Traffic Bureau

The Traffic Bureau has a continuing responsibility to help keep vehicle traffic moving safely and expeditiously along the roadway of the Township. The Traffic Bureau deals with any matter concerning vehicular parking and handles motor vehicle accident reporting and investigating.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Speeding Complaints

The Lyndhurst Police Department actively responds to complaints of ongoing speeding problems and other traffic infractions occurring within the township.

If you believe there is a speeding or other recurring traffic problem on your street or in your neighborhood, you may submit a request for directed enforcement.

If the nature of your complaint pertains to speeding, the Traffic Bureau may setup its speed trailer in the problem area. This radar-equipped unit gives each passing vehicle a visual readout of its speed and reminds residents of what the actual posted speed limit is. Oftentimes, people simply don’t realize how fast they are going and deployment of the trailer serves to heighten awareness. Use of the trailer also enables the Traffic Bureau to conduct unobtrusive traffic studies to determine if any changes such as additional traffic signals, signs or traffic calming measures are needed. This equipment also contains a counter to measure the volume of traffic in a given area.

HOW TO SUBMIT A REQUEST:

Please email: Traffic@lyndhurstnjpolice.gov or Contact the Traffic Bureau: (201) 939-2900 Ext. 2625

NEW CHILD CAR SEAT / SEAT BELT LAW

When and How to Buckle up!

Contact the Lyndhurst Police Department Traffic Division to schedule your Child Car Seat Instillation.

The following information was comprised from various training aides and studies conducted by professional child restraint advocate groups; however, the Lyndhurst Police Department urges you to thoroughly read your vehicle’s manual and the instruction manual for each CRS you install. In addition, the return of registration cards that are provided by the manufacturer of the CRS are important for receiving information on recalled car seats or car seat parts.

39:3-76.2a CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

1. Every person operating a motor vehicle, other than a school bus, equipped with safety belts or a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system (LATCH) who is transporting a child on roadways, streets or highways of this State, shall secure the child in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat, as described in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213, in a rear seat as follows:

  1. A child under the age of two years and weighing less than 30 pounds shall be secured in a rear facing child passenger restraint system, which is equipped with a five-point harness.
  2. A child under the age of four years and weighing less than 40 pounds shall be secured:
    1. in a rear facing child passenger restraint system, which is equipped with a five-point harness, until the child outgrows the top height or top weight recommendations made by the manufacturer of the child passenger restraint system, at which point the child shall be secured in a rear seat, in a forward facing child passenger restraint system which is equipped with a five-point harness; or
    2. in a forward facing child passenger restraint system which is equipped with a five-point harness.
  3. A child under the age of eight years and less than 57 inches in height shall be secured:
    1. in a forward facing child passenger restraint system which is equipped with a five-point harness, until the child outgrows the top height or top weight recommendations made by the manufacturer of the child passenger restraint system, at which point the child shall be secured in a rear seat, in a booster seat; or
    2. in a booster seat.
  4. If there are no rear seats, the child shall be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat in a front seat of a motor vehicle except that no child shall be secured in a rear facing child passenger restraint system in a front seat of any motor vehicle which is equipped with a passenger-side airbag that is not disabled or turned off.
  5. In no event shall failure to be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat be considered as contributory negligence, nor shall the failure to be secured in the child passenger restraint system or booster seat be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
Purpose of child restraint system (CRS):
What CRS (“car seat”) is the safest for my child?
Selecting a location for your CRS:
Nomenclature of vehicle restraint system: Safety/seat belt
Types of latch plates
Types of retractors
Nomenclature of a CRS:
  1. Shell/frame
  2. Base - for infant carrier, portion that secures to vehicle seat
  3. Padding/cover - material
  4. Harness slots - on seat back, for path of harness straps. For a rear facing child, the straps should enter the slots at or below the child's shoulders. For a forward facing child, the straps should enter the slots at or above the child’s shoulders.
  5. Harness straps (3 point, 5 pt., tray shield, t-shield) should be snug on child
  6. Retainer clip - across chest at armpit level
  7. Splitter plate - secures harness straps at rear of CRS
  8. Buckle - for latch plate on harness straps
  9. Belt path - for seatbelt or latch belt, secures CRS to seat. There are two belt paths for convertible seats; one for rear facing and one for forward
  10. Recline adjustment - for rear facing, 35-45 degree angle
  11. Level indicator - to achieve proper angle
  12. Latch - alternate system to vehicle seatbelt
  13. Adjustable foot - used to achieve proper angle
  14. Locking clip - h shaped clip used to clip belt webbing together at free sliding latch plate to prevent webbing from slipping through. Never use as a belt shortener.
  15. Belt shortener - similar to locking clip, but heavier, and can be obtained by vehicle manufacturer. Clip is used to shorten lap belts around a CRS
Vehicle seat belt vs. “latch”

