reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-35.9 - False, deceptive or fraudulent statement; misdemeanor

27:7-35.9. False, deceptive or fraudulent statement; misdemeanor
Any person who makes, or causes to be made, a false, deceptive or fraudulent statement in the questionnaire required to be submitted, or in the course of any hearing under this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00; or, in the case of an individual or the officer or employee charged with the duty of making such questionnaire for a person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation, to pay such fine or undergo imprisonment, not exceeding 6 months, or both. All such persons and any copartnership, association, corporation or joint stock company of which any such person is a partner or officer or director, and any corporation of which he owns more than 25% of the stock, shall for 5 years from the date of such conviction be disqualified from bidding on all public work in this State.
L.1966, c. 185, s. 9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-35.10 - Liquidated damages

27:7-35.10. Liquidated damages
The commissioner shall cause the forfeiture as liquidated damages to the State of any certified check or certificate of deposit deposited by any person who makes or causes to be made any false, deceptive or fraudulent statement in the questionnaire or bid information required to be submitted, or in the course of any hearing under this act.
L.1966, c. 185, s. 10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-35.11 - Regulations for controlling qualifications of prospective bidders; adoption; publication

27:7-35.11. Regulations for controlling qualifications of prospective bidders; adoption; publication
The commissioner may establish such reasonable regulations as he may deem appropriate for controlling the qualifications of prospective bidders. The regulations may fix the qualification requirements for bidders according to available capital and equipment, and with due regard to experience and records of past performance and all other pertinent and material facts. The qualification rating of any bidder shall not be influenced by his nationality or place of residence. No regulations of the commissioner for controlling the qualification of bidders shall become effective until at least 30 days after the regulation shall have been formally adopted and published in not less than 10 newspapers of this State.
L.1966, c. 185, s. 11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-35.12 - Liability of commissioner and state officials

27:7-35.12. Liability of commissioner and state officials
No action for damages out of any court of competent jurisdiction shall lie against the commissioner or any State official because of any action taken by virtue of the provisions of this act.
L.1966, c. 185, s. 12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-36 - Location of state highways in county parks; agreement as to

27:7-36. Location of state highways in county parks; agreement as to
In the location of state highway routes the commissioner shall not locate, lay out, construct, use or improve any route in, over, under, through or across a park, reservation or parkway owned by or under the control and jurisdiction of any park commission organized under the provisions of sections 40:37-96 to 40:37-174 of the title Municipalities and Counties, without the consent of the park commission.
The state highway commissioner and the county park commission may contract with each other in relation to the location, laying out, opening, improving, construction and maintenance of a state highway route or routes in, over, under, through or across any park, reservation or parkway owned by or under the control and jurisdiction of the county park commission, fixing the location thereof, and defining the terms and conditions agreed upon for the laying out, opening, improving, construction and maintenance thereof, and until the making and delivery of the contract the state highway commissioner shall not enter in or upon any park, reservation or parkway for the purpose, except for preliminary surveys and examinations, of laying out, opening, improving, constructing, maintaining or using any state highway route in, over, under, through or across any such park, reservation or parkway.
To effectuate the contract the park commission may convey to the state highway commissioner any lands or rights in lands of such park commission in, over, under, through or across which any state highway may, pursuant to the terms of any such agreement, be located.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-37 - Highways affecting comprehensive plan for municipal improvements; conformity to plan

27:7-37. Highways affecting comprehensive plan for municipal improvements; conformity to plan
If the construction of a state highway will affect a comprehensive plan of improvement made or to be made by one or more municipalities, the commissioner may determine to conform as nearly as practicable to that plan of improvement and may determine to acquire lands outside of the uniform width of the highway. Such lands may be acquired by negotiation or condemnation and may be exchanged or sold and conveyed by the commissioner in order to aid in effectuating the comprehensive plan of improvement.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-38 - Return of roads formerly maintained by state; resurfacing

