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Bill

S 205

Revises penalties for certain violations of limousine laws.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Raj Mukherji and 1 co-sponsor

The bill raises penalties for major limousine violations (licensing, insurance, registration, inspections, capacity) and imposes immediate suspensions and impounds for repeat offen

Substituted by A1552
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 205

Summary of Bill S. 205 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

  • Revises penalties for various violations of limousine laws. The bill updates and consolidates penalty structure for operating limousines in violation of state statutes, with the aim of strengthening enforcement and ensuring compliance with licensing, insurance, registration, inspection, equipment, and other regulatory requirements.

Key provisions and changes

  • The bill amends Section 18 of P.L.1999, c.356 (C.39:5G-1) to establish updated penalties for several categories of violations related to limousine operation, including:
    1) Operating a limousine without a municipal license, allowing an unlicensed driver, failing to maintain required insurance, exceeding passenger capacity, or other specified lapses:

    • First offense: $2,500 fine
    • Second or subsequent offense: $5,000 fine
    • Third or subsequent offense: $7,500 fine plus immediate suspension of the violator’s driver’s license for at least six months and immediate impoundment of the limousine operated 2) Operating a limousine without the required special registration plates or without proper inspection:
    • First offense: $1,250 fine
    • Second or subsequent offense: $2,500 fine
    • Third or subsequent offense: $7,500 fine plus immediate impoundment of the vehicle 3) Operating a limousine without attached sideboards or failing to retain proof of insurance or failing to provide required power of attorney:
    • First offense: $250 fine
    • Second or subsequent offense: $500 fine 4) Other violations (e.g., failure to be equipped with mandated safety equipment like two-way communications, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher) or other non-enumerated violations under article 2 of chapter 16 of Title 48:
    • First offense: $50 fine
    • Second or subsequent offense: $100 fine

  • Enforcement and process:

    • Violations under this section are enforced in a summary proceeding under thePenalty Enforcement Law of 1999.
    • Penalties imposed under this section are in addition to any penalties otherwise imposed by law.
    • State Police may inspect operator documents and vehicles on probable cause related to listed regulatory violations (e.g., insurance, licensing, inspections, and equipment requirements).

  • Administrative details:

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Limousine operators and owners within New Jersey, particularly those:

    • Operating without municipal licenses
    • Allowing unlicensed or improperly licensed drivers
    • Lacking required insurance coverage
    • Exceeding seating capacity
    • Lacking proper registration plates or vehicle inspections
    • Lacking required sideboards, proof of insurance, or power of attorney
    • Failing to meet mandatory safety equipment requirements (two-way radio, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher)

  • Law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including municipal authorities and State Police, responsible for enforcing the updated penalties and carrying out inspections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act is introduced in the 222nd Legislature and is reported from the Senate Transportation Committee with technical review, with immediate effect upon enactment.
  • Enforcement proceedings proceed under the PENALTY ENFORCEMENT LAW of 1999, with penalties added to any other applicable penalties.
  • Violations and penalties are tiered by offense history (first, second, third and subsequent offenses) for several categories.

Practical impact

  • The bill increases the potential penalties for major violations (license, insurance, capacity, registration, inspection) and adds immediate consequences (license suspension and vehicle impoundment) for repeat offenses, potentially enhancing deterrence and safety compliance in the limousine industry.
  • Minor violations carry lower fines, but repeated minor violations can accumulate penalties per offense category.
  • Overall, the reform aims to tighten regulation of limousine operations and support enforcement efforts to protect public safety and consumer protection in NYC-style limousines operating under New Jersey jurisdiction.

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

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