Latch (lower anchorage and tether system) secures the CRS to the vehicle seat by way of straps that go through the CRS belt path and clip onto the vehicle’s lower anchorage system. The lower anchorage system is located near the seat bight (where back of seat meets seat portion). Other CRS models have fixed clips that extend out from CRS and clip onto anchorage. The tether strap extends from rear, top of CRS and clips to the tether anchorage point in the vehicle. The tether strap reduces forward movement and rotation of the seat. *never use a tether strap on a rear facing CRS, unless otherwise instructed by that specific make/model (e.g.. Britax). Latch is equally as strong as a vehicle belt and should be selected based on preference, convenience, and CRS /vehicle suggestions.

Common mistakes with the installation of CRS:
Correct installation tips
Aftermarket products
Contacts for CRS services

Car Seat Checklist: https://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/documents/car_seat_checklist_for_parents_2018.pdf

MOTORIZED SCOOTERS

Legality of operating on Public Roadways

We have been receiving inquires about motorized scooters or “Go-Peds.” Many parents who call are unaware that they are not only dangerous, but also illegal to operate on public roadways.

The recent popularity of motorized scooters has raised the issue of legality of such devices on public roadways. Motorized scooters or skateboards are sometimes referred to as “Go-Peds” and can cost up to $600.00. Much of the recent attention has been focused on the danger of these devices, corroborated by emergency room visits by their operators. They can be difficult to see by motorists, and the wheels are so narrow that they are vulnerable to pavement cracks.

With regard to current law, the Department of Transportation has publicly stated that motorized scooters are motor vehicles and therefore subject to Title 39 (Motor Vehicle & Traffic Laws). Some area police departments have issued unregistered or uninsured motorist summonses. Others stop the rider and confiscate the motorized scooter.

A motorized scooter or skateboard falls under the definition of “motor vehicle” in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1. A “motorcycle” includes all motor-operated bicycles, whether it has a seat or a “platform on which the driver stands.” Accordingly, such devices may not be operated on public property or roadways because they do not meet the State and Federal Department of Transportation standards for motorcycles. It is not conceivable the manufacturer intended for this vehicle to be licensed as a motorcycle since it does not bear the necessary DOT certification. As with other motorized vehicles which are prohibited from being operated on public roads, the Go-Ped would be restricted to use on private property provided the owner of the property consented to such use.

Operating a Go-Ped on a sidewalk would be prohibited under Title 39:4-71. These same restrictions against use on public streets and sidewalks apply to off-road dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, etc.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Young people under the age of 17 are required to wear an approved helmet when cycling, roller skating, in-line skating, or skateboarding.

Each year, bicyclists are killed or injured in New Jersey due to bicycle crashes. Many bicycle deaths result from bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. However, injuries can happen anywhere, including parks, bike paths and driveways, and often do not involve motor vehicles.

Head injury is the most serious injury type and the most common cause of death among bicyclists. The most severe injuries are those to the brain that cause permanent damage.

Safety Tips for Bicycle Riders:

Obey all traffic laws.

In New Jersey, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.

Wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Inspect the following before each ride to make sure your bicycle is in good working order:

Wear comfortable reflective clothing conducive to weather conditions (not too baggy) Ride within your abilities

DO NOT:

For further info, visit http://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/bike-tips.html

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

MOTORISTS in New Jersey MUST stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, and yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks. Every intersection has a crosswalk, whether it be marked or unmarked. Failure to observe the law may subject you to one or more of the following:

PEDESTRIANS MUST obey pedestrian signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections. Both carry a $54.00 fine for failure to observe the law. (C.39:4-32 and 33)

Pedestrians:
Motorists:

Children and senior citizens are at a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Special emphasis must be made to educate children and seniors about the importance of walking safely.