27:7-38. Return of roads formerly maintained by state; resurfacing
When the commissioner determines to abandon a county, township or borough road or highway which, prior to March nineteenth, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven, was maintained by him, he shall, upon the request of the governing body of the county or municipality, provide for the surfacing thereof with the same material with which it was surfaced when taken over by the state. The work shall be done before the road or highway is returned to the county or municipality in which it is located.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-39 - Sidewalks and curbs along highways; contracts with counties and municipalities

27:7-39. Sidewalks and curbs along highways; contracts with counties and municipalities
The commissioner may construct paths or sidewalks and curbing along state highways and other roads and highways under his jurisdiction from any moneys available to the commissioner, and in connection therewith may contract with counties and municipalities to share the cost of such construction and thereafter of the maintenance and reconstruction thereof.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-40 - Commissioner may contract for work upon issuance of certificate

27:7-40. Commissioner may contract for work upon issuance of certificate
The state highway commissioner may enter into contracts for the doing of work authorized by law and financed by the issuance of bonds, under an act entitled "An act authorizing the creation of a debt of the state of New Jersey by the issuance of bonds of the state in the sum of eighty-three million dollars for highway improvements; providing the ways and means to pay the interest of said debt, and also to pay and discharge the principal thereof; and providing for the submission of this law to the people at a general election," approved April eighteenth, one thousand nine hundred and thirty, whenever he shall certify under the authority of this section to the state house commission the amount of money necessary to be raised by the issuance of bonds for that work, and the state house commission shall approve by a vote of a majority of the members thereof, with the presiding officer voting in the affirmative, of such certification, and notify the state highway commissioner of such approval in writing. The notification shall be signed by the presiding officer and the secretary of the state house commission. No contract shall be entered into in excess of the amount specified in such certification.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-41 - Entry upon land to protect highway from damage by water

27:7-41. Entry upon land to protect highway from damage by water
When the commissioner shall determine that it is necessary, for the preservation of a part of the state highway system, to prevent water from coming in contact with and damaging a state highway, he may enter upon any lands adjacent to the highway and reconstruct, by contract or by his own forces, such banks or other structures and construct such drain or drains as may be necessary to accomplish the preservation of the highway.
Such entry shall not be a trespass and the work above mentioned shall not be considered a taking for public use.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-42 - Highway beautification; fund for

27:7-42. Highway beautification; fund for
The commissioner may set apart in any calendar year from the amount subject to expenditure in that year for state highway construction, a sum not exceeding one per cent of the amount expended by the commissioner in the preceding calendar year for construction of state highways, and may expend such one per cent or part thereof in the calendar year when the same shall have been set apart, together with such additional amounts as may be voluntarily contributed by private parties, in the planting and care of trees and shrubbery in and along state highways, in removing unsightly objects therefrom, and in otherwise effecting highway beautification.
The money so set apart shall be expended under the supervision of a competent landscape architect, to be employed by the commissioner for that purpose.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-42.1 - Use of native vegetation by Department of Transportation.

27:7-42.1 Use of native vegetation by Department of Transportation.
1. a. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary and except as provided otherwise pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, no later than the 180th day after the date of enactment of P.L.2017, c.41 (C.27:7-42.1 et al.), the Department of Transportation, when planting vegetation for purposes of landscaping, land management, reforestation, or habitat restoration, shall plant only vegetation identified by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to subsection b. of this section as being native to the State and that will thrive in the particular plant hardiness zone in which the vegetation is being planted.
(2) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, upon application by the Department of Transportation to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Environmental Protection in consultation with the Division of Plant Industry in the Department of Agriculture and representatives of appropriate plant industry organizations and environmental organizations selected by the Department of Environmental Protection, may authorize the Department of Transportation to use non-native vegetation for purposes of landscaping, land management, reforestation, or habitat restoration in prescribed circumstances where and when necessary if the use of native vegetation is not feasible, provided that the non-native vegetation is deemed to be non-invasive and not otherwise detrimental to the environment.
b. No later than the 90th day after the date of enactment of this section, the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Division of Plant Industry in the Department of Agriculture, shall identify, for each plant hardiness zone, all of the particular species of vegetation that are native to the State, and that thrive in each plant hardiness zone in the State.
c. As used in this section:
"Plant hardiness zone" means a zone identified as existing in New Jersey pursuant to the most recent edition of the Plant Hardiness Zone Map published by the United States Department of Agriculture.
L.2017, c.41, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-42.2 - Findings, declarations relative to an "Integrated Roadside Vegetation

