CHAPTER 270

AN ACT concerning automobile insurance coverage for certain persons and amending P.L.1972,        c.70.

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

    1.    Section 7 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-7) is amended to read as follows:

C.39:6A-7 Exclusion from certain insurance benefits.

    7. a. Insurers may exclude a person from benefits under section 4 and section 10 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-4 and 39:6A-10) where such person's conduct contributed to his personal injuries or death occurred in any of the following ways:

    (1)  while committing a high misdemeanor or felony or seeking to avoid lawful apprehension or arrest by a police officer; or

    (2)  while acting with specific intent of causing injury or damage to himself or others.

    b.    An insurer may also exclude from section 4 and section 10 benefits any person having incurred injuries or death, who, at the time of the accident:

    (1)  was the owner or registrant of an automobile registered or principally garaged in this State that was being operated without personal injury protection coverage;

    (2)  was occupying or operating an automobile without the permission of the owner or other named insured;

    (3)  was a person other than the named insured or a member of the named insured's family residing in his household, if that person is entitled to coverage under section 4 or section 10 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-4 or 39:6A-10), or both, as a named insured or member of the named insured's family residing in his household under the terms of another policy; or

    (4)  was a member of the named insured's family residing in the named insured's household, if that person is entitled to coverage under section 4 or section 10 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-4 or 39:6A-10), or both, as a named insured under the terms of another policy.

    2.    This act shall take effect immediately.

    Approved December 22, 1997.