The New Jersey Legislature has approved a bill which would require the inclusion of information pertaining to safe passing in the examination for a driving permit, the curriculum in driving courses, and in the provision of an informational brochure to the parents and guardians of new drivers.

In recent years, deaths of pedestrians and cyclists on New Jersey roads have been increasing.

According to data from the New Jersey State Police, pedestrian deaths hit 223 in 2024, the highest number since 1988.

The bill, which passed both chambers unanimously, would require that information pertaining to a driver’s responsibilities under current law when approaching and passing a pedestrian or person operating a bicycle or personal conveyance on the roadway and the penalties for failing to comply be included in the written knowledge examination for a driving permit, the driving course curriculum, in the informational brochure distributed to the parents and guardians of new drivers, and in the driver’s manual. It would also add information instructing non-motorist users of roadways on the proper procedures while sharing roadways with motorists.

The requirements of the Safe Passing Law provide that when a motorist is passing a pedestrian or person utilizing a personal conveyance, such as a bicycle or motorized wheelchair, they must:

• move over a lane, if possible;
• allow at least four feet of space when passing on a single-lane road; or slow to 25 MPH
• and be prepared to stop if four feet is not possible.

The bill now heads to Governor Phil Murphy for his signature.