27:7-42.2 Findings, declarations relative to an "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program."
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. It is in the public interest of the State of New Jersey to ensure that the roadsides in New Jersey are safe, ecologically integrated, and useful for many purposes;
b. Roadsides serve as physical barriers, sound barriers, and highway beautifiers and provide refuge for many animals, insects, and plants native to New Jersey;
c. A coordinated effort by the State and public and private entities to include native plants and wildflowers in the management of the roadsides will create biodiversity, improve scenic value, preserve wildlife habitats, prevent soil erosion, and provide other environmental benefits to the State; and
d. It is altogether fitting and proper for the Legislature to establish an "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program" within the Department of Transportation, to encourage the preservation and repopulation of native plants and wildflowers along the roadsides of New Jersey.
L.2017, c.44, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-42.3 - Definitions relative to an "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program."

27:7-42.3 Definitions relative to an "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program."
2. As used in P.L.2017, c.44 (C.27:7-42.2 et al.):
"Advisory Committee" means the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Technical Advisory Committee established by section 4 of P.L.2017, c.44 (C.27:7-42.5).
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Transportation.
"Coordinator" means the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Coordinator established by section 3 of P.L.2017, c.44 (C.27:7-42.4).
"Department" means the Department of Transportation.
"Private entity" means any private individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, owner, operator, non-profit organization, or community-based group, but shall not include, any municipal, county, or State agency or authority, or any agency, authority, or subdivision created by one or more municipal, county, or State government.
"Program" means the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program established by section 3 of P.L.2017, c.44 (C.27:7-42.4).
L.2017, c.44, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-42.4 - "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program."

27:7-42.4 "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program."
3. a. There is established, within the Department of Transportation, an "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program" to:
(1) Assess the conditions existing along roadsides in the State;
(2) Develop and adopt a comprehensive integrated roadside vegetation management plan for cost effective maintenance and planting along roadsides, with an emphasis on adaptable vegetation with long life cycles, native vegetation, and wildflowers , and incorporating any requirements pursuant to any other law, or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, concerning the planting of native vegetation ;
(3) Conduct research and feasibility studies for the comprehensive integrated roadside vegetation management plan and for future integrated roadside management projects;
(4) Implement the comprehensive integrated roadside vegetation management plan to improve roadsides in a way that will serve a variety of purposes, including climate control, erosion control, weed control, scenic quality, wildlife habitats, and utility easements;
(5) Incorporate integrated roadside management best practices for the long-term control of damaging insects, invasive plant species, and weeds while preserving valuable vegetation and habitats;
(6) Expand or create public education programs about the importance of integrated roadside vegetation management in the State, the scenic and environmental value of land adjoining roadsides, and other information consistent with the program goals; and
(7) Coordinate with other private entities and government entities, including the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, and county and municipal governments concerning initiatives to improve roadsides in the State.
b. The Commissioner of Transportation shall appoint an Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Coordinator to administer the program. The coordinator shall be responsible for implementing the program goals as established by subsection a. of this section.
L.2017, c.44, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-42.6 - Program established by county, municipality.

27:7-42.6 Program established by county, municipality.
5. A county or municipality may establish an integrated roadside vegetation management program, provided that the program established by the county or municipality is consistent with the program established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2017, c.44 (C.27:7-42.4).
L.2017, c.44, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-43 - Contracts for deposits of road materials

27:7-43. Contracts for deposits of road materials
The commissioner may contract with any person or public or private corporation for the acquisition of any necessary lands, or easements for gravel pits or other natural deposits of road materials advantageously located to the state highways, and may take title in the name of the state.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44 - Injurious substances on highway forbidden; protection of property; penalties

