Office of the Governor
Governor Signs Legislation Establishing
Penalties for Interstate Truckers on Local Roads
Gov. Christie Whitman today signed legislation, which establishes penalties for interstate truckers who operate their vehicles on routes not permitted under New Jersey regulations that were called for by the Governor last summer.
"Our regulations are designed to protect the public by ensuring that interstate truck traffic remains on the system best suited for interstate travel. There is no reason that a large interstate truck that is not making a pickup or delivery in New Jersey should travel a small highway not designed for that purpose," the Governor said.
"The legislation provides for fines that are the toughest in the nation for these offenses and it sends the message that we are prepared to punish those who violate our regulations and affect the quality of life in our communities by illegally traveling on neighborhood roads and streets," she said.
Gov. Whitman called for the regulations to prohibit large interstate trucks from using state and county roadways as through routes or short cuts between National Network Highways. Under the regulations, large interstate trucks that are not making deliveries or pickups in New Jersey are directed to use highways that are a part of the National Network.
The National Network is a system of highways specifically identified as appropriate for use by large interstate trucks. The National Network is primarily comprised of interstate highways.
While interstate trucks are prohibited from using roads that are not a part of the National Network, nothing in the regulations prohibits trucks that are making deliveries on non-network highways from using those roads for delivery or other commercial purposes.
Under the legislation, violators of the regulations will be subject to a fine of up to $400 for a first offense; up to $700 for a second offense and up to $1,000 fine for all subsequent offenses.
The legislation, A-3540, was sponsored by Assembly Member Leonard Lance (R-Warren/Hunterdon /Mercer) and Senators William E. Schluter (R-Warren/Hunterdon/Mercer) and Andrew R. Ciesla (R-Monmouth/Ocean).
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