LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE TO

SENATE, No. 1559

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 31, 1997

      Senate Bill No. 1559 of 1996 would permit the number of motor vehicle points assessed against an individual's driving record to be reduced by two if an individual completes an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course within a specified period of time. At present, point reduction can occur only once every five years after completing a defensive driving course; this bill would permit point reduction once every three years after completing a defensive driving course.

      The option to reduce the number of points assessed against a driving record once every three years rather than once every five years may be a significant incentive for eligible persons to complete an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course. Consequently, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may incur additional costs to accommodate a greater number of individuals wishing to take advantage of such incentive. These additional costs could include administrative expenses related to keeping records or conducting the course. Although the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) cannot estimate the amount of additional costs, if any, that may be incurred under this bill, OLS would note that offsetting revenue would be generated pursuant to legislation, section 24 of P.L.1994, c.60, which permits the DMV to charge a fee of $100 for each individual enrolling in its driver improvement program.

      This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the Office of Legislative Services due to the failure of the Executive Branch to respond to our request for a fiscal note.

This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.