What to Know: New Jersey’s New Safe Passing Law

What to Know: New Jersey’s New Safe Passing Law

New Jersey’s new Safe Passing Law went into effect on March 1, 2022. The law aims to prevent the near misses, injuries, and deaths that often occur on New Jersey roadways.

  • Drivers in New Jersey are now required to approach and pass vulnerable road users with “due caution.” Due caution means both slowing down and giving the other user plenty of space when passing:
  • Drivers must follow all current no-passing, no speeding laws AND move over a lane IF there’s one to move into.
  • On a single-lane road, drivers must allow at least a 4-foot safety zone when they pass.
  • If 4 feet is not possible on a section of road, drivers must slow to 25mph and be prepared to stop until they can pass safely without endangering those sharing the road.

Violating these guidelines will result in a driver receiving a fine of $500 and two motor vehicle points, if bodily harm is caused. If no injury occurs, the fine is $100. Read the full New Jersey Legislature Bill (A5570/S2208)