New ‘move over’ law in NJ. What drivers need to know

Motorists in New Jersey must now “run over” and slow down to pass bicycles, scooters and pedestrians using the streets.

Governor Phil Murphy signed the law on Thursday.

The proposal aims to protect cyclists, hikers, runners, scooters and skaters, who collectively account for 34% of road deaths, said Sonia Szczesna, director of active transportation for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

“Recent data shows that the number of pedestrian deaths in New Jersey rose 9% more than the national average over the past year,” said Szczesna.

According to statistics from the state police, 62 of the 216 road deaths in the state so far this year are cyclists and pedestrians.

42 other states have so-called “safe passing” laws.

What you need to know about this new law:

When approaching a pedestrian or a person on a bike, skateboard, or scooter, riders must:

• When overtaking, drive in a lane if it is safe to do so, or leave a distance of 1.2 m between the car and the person being overtaken.
• If it’s unsafe to move across a lane, drivers will have to slow down to 25 mph.
• Violations will result in a fine of US $ 100, but no vehicle points.
• If a driver fails to obey the law and causes personal injury, the driver could be fined $ 500 and two car points.

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