Children:
Seniors:

For further info, visit http://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/pedestrian.html

ABANDONMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE

39:4-56.5. Abandonment. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a motor vehicle on or along any highway, other than a limited access highway, or other public property or on any private property without the consent of the owner or other person in charge of the private property. A vehicle which has remained on or along any highway or other public property or on private property without such consent for a period of more than 48 hours or for any period without current license plates shall be presumed to be an abandoned motor vehicle, and will be impounded at the owner’s expense. Vehicles used or to be used in the construction, operation or maintenance of public utility facilities and which are left in a manner which does not interfere with the normal movement of traffic shall not be considered abandoned vehicles for the purposes of this section.

ALCOHOL AWARENESS

Driving While Intoxicated in New Jersey

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Additional Alcohol-Related Information & Resources

In New Jersey, a person is guilty of drunk driving if he/she operates a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater. BAC refers to the amount of alcohol in your blood. Although the law refers to a 0.08 percent BAC, you can be convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor even when your BAC is below 0.08 percent. Consuming even small amounts of alcohol dulls the senses, decreases reaction time, and hampers judgment, vision and alertness. If you consume any amount of alcohol and your driving is negatively impacted, you can be convicted of drunk driving.

Parents and Guardians

A parent or guardian who is conviete d of driving while intoxicated and had a passenger in the motor vehicle 17 years of age or younger, is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense. In addition, a person forfeits the right to operate a motor vehicle for a maximum of six months and must perform community service for up to five days.

The Penalties

1st Offense

Under New Jersey Law (P.L. 2003, CHAPTER 314), if an offender's BAC is 0.08 percent or higher, but less than 0.10 percent, or if an offender permits another person with a BAC over 0.08 percent, but less than 0.10 percent to operate a motor vehicle, the penalties are:

If the offenders’ BAC is 0.10 percent or higher, or the person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of a narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or permits another person with a BAC of 0.10 percent to operate a motor vehicle, the penalties are:

Offenders with a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher must install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they principally operate during the license suspension period and for a period of 6 months to 1 year after license restoration.

Registration Revocation/Ignition Interlock

In addition to these penalties, judges may order the revocation of the vehicle registration (Public Law 2000, Chapter 83).

The ignition interlock device, which measures the driver's blood alcohol level, may be required for up to three years following license restoration after a DWI conviction. Any person may start a motor vehicle equipped with an interlock device for safety reasons or to repair the device or motor vehicle, but the convicted offender may not operate the vehicle.

A person who, on behalf of the convicted offender, blows into an interlock device to start a motor vehicle or tampers with the device to circumvent its operation may be charged with a disorderly persons offense.

MVC Ignition Interlock Page

Consequences of Underage Drinking and Driving

In New Jersey, you must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Underage drinking is illegal and can have severe consequences for young people who drink and for adults who provide alcoholic beverages to those under 21.

If you are under 21 and buy or drink alcohol in a place with an alcohol beverage license, you may be fined $500 and lose your driver license for 6 months. If you do not have your driver license, the suspension starts when you are first eligible to receive a license. Also you may be required to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program.

If you are under 21, drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system (.01 BAC or above), and are convicted for violating New Jersey's zero tolerance law, the penalties are:

Driving with a Suspended License Due to Driving While Intoxicated – The Penalties are:

2C:40-26 Operating motor vehicle during period of license suspension, fourth degree crime.

1. a. It shall be a crime of the fourth degree to operate a motor vehicle during the period of license suspension in violation of R.S.39:3-40, if the actor's license was suspended or revoked for a first violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and the actor had previously been convicted of violating R.S.39:3-40 while under suspension for that first offense. A person convicted of an offense under this subsection shall be sentenced by the court to a term of imprisonment.

b. It shall be a crime of the fourth degree to operate a motor vehicle during the period of license suspension in violation of R.S.39:3-40, if the actor's license was suspended or revoked for a second or subsequent violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a). A person convicted of an offense under this subsection shall be sentenced by the court to a term of imprisonment.

c. Notwithstanding the term of imprisonment provided under N.J.S.2C:43-6 and the provisions of subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:44-1, if a person is convicted of a crime under this section the sentence imposed shall include a fixed minimum sentence of not less than 180 days during which the defendant shall not be eligible for parole.

