to retain proof of insurance, or failing to deliver required power of attorney
    • Penalties: $250 for the first offense; $500 for the second and subsequent offenses 4) General safety and equipment violations
    • Violations regarding two-way communications systems, a removable first-aid kit, and an operable fire extinguisher, or other violations under Title 48, Chapter 16 (except those specifically enumerated)
    • Penalties: $50 for the first offense; $100 for the second and subsequent offenses

  • Enforcement and proceedings

    • Violations are enforced in a summary proceeding under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999.
    • Jurisdiction for enforcement lies with the Superior Court or municipal courts where the violation was detected or where the defendant was apprehended.
    • Penalties collected under this section are to be forwarded as provided by statute.
    • Penalties assessed under this bill are in addition to penalties under other applicable law.

  • Inspections

    • State Police may enter the operator’s property to inspect documents and vehicles if there is probable cause of violations of specific limousine-related statutes.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Limousine operators and owners who must comply with licensing, registration, insurance, inspection, and equipment requirements.
  • Drivers and chauffeurs associated with limousine services (including those who may be operating without proper licenses).
  • Inspection and enforcement agencies (State Police, Superior Court, and municipal courts) responsible for enforcement and penalties.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Action history indicates rapid movement in 2026:
    • Introduced January 13, 2026 (Assembly Transportation Committee)
    • Reported out of Assembly Committee (2nd Reading) on March 16, 2026
    • Passed by the Assembly on May 18, 2026 (73-3-0)
    • Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on May 18, 2026
  • Immediate effect upon enactment (no delayed effective date).

Practical impact

  • The bill significantly stiffens penalties for multiple limousine-related violations, especially for repeat offenses, by:
    • Elevating fines up to $7,500
    • Mandating license suspensions of at least six months
    • Impounding vehicles on third and subsequent offenses
  • Aims to strengthen compliance with licensing, insurance, registration, inspection, and safety equipment requirements to improve safety and regulatory adherence in the limousine industry.

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

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