SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1235

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 15, 1997

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 1235.

      As amended and released by the committee, this bill requires motorists who are stopped by police at night or during times when visibility is hampered, to turn on an interior light at the request of the police officer to illuminate the driver's compartment of the motor vehicle. The bill also requires that the $50 fine be imposed on any person who "purposely" refuses to comply with the requirements of the law.

      The committee amended the bill to require that the the light be activated only upon the officer's request. The other committee amendment is technical in nature.