27:7-44. Injurious substances on highway forbidden; protection of property; penalties
No person shall place or allow to fall upon a state highway any broken glass, pottery or sharp object, or any substance injurious to the surface of the road or to the person, health or property of those using the highway or residing along the line thereof nor shall any person interfere with or injure any tree, handrail, wall, bridge, culvert or other public property within the lines of a state highway.
A person who violates any of the provisions of this section or who willfully damages, injures or destroys any such highway or its appurtenances shall be liable to a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than twenty dollars for each offense together with the costs of prosecution, to be recovered by the department in the name of the state in an action at law in any court of competent jurisdiction.
The fines collected shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the funds available for the construction, maintenance and repair of roads.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.1 - Consents, grants and franchises affecting highways; approval of commissioner; lease of land under viaduct or bridge; removal of encroachments; penalty for violation

27:7-44.1. Consents, grants and franchises affecting highways; approval of commissioner; lease of land under viaduct or bridge; removal of encroachments; penalty for violation
No consent, grant or franchise affecting any portion of a State highway, or of any road included in the State highway system, shall be given for the construction of a railroad or street railway thereon except upon approval of and under conditions acceptable to the commissioner; nor shall any person enter upon or construct any works in or upon any State highway, except under such conditions and regulations as the commissioner may prescribe; provided, however, the commissioner may lease land or property under any viaduct or bridge, and the approaches thereto, said property having been acquired for right of way purposes, to any municipal corporation or any public board or commission, for public use only, subject to such conditions and regulations as the commissioner shall prescribe and subject further to the consent of the municipality in which the leased land is located. Whenever any encroachment may exist without warrant of law in any road when taken over as a State highway, the commissioner shall notify the Attorney General, who shall proceed to cause the same to be removed as by law provided.
Any person guilty of any violation of this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $100.00 for each day's violation, and the costs of prosecution, to be recovered by a civil action in the name of the State before any court of competent jurisdiction, by the commissioner. Said fines shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the funds available for construction, maintenance and repair of roads.
Any such violation may be removed from any State highway as a trespass by a civil action brought by the commissioner in the Superior Court. The court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or otherwise.
Amended by L.1953, c. 27, p. 489, s. 4; L.1968, c. 81, s. 1, eff. June 21, 1968.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.2 - Relief of contractor from maintenance of completed section

27:7-44.2. Relief of contractor from maintenance of completed section
When a section of a project under contract shall have been completed prior to the completion of the entire project, the commissioner shall have authority to relieve the contractor from the maintenance of such completed section.
L.1949, c. 176, p. 566, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.3 - Relocation of structures impeding construction, acquisition of lands for

27:7-44.3. Relocation of structures impeding construction, acquisition of lands for
Whenever it shall appear to the State Highway Commissioner that construction of a State highway, the acquisition of lands for which has been previously authorized by him, will be impeded by reason of the presence of a structure or structures on the lands authorized to be required for such highway, he shall have power to acquire, by gift, purchase or condemnation, additional unimproved lands for the purpose of providing sites upon which may be relocated such structure or any or all of such structures which are removable from the lands authorized to be acquired for such highway and which, after relocation, will be suitable for the purpose for which they were used prior to such relocation; provided, however, that before the commissioner shall order the acquisition of any such additional unimproved lands he shall ascertain the quantum thereof requisite for the relocation of such structure or structures, and shall obtain an agreement in writing from the owner of such structure or structures at a stipulated rental for the structure or structures, or a portion or portions thereof, to be relocated on such additional lands.
L.1950, c. 250, p. 863, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.4 - Size of tracts to be acquired; plans

27:7-44.4. Size of tracts to be acquired; plans
Such additional unimproved lands may be acquired in tracts sufficiently large to permit the laying out of sites for the relocation thereon of more than one structure or structures or may be acquired in individual sites for the relocation thereon of one structure; provided, however, that no structure or structures shall be relocated upon any site until a plan or plans therefor shall have first been prepared at the behest of the State Highway Commissioner and approved by him.
L.1950, c. 250, p. 863, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.5 - Power to relocate structures; what included; contracts

