New New Jersey ATV Laws
As Jon Corzine and Chris Christie are both packing up, one to move in and the other out, New Jersey government continues to carry on. Residents who have enjoyed the use of their snowmobiles this season, or look forward to riding ATVs this spring, should know pending legislation would require these vehicles to be registered. The New Jersey Assembly and Senate recently passed the bill and it is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Registering the off-terrain vehicles is only part of the bill, insurance will be another requirement. In addition, vehicle operators under the age of 18 will need to take a training course. Even if passed, the bill will not take effect immediately as provision related to environmental protection would need to be implemented; but eventually, all off-road vehicles purchased from dealers would require registration when purchased.
New New Jersey Pedestrian Laws
Another law awaiting the Governor’s signature is supposed to make it safer for pedestrians crossing the street. Presently, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians. The new law to be passed now requires motorists to stop as soon as a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk. Researchers and analysts are at the ready to determine if the new law decreases the number of pedestrian accidents, or increases the number of fender benders from motorists stopping short. Fines for violation double from $100 to $200.
New New Jersey Government Transparency Website
The Corzine administration has unveiled a new website that is intended to give taxpayers greater insight into how their money is being spent. Like many other states, the data included is very generalized, and seeing ten million dollars listed under miscellaneous expenses is not uncommon. For an overall idea of what divisions of the government are spending, it is useful. For example, expenses for the executive and legislative divisions total approximately 83 million dollars. Legislative expenses list 2 million dollars under miscellaneous, while the executive branch lists almost half a million dollars in miscellaneous expenses.
FiscalAccountability.org lists other states with links to similar transparency websites.