ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1597

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 13, 1996

      The Assembly Transportation and Communications Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1597.

      This bill requires the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the Department of Transportation to issue a photo driver's license to persons under 21 years of age that is conspicuously distinct, through the use of color, from other driver's licenses. The Director of DMV, in consultation with the Superintendent of State Police, would be responsible for designating the distinctive color and the manner of its usage on the license. The bill would also require the license to conspicuosly state the date of the licensee's 21st birthday. The bill would require identification cards issued to nondrivers who are under 21 to be treated in a similar manner. The issuance of these distinctively colored licenses and identification cards is expected to deter attempts by underaged persons to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.