27:7-44.5. Power to relocate structures; what included; contracts
The power herein granted to relocate structures shall include the power to remove the same and to install all essential facilities, including (but not limited to) water, sewerage, gas and electricity. Any and all work to remove and effectuate the relocation of structure or structures may be done by the State Highway Department or may be contracted for, but any contract entered into shall in all respects comply with provisions of law regulating contracts entered into by State agencies.
L.1950, c. 250, p. 864, s. 3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.6 - Condemnation; procedure

27:7-44.6. Condemnation; procedure
Whenever, in pursuance of this act, it shall be necessary to acquire property by condemnation, the State Highway Commissioner shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of chapter one of Title 20 of the Revised Statutes, relating to Eminent Domain, and may enter upon and take such property in advance of making compensation therefor.
L.1950, c. 250, p. 864, s. 4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.7 - Funds which may be expended to relocate structures

27:7-44.7. Funds which may be expended to relocate structures
For the purpose of acquiring lands pursuant to this act, and for defraying any and all costs and expenses for removing and relocating structures, and for making said structure or structures suitable for use as intended by this act, the commissioner is authorized to expend funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated to the State Highway Department for highway construction purposes; and all proceeds from the sale or rental of the property shall be credited to the fund available for highway construction purposes.
L.1950, c. 250, p. 864, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.8 - Power to sell land

27:7-44.8. Power to sell land
6. The State Highway Commissioner shall have power to sell any or all lands acquired pursuant to this act, or any portion or portions thereof, or any structure or structures relocated thereon, or to rent the same for the use to which they were devoted prior to such relocation; provided, however, that:
(a) All sales shall be at public auction;
(b) All rentals shall be made in the following order of preference: to the original owner or user of a relocated structure or structures; to an original user of a relocated structure or structures; to an owner user of a structure or structures on the property acquired for highway purposes, which was impractical to remove; to a tenant of any structure or structures on the property acquired for highway purposes; to any war veteran, including any member of the American Merchant Marine during World War II who is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, residing in the municipality in which the structure or structures was relocated and who, under the Constitution, qualifies for tax exemption, or the widow of such veteran. As between persons within the same preference category, preference shall be determined upon a competitive basis, if practicable; otherwise as the commissioner shall determine. In the event that no person or persons having preference as hereinabove provided, shall desire to rent property acquired pursuant to this act, the State Highway Commissioner may rent the same in whatever manner will, in his judgment, best serve the interest of the State.
L.1950,c.250,s.6; amended 1991,c.389,s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.9 - Relocation of facilities

27:7-44.9. Relocation of facilities
a. In addition to other powers conferred upon the Commissioner of Transportation by any other law and not in limitation thereof, the commissioner, in connection with the construction, reconstruction, maintenance or operation of any highway project, may make reasonable regulations for the installation, construction, maintenance, repair, renewal, relocation and removal of pipes, mains, conduits, cables, wires, towers, poles and other equipment and appliances, herein called "facilities," of any public utility as defined in R.S. 48:2-13, and of any cable television company as defined in the "Cable Television Act," P.L. 1972, c. 186 (C. 48:5A-1 et seq.), in, on, along, over or under any highway project. Whenever the commissioner determines that it is necessary that facilities which now are, or hereafter may be, located in, on, along, over or under any highway project shall be relocated in the project or should be removed from the project, the public utility or cable television company owning or operating the facilities shall relocate or remove the same in accordance with the order of the commissioner. The cost and expenses of such relocation or removal, including the cost of installing the facilities in a new location, or new locations, and the cost of any lands, or any rights or interests in lands, and any other rights acquired to accomplish the relocation or removal, shall be ascertained and paid by the commissioner as a part of the cost of the project. In the case of the relocation or removal of facilities, as aforesaid, the public utility or cable television company owning or operating the same, its successors or assigns may maintain and operate the facilities, with the necessary appurtenances, in the new location or new locations for as long a period, and upon the same terms and conditions, as it had the right to maintain and operate the facilities in the former location or locations.
b. As used in this act, "highway project," in addition to its ordinary meaning, means one which is administered and contracted for by the commissioner.
c. The powers conferred upon the commissioner by this section also are conferred upon the governing body of any county having under its jurisdiction a limited access highway in the meaning of section 1 of P.L. 1945, c. 83 (C. 27:7A-1) with respect to the construction, reconstruction, maintenance or operation of any highway project on that limited access highway.
L. 1983, c. 283, s. 1; amended 1984, c.87 s.2, 1989, c. 32, s. 12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.10 - Findings, declarations relative to certain highway entry or exit ramps.

