
photo e-bike at Liberty State Park
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Governor Phil Murphy has officially signed A4765/S4146, groundbreaking legislation that strengthens driver education and testing requirements to ensure motorists safely share the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and vulnerable road users.
The signing ceremony took place in Maplewood, where Governor Murphy was joined by vehicular crash victims, advocates, local officials, and state leaders. The new law is part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and builds on initiatives like the Target Zero Commission, which aims to eliminate serious roadway injuries and deaths in New Jersey by 2040.
A Major Step Toward Safer Streets
“Today’s legislation marks another essential step toward reducing roadside fatalities and making our streets safer,” Governor Murphy said. “By expanding driver education and testing to include more safeguards for pedestrians and cyclists, we are fostering a new generation of informed, responsible drivers. This law helps prevent senseless tragedy and furthers our commitment to building a stronger, safer Garden State.”
Under the new law:
✅ Driver education curriculum will include training on safely approaching and passing pedestrians, cyclists, and personal mobility device users.
✅ Written driver exams will feature updated questions on pedestrian and cyclist safety.
✅ Driver manuals will be revised to explain penalties for failing to comply with road-sharing responsibilities.
Why This Law Matters
From 2023 to 2024, traffic fatalities in New Jersey rose by 14%, driven by a 36% increase in pedestrian deaths. However, in 2025, early data shows a 17% decrease in traffic fatalities and a 31% drop in pedestrian fatalities—progress advocates hope will continue with stronger education for drivers.
“Drivers must exercise caution and vigilance whenever they’re behind the wheel,” said Latrecia Littles-Floyd, Acting Chief Administrator of the MVC. “By cultivating careful driving and passing practices, we aim to make our roads safer for everyone.”
NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor emphasized, “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and this law ensures drivers are properly educated to do their part in reducing crashes and fatalities.”
Bipartisan Support and Advocacy
The legislation was championed by Senators Patrick Diegnan Jr. and Angela McKnight, along with Assemblymembers Lisa Swain, David Bailey Jr., and Heather Simmons.
“Everyone who uses our roads deserves to feel safe—whether they are driving, biking, or simply crossing the street,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This law ensures new drivers are taught how to safely share the road from day one.”
Advocates who lost loved ones to traffic crashes hailed the law as a life-saving measure.
“As a mother who lost a child to traffic violence, I know all too well the pain that comes when safety is ignored. This law changes the culture of driving in New Jersey—one step at a time,” said Sangeeta Badlani, Founder of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation.
Cycling, pedestrian, and safety organizations across New Jersey applauded the measure:
NJ Bike & Walk Coalition called it a “terrific way to reach millions of drivers about the Safe Passing Law.”
Bike JC praised the law for prioritizing vulnerable road users.
Regional Plan Association noted that it marks “a meaningful step toward a culture shift where everyone can move safely.”
Part of a Larger Vision: Target Zero
The new driver education law aligns with New Jersey’s Target Zero strategy, which seeks to completely eliminate traffic deaths by 2040.
“After the most dangerous year for pedestrians since 1986, New Jersey is facing a heartbreaking safety crisis,” said Zeke Weston of New Jersey Future. “Driving isn’t just about controlling your vehicle—it’s about protecting the lives of everyone around you.”
What’s Next for New Jersey Drivers?
Driver manuals will soon include updated safety instructions.
Driver education instructors will receive new curriculum materials.
Written exams for permits and licenses will feature expanded pedestrian and cyclist safety questions.
AAA Clubs of New Jersey praised the law for helping prevent future fatalities, while transportation advocates say this legislation is just the beginning of a broader push for safer streets statewide.
Key Takeaway:
This new law sends a clear message—safety comes first on New Jersey roads. By educating new drivers on how to responsibly share the road with pedestrians and cyclists, New Jersey takes a major step toward saving lives and creating safer communities for all.
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Was there anything in the new law that educates bicycle riders about obeying all of the traffic laws, not just the one’s they find convenient?
Did anyone explain that when you are riding a bicycle in the crosswalks you are NOT a pedestrian?
When you get off the bicycle and walk you have become a pedestrian.
Is there anything that requires pedestrians to be educated that they cannot cross at a crosswalk with a don’t walk sign?
Is there anything that requires pedestrians to be educated that when they cross in a place that is not a marked or legally defined crosswalk that they must yield the right of way to motor vehicles?
Is there anything that requires pedestrians to be educated that “No pedestrian shall leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield or stop?”
This is all just common sense and should already be known but ppl don don’t follow the rules/laws already in place and they are not enforced (or rarely). How is this different
Yes. but that POS Murphy signed it, so it makes it “LANDMARK.”
You really can’t expect people to have common sense, can you?
Exactly, my parents teach me too look both ways before stepping off the curb into the road. And make sure you see eye contact with the driver. If you walk right into the road, especially in between cars you’re a damn fool.
I ride in the park, too many distracted drivers.
Landmark!!!