State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Driver Manual

A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 mph, but no more than 25 miles mph on a paved surface. It cannot be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards. Motorists should be alert when these types of vehicles are present, as they may be difficult to see.

The following guidelines must be observed when driving a low-speed vehicle:

* LSVs may not be driven on roadways with speed limits that exceed 25 mph. (In limited cases, if deemed appropriate by a municipality, county or the DOT, LSVs may be permitted on roadways with speed limits that do not exceed 35 mph).

* Watch for and abide by road signs prohibiting use, even on lower speed roads.

* LSVs may not be used as modified golf carts.

* LSVs must have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.

* A motorist must have a valid Class D license to operate an LSV.

* The LSV must be properly registered and insured.

* Child restraints in LSVs must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles.

* A motorist may lease or rent LSVs that are properly titled, registered and insured for temporary use.

* An LSV may be registered in the name of an individual, business or government entity but may not be used as a commercial vehicle.

* LSV drivers are subject to the same violations as other vehicles (except for the regular inspection requirements).

* All LSVs shall have a safety information decal provided by the manufacturer on the rear of the vehicle.

* If the LSV has only one license plate, it should be placed on the rear of the vehicle.

* LSVs must meet federal and state requirements.

Federal Requirements (49 CFR 571.500)

Low speed vehicles cannot exceed 25 mph and must be equipped with:

* Headlamps

* Front and rear turn signal lamps

* Tail lamps

* Stop lamps

* Red reflex reflectors: one on each side as far to the rear as possible and one on the rear of the vehicle

* Exterior mirror mounted: on the motorist’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mounted on the passenger’s side or an interior rearview mirror

* Parking brake

* Windshield that meets federal safety requirements

* Vehicle Identification Number

* Seat belts

State Requirements (N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.2)

LSVs operated on any public road or highway in the state shall be maintained in proper condition and comply with equipment requirements and standards:

* Adequate brakes to control the movement of the vehicle

* Odometer

* Speedometer

* Original manufacturer’s VIN die-stamped on the body and/or frame, engine or motor of the vehicle

* Safety information decal provided by the manufacturer must be in a conspicuous place on the rear of the vehicle displaying “25 MPH Vehicle”

Motorists must be aware of the presence of legally registered snowmobiles and ATVs that may attempt to cross certain roadways. While it is illegal for these types of vehicles to ride on public roadways with other vehicles, they are permitted to cross certain roadways when safety permits. Operators of snowmobiles and ATVs must maintain a proof of insurance and display the vehicle’s registration at all times. Copies of the New Jersey Snowmobile or ATV Manuals may be downloaded, picked up at any motor vehicle agency or ordered by calling (888) 486-3339.

Animals often dart onto roads or streets. Trying to avoid them often causes collisions. By swerving, the vehicle may hit something else or be hit by another vehicle from behind. The best defense against such accidents is to watch for animals on both sides of the road ahead and be prepared for unexpected movement.

Horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riders have the same rights and responsibilities as do motor vehicles when using public roadways (N.J.S.A. 39:4-25.1). Motorists should approach or pass a horse or horse-drawn vehicle with care at a maximum speed of 25 mph and observe the request, either by hand signal or otherwise, of a person riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle in the opposite direction for the motorist to stop his/her motor vehicle and remain stationary for as long as it takes the horse to pass (N.J.S.A. 39:4-72).

Horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riders may not use certain limited-access highways and must ride with traffic, keeping as far to the right as possible. Other rules apply. Speeding and illumination rules apply. A light must be displayed on the back of the horse-drawn vehicle:

* 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise

* If visibility is 500 feet or less

* When encountering fog, mist, smoke or other factors that reduce visibility (N.J.S.A. 39:4-25)

In addition to safely navigating the roadways, a motorist must also understand the requirements for vehicles that he/she drives.

New Jersey residents who buy a new or used vehicle must title, register, and insure it before driving it on public roads (N.J.S.A. 39:3-4, 39:10-11, 39:6B-1, 39:6B-2). New Jersey law states a vehicle classified under the Lemon Law must have that classification on the title (N.J.S.A. 39:10-9.3). For information about the Lemon Law, contact the Lemon Law Unit of the Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6200. If a motorist moves into this state, the law requires his/her vehicle to be titled and registered within 60 days; sooner, if the out-of-state registration expires before then (N.J.S.A. 39:3-17.1). The titled owner (person whose name appears on the title as the owner) or a person with authority to act on the vehicle owner’s behalf1 is required to visit an MVC agency to process the transaction. An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle will be valid for four years. All other registrations are typically valid for one year2 (N.J.S.A. 39:3-4).

1 Visit www.njmvc.gov for specific information on who is authorized to act on the owner’s

behalf.

2 Visit www.njmvc.gov for exceptions.

How to Title a New Vehicle

* Obtain the title through the dealership where the vehicle was purchased.

* Obtain the manufacturer’s certificate of origin assigned to the owner, ensuring that the document has the sales tax satisfied stamp on the back (if purchased from a dealer authorized to collect New Jersey sales tax).

The documents can be taken to any MVC agency. The owner must pay the required titling fee. If the dealer is not authorized to collect New Jersey sales tax, the buyer must pay sales tax when titling the vehicle.

How to Title a Used Vehicle

* Complete the reverse side of the title with the buyer’s name, address, date of sale, mileage odometer reading, sale price, buyer’s signature and seller’s information and signature.

* Present the signed title and pay the required titling fee.

* The buyer must pay sales tax on the purchase price when titling the vehicle.

Note: To avoid a $25 penalty when buying a used car, the title must be presented to an MVC agency for transfer within 10 business days of the sale (N.J.S.A. 39:10-11.1).

How to Replace a Title

If the title is lost or stolen, a duplicate title can be issued at any MVC agency or by mail for a $25 fee (N.J.S.A. 39:10-12).

The titled owner (person whose name appears on the front of the title) will need:

* Completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership. This form can be obtained at any MVC agency, online [98k pdf] at www.njmvc.gov or by calling (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state) (ISM/SS-52).