N.J. Stat. tit. 27, ch. 26

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 27:26-1 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Ridesharing Act of 1981." L.1981, c. 413, s. 1, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 27:26-2 Legislative findings and declarations

The Legislature finds and declares that: New Jersey's transportation needs are being threatened by the growing energy shortage which this nation faces. In addition, this State has many roads which are heavily congested during commuting hours, resulting in the unnecessary usage of gasoline and in lengthy delays for the traveling public. There are presently no energy efficient alternatives such as public transportation for many citizens in New Jersey which would reduce the number of single occupancy, private automobiles on the road. Therefore, the Legislature wishes to encourage ridesharing programs which will help reduce traffic congestion, conserve gasoline consumption and promote the mobility needs of the public. One important way to address these problems is to encourage employers and employees to form ridesharing arrangements. However, employers have been reluctant to support such activities because of their potential liability to employees and others. The Legislature, therefore, finds that it is in the public interest to promote ridesharing arrangements through employer sponsorship and promotional activities by exempting employers from certain liabilities they might incur as a result of their promotion or sponsorship of certain types of employee ridesharing programs. L.1981, c. 413, s. 2, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 27:26-3 Definitions

As used in this act: a. "Ridesharing" means the transportation of persons in a motor vehicle, with a maximum carrying capacity of not more than 15 passengers, including the driver, where such transportation is incidental to the purpose of the driver. The term shall include such ridesharing arrangements known as carpools and vanpools. b. "Van-pooling" means eight or more persons commuting on a daily basis to and from work by means of a vehicle with a seating arrangement designed to carry 8 to 15 adult passengers. c. "Carpool" means two or more persons commuting on a daily basis to and from work by means of a vehicle with a seating capacity of 9 passengers or less. L.1981, c. 413, s. 3, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 27:26-4 Employers; immunity from liability

a. An employer shall not be liable for injuries or damages sustained by passengers and other persons resulting from the operation or use of a motor vehicle not owned, leased or contracted for by the employer, when his or her employee is in a ridesharing arrangement between his or her place of residence and place of employment or termini near such places. b. An employer shall not be liable for injuries or damages sustained by passengers and other persons because he provides information, incentives, or otherwise encourages his or her employees to participate in ridesharing arrangements. L.1981, c. 413, s. 4, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 27:26-5 Compensation of employee for travel time

An employee who participates in a ridesharing arrangement between his or her place of residence and place of employment, or termini near such places, shall not be entitled to compensation by his or her employer for such travel time, and the wage provisions in Title 34 shall not apply during this travel period, unless the employee is required to participate in the ridesharing arrangement as a condition of his or her employment. L.1981, c. 413, s. 5, eff. Jan. 7, 1982.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026