Article published Feb 11, 2008
Authorities: Get N.J. auto tags or else
By JAMES P. QUARANTA
Staff Writer

BRIDGETON -- Police are using a new law in an attempt to crack down on people who fail to register their cars in New Jersey within 60 days.

"We've had problems with hit-and-run accidents involving out-of-state vehicles that at times are not insured," Lt. Burl Kimble said.

The issue of out-of-state license registrations has been in the local spotlight in recent years amid increased national attention on illegal immigration. Many immigrants in the country illegally drive cars with out-of-state plates, because requirements for obtaining a vehicle registration vary by state.

Assemblyman Doug Fisher, D-3, sponsored the legislation that Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed into law late last year. It specifically deals with registration requirements.

Before then, the law was clear regarding a motorist's obligation to obtain a driver's license within 60 days of becoming a New Jersey resident.

"But the part dealing with registration was so vague that it was rarely enforced," Fisher said. "Now everyone is required to register their vehicles in this state within 60 days of becoming a resident.

Cars registered in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and South Carolina seem to be the most prevalent in Cumberland County.

"We have a lot of out-of-state cars," said Sgt. William Dare, supervisor of the Vineland Police Traffic Safety Unit. "Whenever possible, we monitor such vehicles that appear to be garaged or housed in the city and take appropriate action if a violation is determined."

In Bridgeton, several police officers have been designated to conduct similar monitoring as part of their patrol duties.

"Many times, cars registered in another state that are involved in hit-and-run accidents are simply abandoned and we have no way of determining who was driving," Fisher said. "This is a far-ranging issue that affects insurance rates statewide."

Fisher said the new initiative is not just an immigration issue.

"We want to provide help for anyone who desires citizenship and at the same time we need to have all drivers comply with the rules of the road," the assemblyman said.

Fisher said he expects police departments throughout the state to make an effort to track out-of-state registrations and enforce the new law.