New Jersey residents taking their driving test can now use backup cameras, as well as parking sensors, thanks to a bill signed into law on Sept. 6, 2016, by Gov. Chris Christie.
TRENTON - New Jersey residents taking their driving test can now use backup cameras, as well as parking sensors, thanks to a bill signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
The legislation, signed by Christie on Tuesday, was sponsored by state Senators Christopher Bateman (R-16th), James Whelan (D-2nd) and Fred Madden (D-4th). It allows the devices to be used during road tests administered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
"In a few years, every new car will be required to have a rear-view camera," Bateman said. "If every car is going to have them, new drivers should know how to use them."
Governor signed into law my bill allowing the use of rear view backup cameras and parking sensors during MVC road test.
-- Senator Jim Whelan (@SenJimWhelan) August 31, 2016
The legislation had been introduced in the Assembly earlier this year by Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-3rd) and Lou Greenwald (D-6th).
Under a law passed by Congress in 2007, all new vehicles will need to have a backup camera as a standard feature by May 2018. The law is intended to reduce the number of accidents involving children, people with disabilities and other pedestrians, according to a news release.
The state legislation came about when Greenwald, Assembly majority leader, took his daughter to get her license, said Mallie Salerno, communications director with Greenwald's office.
She was initially told she could not take the test in a car with a backup camera, only being allowed to take it once the camera monitor was covered. Greenwald's goal was to make sure New Jersey law was in line with federal regulation, Salerno said.
"This technology makes driving easier and safer for everyone," Bateman said. "These cameras and sensors are already in a few cars on the road, but soon, they'll be a normal part of driving for anyone with a new car.
"If someone learns how to drive with a camera-equipped car, they should be allowed to use it for their road test."
Craig Turpin may be reached at cturpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @NJeditor. Find NJ.com on Facebook.