27:7-44.10 Findings, declarations relative to certain highway entry or exit ramps.
2. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. The safety of the State's school children is of paramount importance.
b. Given the school facilities needs of Abbott districts, as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-3), particular sensitivity is required for the safety of children attending schools in those districts.
c. The Department of Transportation must exercise the utmost care when considering any proposal to plan, design, or construct a highway entry or exit ramp within 1,000 feet of a school.
d. A local board of education, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in the case of a school to be constructed by the authority pursuant to P.L.2000, c.72 (C.18A:7G-1 et al.), or a board of a nonpublic school must also exercise the utmost care when considering any proposal to plan, design, or construct a school within 1,000 feet of a highway entry or exit ramp.
L.2007, c.308, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.11 - Definitions relative to certain highway entry or exit ramps.

27:7-44.11 Definitions relative to certain highway entry or exit ramps.
3. As used in this act:
"Department" means the Department of Transportation.
"Highway" means a highway which is designated part of the Interstate System as provided in Title 23 of the United States Code, or is a limited access highway as defined in section 1 of P.L.1945, c.83 (C.27:7A-1).
"School" means a public or nonpublic school containing any of the grades kindergarten through 12.
L.2007, c.308, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.12 - New entry or exit ramp, construction within 1,000 feet of school; prohibited; exceptions.

27:7-44.12 New entry or exit ramp, construction within 1,000 feet of school; prohibited; exceptions.
4. a. A new entry or exit ramp shall not be constructed as part of a highway project if a school is located or is being constructed within 1,000 feet of the proposed location of the entry or exit ramp, unless, during the planning and design of the project, the department determines that the construction is required and that there is no feasible or prudent alternative.
b. Prior to making the determination required pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the department shall, as part of its community outreach efforts to identify a preferred alternative design for the highway project, notify the local board of education in whose district the school is located or being constructed, and in the case of a school being constructed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the authority, or in the case of a nonpublic school, the board thereof, the Department of Education and the members of the Legislature representing the district in which the school is located or being constructed, that the department is considering the construction of an entry or exit ramp within 1,000 feet of the school. The preferred alternative design for the highway project shall not be selected until the members of the Legislature notified pursuant to this subsection have been afforded the opportunity to submit comments to the department. If the department subsequently determines that the construction of the entry or exit ramp is required and that there is no feasible or prudent alternative, pedestrian safety issues shall be included as part of the environmental review undertaken by the department pursuant to State and federal laws, rules and regulations. When the public forum is held as part of the environmental review of the proposed highway project, the department shall present its plan for any entry or exit ramp and the safety measures, consistent with the recommendations of the study required pursuant to section 7 of this act, that are to be included in the highway project.
c. An entry or exit ramp for a highway shall not be reconstructed if a school is located or being constructed within 1,000 feet of the location of the ramp unless the department shall take steps to minimize the public safety hazards of the reconstructed ramp, consistent with the recommendations contained in the study required pursuant to section 7 of this act.
L.2007, c.308, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.13 - Determination of distance between a highway ramp and school.

27:7-44.13 Determination of distance between a highway ramp and school.
6. For the purpose of determining the distance between a highway ramp and a school pursuant to sections 4 and 5 of this act, the distance of 1,000 feet between a school and a highway entry or exit ramp shall be measured along the roadway from the school property line closest to the proposed ramp to the beginning of the full lane width of a deceleration lane or the end of the full lane width of an acceleration lane. The distance of 1,000 feet shall be measured along the center line of the traveled way of the roadway not the straight line distance between two points.
L.2007, c.308, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.14 - Statewide study.