Refusal to Submit to Breath Test – The Penalties are:

Possessing an Open Container in the Passenger Compartment – The Penalties are:

* If occurring within a school zone or school crossing, this penalty is increased under Public Law 99, Chapter 185.

ICE AND SNOW

Remove It Before You Go

Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It's the law in New Jersey! Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

Winter Driving Tips

NEW JERSEY GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE PROGRAM

What is the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program?

If a person is under 21 years old or has never had a driver license, New Jersey requires that they complete a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license. The New Jersey Graduated Driver License (GDL) program introduces driving privileges in phases. There are three options to complete the program:

Each option has different steps, but upon completion of all steps, drivers are awarded an unrestricted basic driver license.

What restrictions are placed on my teen driver with the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)? Drivers holding a GDL license have the following restrictions placed upon them:

For further info, visit: http://www.njsaferoads.com

CELL PHONE LAW

39:4-97.3 Use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicles; definitions; enforcement.

1. a. The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free, provided that its placement does not interfere with the operation of federally required safety equipment and the operator exercises a high degree of caution in the operation of the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this section, an "electronic communication device" shall not include an amateur radio.

Nothing in P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3 et seq.) shall apply to the use of a citizen's band radio or two-way radio by an operator of a moving commercial motor vehicle or authorized emergency vehicle on a public road or highway.

b. The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only if:

(1)The operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or

(2)The operator is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medical or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A hand-held wireless telephone user's telephone records or the testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities receiving such calls shall be deemed sufficient evidence of the existence of all lawful calls made under this paragraph.

As used in this act:

"Citizen's band radio" means a mobile communication device designed to allow for the transmission and receipt of radio communications on frequencies allocated for citizen's band radio service use.

"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.

"Two-way radio" means two-way communications equipment that uses VHF frequencies approved by the Federal Communications Commission.

"Use" of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device shall include, but not be limited to, talking or listening to another person on the telephone, text messaging, or sending an electronic message via the wireless telephone or electronic communication device.

c.(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.198).

d .A person who violates this section shall be fined as follows:

(1)for a first offense, not less than $200 or more than $400;

(2)for a second offense, not less than $400 or more than $600; and

(3)for a third or subsequent offense, not less than $600 or more than $800.

For a third or subsequent violation, the court, in its discretion, may order the person to forfeit the right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of 90 days. In addition, a person convicted of a third or subsequent violation shall be assessed three motor vehicle penalty points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5).

AUTOCYCLES

POSSESSION OF PROOF OF INSURANCE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE

In New Jersey, the insurance identification card may now be displayed or provided in either paper or electronic form. For these purposes, “electronic form” means the display of images on an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, tablet or computer. Paper insurance card specifications have not changed.

FOUR WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS

  1. When you approach a 4-way stop, whether it’s at a traffic light or stop sign, it’s important to slow down and come to a complete stop. You’ll want to pay attention and take notice if there are any other automobiles stopped around you or any vehicles coming up to the 4-way stop.
  2. It’s important to make sure that you have come to a complete stop within the indicated lines on the road. You can move forward if you have trouble seeing, but only after you’ve come to a complete stop. Failing to do so could result in a traffic ticket.
  3. Take a look around and see if there are any other cars at the 4-way stop. Of course, if you’re the only vehicle at the stop, then you have the right of way and are free to go. Remember this golden rule: automobiles leave the stop sign or traffic light in the same order in which they arrived at the stop. Therefore, if you arrive at a 4-way stop first, then you get to leave first. If you’re the last person to arrive at the stop, then you will have to wait until the other three cars have moved on before you can do the same.
  4. There are times when automobiles will arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time. Therefore, when this occurs, it’s important to know which vehicle has the right of way. The car that is furthest to the right is allowed to go first. Though this is the appropriate and legal method, there are still motorist who don’t always follow this rule. To avoid accidents, you may choose to wait a few seconds before moving forward. After all, just because it’s technically you're turn to go, doesn't necessarily mean the other vehicles will allow you to do so.

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY