ASSEMBLY, No. 4357

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

211th LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 10, 2005

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman JON M. BRAMNICK

District 21 (Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union)

Assemblywoman LINDA STENDER

District 22 (Middlesex, Somerset and Union)

SYNOPSIS

    Prohibits use of hand-held wireless telephones by bicyclists while riding on public roads.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

    As introduced.

An Act concerning bicycle safety and supplementing chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.

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

    1. a. It shall be unlawful for a person to use a wireless telephone while riding a bicycle on a public road or highway, except when that telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone.

    As used in this act, "hands-free wireless telephone" means a mobile telephone that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a conversation without the use of either hand; provided, however, this definition shall not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the telephone.

    "Use" of a wireless telephone shall include, but not be limited to, talking or listening to another person on the telephone.

    b. A person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $100 or more than $250.

    c. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall develop and undertake a program to notify and inform the public as to the provisions of this act.

    2. This act shall take effect on the first day of the third month following enactment, but the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance as shall be necessary for the implementation of this act.

STATEMENT

    This bill would prohibit a person from using a hand-held wireless telephone while riding a bicycle on a public road or highway. The bill, however, would permit bicyclists to use hands-free wireless telephones while riding.

    A violator would be subject to a fine of not less than $100 or more than $250.