TRENTON, NJ – Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) has introduced the Automated Enforcement Inoculation Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at protecting New Jersey drivers from being penalized by out-of-state automated traffic enforcement systems. Senate President Scutari has joined as a co-prime sponsor of the bill, showcasing a united front against what they describe as predatory fines.
The bill, designated S-3067, proposes to prohibit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and other state agencies from sharing personal information of New Jersey’s driver’s license holders with entities seeking to enforce or collect fines based on automated camera traffic violations from outside the state.
O’Scanlon criticized the automated enforcement systems, arguing they serve more as a revenue-generating tool than a traffic safety measure. He pointed out the lack of conclusive evidence that these systems contribute to lowering traffic fatalities, referencing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data to support his claims. According to O’Scanlon, the data does not show a consistent safety benefit in states that use automated traffic enforcement, challenging the premise that these systems enhance public safety.
The introduction of the Automated Enforcement Inoculation Act comes after New Jersey’s decision to ban the use of automated traffic enforcement systems within the state, reflecting a broader skepticism about the efficacy and fairness of such measures. Sen. O’Scanlon’s efforts to extend protections to New Jersey drivers from out-of-state fines highlight ongoing concerns over privacy, equity, and the true motives behind automated traffic enforcement.