New Jersey does not have speed cameras because their use by law enforcement for traffic enforcement is explicitly prohibited by state law.
The Legal Basis for the Ban
New Jersey state law specifically bars the use of photo radar by law enforcement agencies to enforce traffic provisions. This prohibition is clear and comprehensive. According to state statute, "Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a law enforcement officer or agency shall not use photo radar to enforce the provisions of chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes."
Chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes outlines the state's motor vehicle and traffic regulations, which include speed limits and other rules of the road. This means that automated systems designed to capture speeding violations via photographic or electronic means are not permitted for use by police or other enforcement bodies within New Jersey.
Implications for Drivers in New Jersey
The legal prohibition on speed cameras has several direct implications for motorists in the Garden State:
- No Automated Speed Tickets: Drivers in New Jersey will not receive tickets based on photographic evidence from roadside speed cameras. All speed enforcement citations must originate from a law enforcement officer directly observing the violation.
- Reliance on Traditional Enforcement: The current legal framework for speed enforcement in New Jersey emphasizes traditional methods, requiring an officer to be physically present to identify a speeding vehicle and issue a citation.
- Clarity on Enforcement Methods: This specific ban provides clear guidance that "photo radar" technology for speed enforcement is not an authorized method in the state, distinguishing it from other potential automated enforcement technologies that might exist (though the focus here is solely on speed cameras).
Summary of Speed Camera Legality in NJ
| Feature | Status in New Jersey (Speed Cameras/Photo Radar) |
|---|---|
| Legality | Illegal for law enforcement use |
| Enforcement Method | Prohibited for automated traffic violations |
| Primary Reason | Explicit state law prohibition |
This clear legal stance ensures that New Jersey remains a state where speed enforcement is conducted directly by human officers, rather than through automated camera systems.