27:7-44.14 Statewide study.
7. a. The department, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall conduct a Statewide study to identify public safety hazards posed by highway entry or exit ramps located within 1,000 feet of a school. The study shall include recommendations to abate such safety hazards for existing ramps and recommendations to avoid or minimize such safety hazards when designing or reconstructing ramps. In addition, the study shall include specific recommendations to abate student pedestrian safety hazards at highway entry or exit ramps located within 1,000 feet of a school that is planned for continued use or expansion. No later than two years after the effective date of this act, the study required by this subsection shall be transmitted to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly, the members of the Legislature, the metropolitan planning organizations designated within the State, and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.
b. Requests to fund improvements that address safety hazards at highway entry or exit ramps shall be included, to the extent eligible, in the report of proposed projects to be financed by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority and required to be submitted annually pursuant to section 22 of P.L.1984, c.73 (C.27:1B-22) by the Commissioner of Transportation.
L.2007, c.308, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.15 - Inapplicability of act.

27:7-44.15 Inapplicability of act.
8. This act shall not apply to highway projects for which preliminary design has been completed and for which environmental work has commenced on or before the effective date of this act.
L.2007, c.308, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.16 - Findings, declarations relative to road markings containing inorganic arsenic.

27:7-44.16 Findings, declarations relative to road markings containing inorganic arsenic.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that inorganic arsenic is a hazardous substance and is recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a human carcinogen; that release of this substance to the environment may lead to contamination of soil and water; that the ingestion or inhalation of soil, water, plant material, or animal tissues contaminated with inorganic arsenic may lead to lung cancer, damage to the nervous system, or, in extreme cases, death from systemic poisoning; that reflective glass beads are used to reflect light when applied to roadway markers; that glass beads which contain more than 100 parts per million inorganic arsenic may represent a danger to workers who handle and apply them and a contamination potential to soil and water surrounding roadways.
The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the public interest to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or use of glass beads containing more than 100 parts per million inorganic arsenic used to reflect light when applied to markings on roadways.
L.2011, c.212, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.17 - Manufacture, sale of certain reflective glass beads prohibited; violations, penalties.

27:7-44.17 Manufacture, sale of certain reflective glass beads prohibited; violations, penalties.
2. a. On or after July 1, 2012 no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or offer for promotional purposes in this State reflective glass beads containing more than 100 parts per million inorganic arsenic, as determined by x-ray fluorescence, used to reflect light when applied to markings on roadways.
b. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for each offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The municipal court and the Superior Court shall have jurisdiction of proceedings for the enforcement of the penalty provided by this section.
If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues constitutes an additional, separate, and distinct offense.
L.2011, c.212, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.18 - Definitions.

27:7-44.18 Definitions.
1. As used in sections 1 through 3 of P.L.2013, c.130 (C.27:7-44.18 through C.27:7-44.20):
"Acknowledgement sign" means a sign that is intended to inform the traveling public that a highway-related service, product, or monetary contribution has been sponsored by a person, firm, or entity and which meets all design and placement guidelines for acknowledgement signs as established pursuant to the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways and all sign design principles provided in the federal Standard Highway Signs and Markings Book.
"Advertising sign" means a sign that is intended to promote commercial products or services through the use of slogans and information and informs the public on where to obtain the products or services.
"Department" means the Department of Transportation.
"Highway" means any street or roadway that is open to public travel and includes, but is not limited to, the street or roadway, shoulders, and sidewalks; the airspace above and below the street or roadway; areas for drainage, utilities, landscaping, berms, and fencing; and rest areas and service areas.
"Sponsorship agreement" means an agreement or contract between the department and a person, firm, or entity to be acknowledged for a highway-related service, product, or monetary contribution provided.
"Sponsorship program" means a program administered by the department, that complies with pertinent federal laws, rules, regulations, and orders, and allows a person, firm, or entity to sponsor department operational activities or other highway-related services or programs through the provision of a highway-related service, product, or monetary contribution.
L.2013, c.130, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.19 - Establishment of sponsorship program.

