TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) and Jim Beach (D-Camden) that would allow advertising on state roadway patrol vehicles to pay for services through private funding – rather than additional taxes or tolls – has been signed into law.
“Given the pain people are feeling during this slow economic period, it is more important than ever that we find out-of-the-box ways to fund state services that do not rely solely on public money. This new law is an extraordinary step in that direction,” said Senator Norcross. “By permitting private-sector sponsorship of our roadway patrol vehicles, we will create a new revenue stream that will save taxpayers’ money while continuing to pay for the critical services New Jersey drivers depend on to keep themselves and their families safe.”
The law (S-2787) will permit the Department of Transportation to procure revenue-generating sponsors for, and permit sponsorship and advertising on, safety service patrol or emergency service patrol vehicles and equipment, as well as signs and materials. The revenue realized from the sponsorships is intended for use to offset the costs of safety or emergency service patrols. With the signing of this legislation, New Jersey becomes the eighth state to enact such a program, following New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, Kansas and Georgia.
“States from Massachusetts to Florida are already partnering with private companies to subsidize the cost of safety and emergency patrols,” said Senator Beach. “This law creates an exciting opportunity for New Jersey to also reap the financial benefits of this innovative program. Allowing private business to sponsor our roadway vehicles will bring in new revenue for the state, while maintaining the high quality of our transportation services. This is win for the state, toll and tax payers, alike.”
The legislation was approved by the Assembly in May by a vote of 75-0; the Senate approved the bill in June by a vote of 35-2. The law takes effect immediately.