CHAPTER 136

 

An Act concerning driving privileges for certain persons during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1. a. During the public health emergency declared on March 9, 2020 by the Governor, pursuant to Executive Order No. 103 and extended, where applicable, by subsequent executive orders, an applicant for a driver’s license who has passed the road test may use the person’s examination permit or special learner’s permit, for a period of 60 days from the date on which the applicant passed the road test or from the effective date of P.L.2020, c.136, whichever date is later, to operate a motor vehicle in the same manner and to the same extent as the holder of a probationary driver’s license of the same age as the person.  Any such person may acquire automobile insurance or be added to an automobile insurance policy in the same manner as the holder of a probationary driver’s license.

     b.    On or before the 60th day following passage of the road test by a person or the 60th day following the effective date of P.L.2020, c.136, whichever date is later, the person shall be required to visit a commission agency and complete any additional requirements to receive a driver’s license.  If a person does not visit a commission agency and complete the additional requirements necessary for the receipt of a driver’s license by the 60th day following passage of the road test or the effective date of P.L.2020, c.136, as applicable, that person’s driving privileges granted under this act shall expire, provided that the person may visit a commission agency at a later date to receive a driver’s license, subject to any requirements imposed by the chief administrator.  The chief administrator shall provide adequate notice to any person whose driving privileges are set to expire pursuant to this subsection, which may be provided to the person at the time and location of the road test. 

     c.     Notwithstanding the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to the contrary, the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may adopt immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law such rules and regulations as the chief administrator determines to be necessary to effectuate the purposes of P.L.2020, c.136, which rules and regulations shall be effective for a period not to exceed 360 days following the effective date of P.L.2020, c.136 and may thereafter be amended, adopted, or readopted by the chief administrator in accordance with the requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire at the end of the public health emergency caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), either: upon the expiration of Executive Order No. 103 of 2020 and any subsequent executive orders extending the public health emergency; or, in the absence of a rescission by the Governor, upon the termination in any other manner of the declared public health emergency.

 

     Approved December 14, 2020.