New Jersey drivers could no longer lose their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations solely because of unpaid tolls, under new bicameral legislation introduced by Senator Angela V. McKnight (D-31) and Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart (D-35).

The legislation would amend state law to eliminate the authority of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and other designated state agencies to suspend or revoke driving privileges or vehicle registrations solely for unpaid tolls. Toll authorities would keep their ability to collect outstanding tolls, penalties and fees through existing civil, administrative and debt collection processes.

The bill seeks to ensure that drivers do not lose their ability to travel to work, school, medical appointments and other essential destinations solely because they have outstanding toll debt.

“Taking away the ability to drive to work from those already struggling with debt only makes it harder for them to get back on their feet. No one should have to choose between paying off toll debt and maintaining their ability to meet their daily responsibilities,” said Senator McKnight. “This legislation aims to break that unfair cycle by protecting drivers’ ability to earn a living while ensuring unpaid tolls can still be collected through existing processes.”

The legislation would also amend the state’s toll enforcement framework to eliminate provisions authorizing vehicle registration suspensions for qualifying unpaid toll violations, including those reported through certain out-of-state and interstate tolling agreements. Tolling entities would retain their existing collection mechanisms, subject to applicable law.

“Losing your driver’s license or vehicle registration over unpaid tolls can make it even harder for someone to get to work, earn a living, and pay what they owe,” said Assemblyman Stewart. “We can hold drivers accountable for outstanding tolls without imposing a penalty that threatens their livelihood. This legislation is about fairness and making sure that a financial hardship does not become an obstacle to keeping a job or supporting a family.”

McKnight and Stewart said the legislation reflects a commitment to fairer enforcement policies that recognize the essential role reliable transportation plays in economic stability and access to opportunity.