27:7-44.19 Establishment of sponsorship program.
2. a. There is established in the department a sponsorship program to allow for private sponsorship of department operational activities or other highway-related services or programs.
b. The department shall adopt a policy on sponsorship agreements that is applicable to all highways within the State as is required by pertinent federal laws, rules, regulations, or orders to administer the program established pursuant to this section. The policy shall:
(1) include language requiring the department to terminate a sponsorship agreement if it determines the sponsorship agreement or acknowledgement sign present a safety concern, interferes with the free and safe flow of traffic, or is not in the public interest;
(2) describe the sponsors and sponsorship agreements that are acceptable and consistent with applicable State and federal laws;
(3) require that any monetary contribution received through the program be used solely for highway purposes;
(4) include a requirement that a person, firm, or entity shall comply with the State's "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.) to be eligible to participate in the program; and
(5) be approved by the Federal Highway Administration's New Jersey Division Office.
c. Under the sponsorship program established pursuant to this section, the department may enter into a sponsorship agreement with a person, firm, or entity to receive a highway-related service, product, or monetary contribution in exchange for acknowledging the person, firm, or entity on an acknowledgement sign. A sponsorship agreement concerning any portion of the interstate highway system shall be subject to approval by the Federal Highway Administration.
d. Nothing in this section shall permit the use of or erection of any advertising sign as part of a sponsorship program authorized pursuant to P.L.2013, c.130 (C.27:7-44.18 et al.).
L.2013, c.130, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.20 - Rules or regulations.

27:7-44.20 Rules or regulations.
3. The department shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules or regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2013, c.130 (C.27:7-44.18 and C.27:7-44.19).
L.2013, c.130, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.21 - Signs prohibiting motorists from texting while driving.

27:7-44.21 Signs prohibiting motorists from texting while driving.
1. The Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety, shall erect appropriate signage and use variable message signs in this State, informing motorists that the operator of a moving motor vehicle is prohibited, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3), from text messaging and sending electronic messages via a wireless telephone or electronic communication device. Signs erected pursuant to this section shall be consistent with applicable federal standards including those prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, if applicable.
L.2013, c.141, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-44.22 - Public awareness program relative to lane change when approaching certain vehicles.

27:7-44.22 Public awareness program relative to lane change when approaching certain vehicles.
1. The Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety, shall develop public awareness programs and use variable message signs to inform motorists of their duty to change lanes when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle, or sanitation vehicle that is displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating lights or, in the alternative, to reduce the speed of their vehicles if it is impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe to move over one lane, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2009, c.5 (C.39:4-92.2).
L.2017, c.358, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-45 - Designation of bridges as state highway bridges

27:7-45. Designation of bridges as state highway bridges
The commissioner may designate any bridge which connects at each end with improved roads in the state highway system as a state highway bridge, whenever, in his judgment, the cost of operation or repair thereof is, in view of the traffic carried thereby, an inequitable charge on the board or boards of chosen freeholders charged or to be charged by law with such costs.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-46 - Petition for designation; cost of maintenance apportioned

27:7-46. Petition for designation; cost of maintenance apportioned
The board or boards of chosen freeholders severally or jointly charged with the operation or repair of the bridge may, by resolution, request such designation. The commissioner may thereupon designate the bridge as a state highway bridge. The designation shall prescribe the exact share of the costs of operation or repair to be assumed by the state.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 27 - Highways › Section 27:7-47 - Repairs; annual estimate; approval by commissioner

27:7-47. Repairs; annual estimate; approval by commissioner
Each board of chosen freeholders charged with the duty of operating and repairing a bridge designated as a state highway bridge shall annually, during the month of January, submit an itemized statement of probable repairs necessary during the year and an estimate of costs thereof to the commissioner who shall, as soon as possible, set aside from the fund available for maintenance of public roads such sum as in his judgment may be needed to meet the estimated costs, as corrected by him, and the costs of such emergency repairs as he may deem reasonable.
The boards of chosen freeholders, or any freeholder in charge of the operation and repair of a state highway bridge, shall, whenever any emergency repairs become necessary, at once notify the commissioner. All salaries charged to the cost of operation and repair shall be approved by the commissioner. No bill in excess of one hundred dollars, except for emergency repairs, shall be incurred without such approval. The commissioner or his authorized agent shall be the sole judge of the necessity of emergency work.