N.J.S.A. 39:3-4 — Registration of automobiles and motorcycles, application, registration certificates; expiration; issuance; violations; notification.

39:3-4 Registration of automobiles and motorcycles, application, registration certificates; expiration; issuance; violations; notification. 39:3-4. Except as hereinafter provided, every resident of this State and every nonresident whose automobile or motorcycle shall be driven in this State shall, before using the vehicle on the public highways, register the same, and an automobile or motorcycle shall not be driven unless so registered. Registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer, in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the chief administrator or the chief administrator's agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the chief administrator, containing the name, street address of the residence or the business of the owner, mailing address, if different from the street address of the owner's residence or business, and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile or motorcycle, including the name of the maker and the vehicle identification number, or the manufacturer's number or the number assigned by the chief administrator if the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number, and any other statement that may be required by the chief administrator. A post office box shall appear on the application only as part of a mailing address that is submitted by the owner, agent or officer, as the case may be, in addition to the street address of the applicant's residence or business; provided, however, the chief administrator, upon application, shall permit a person who was a victim of a violation of section 1 of P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10), N.J.S.2C:14-2, or P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.), or who the chief administrator otherwise determines to have good cause, to use as a mailing address a post office box, an address other than the applicant's address or other contact point. An owner whose last address appears on the records of the commission as a post office box shall change the owner's address on the owner's application for renewal to the street address of the owner's residence or business and, if different from the owner's street address, the owner's mailing address unless the chief administrator has determined, pursuant to this section, that the owner may use a post office box, an address other than the owner's address or other contact point as a mailing address. The application shall contain the name of the insurer of the vehicle and the policy number. If the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle, the application shall make note of that fact and shall include along with the name and street address of the lessor the name, street address, and driver license number of the lessee. Thereupon the chief administrator shall have the power to grant a registration certificate to the owner of any motor vehicle, if over 17 years of age, application for the registration having been properly made and the fee therefor paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this Title. The form and contents of the registration certificate to be issued shall be determined by the chief administrator. If the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle, the registration certificate shall, in addition to containing the name and street address of the lessor, identify the vehicle as a leased motor vehicle. The chief administrator may send the registration certificate directly to the lessee. The chief administrator shall maintain a record of all registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof. Every registration shall expire and the registration certificate thereof become void on the registrant's numerical calendar day of birth in the 12th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was issued; except that the registration shall expire on the last day of the 12th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was issued if the numerical calendar day of the registrant's birth does not correspond to a numerical calendar day in that month or if the vehicle is a leased motor vehicle. The chief administrator may, at the chief administrator's discretion, require registrations which shall expire, and issue certificates thereof which shall become void, on a date fixed by him, which date shall not be sooner than three months nor later than 26 months after the date of issuance of the certificates, and the fees for the registrations, including any other fees or charges collected in connection with the registration fee, shall be fixed by the chief administrator in amounts proportionately less or greater than the fees established by law. The chief administrator may fix the expiration date for registration certificates at a date other than 12 months if the chief administrator determines that the change is necessary, appropriate or convenient in order to aid in implementing the vehicle inspection requirements of chapter 8 of Title 39 or for other good cause. The chief administrator may, for good cause extend a registration beyond the expiration date that appears upon the registration certificate for periods not to exceed 12 additional months. The chief administrator may extend the expiration date of a registration without payment of a proportionate fee when the chief administrator determines that the extension is necessary for good cause. If any registration is so extended, the owner shall pay upon renewal the full registration fee for the period fixed by the chief administrator as if no extension had been granted. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, every registration for new passenger automobiles shall expire and the registration certificate shall become void on the registrant's numerical calendar day of birth in the 48th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was initially issued; except that the registration shall expire on the last day of the 48th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was initially issued if the numerical calendar day of the registrant's birth does not correspond to a numerical calendar day in that month. On and after February 1, 2005, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to new passenger automobiles purchased by a rental company for use as rental passenger automobiles. As used in this paragraph, "rental company" means a person engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles; and "rental passenger automobile" means a passenger automobile that is rented without a driver and used in the transportation of persons or property other than commercial freight. If the new passenger automobile being registered is a leased passenger automobile, the registration shall expire in accordance with the term of the lease. If the term of the lease extends beyond one or more 12-month periods by one or more months, the registration period shall be based upon the full year into which one or more of the months extend; provided, however, the registration period for a leased automobile shall not exceed 48 months. Following the 48-month period of the initial registration of a new passenger automobile, the subsequent registration shall expire, and the registration certificate shall become void, on the registrant's numerical calendar day of birth in the 12th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was next issued; except that the registration shall expire on the last day of the 12th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was next issued if the numerical calendar day of the registrant's birth does not correspond to a numerical calendar day in that month. All motorcycles for which registrations have been issued prior to the effective date of P.L.1989, c.167 and which are scheduled to expire between November 1 and March 31 shall, upon renewal, be issued registrations by the chief administrator which shall expire on a date fixed by him, but in no case shall that expiration date be earlier than April 30 nor later than October 31. The fees for the renewal of the motorcycle registrations authorized under this paragraph shall be fixed by the chief administrator in an amount proportionately less or greater than the fee established by R.S.39:3-21. Application forms for all renewals of registrations for passenger automobiles shall be sent to the last addresses of owners of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as they appear on the records of the commission, except that the application form for a renewal of registration for a leased passenger automobile shall be sent to the last address of the lessee of the motor vehicle as it appears on the records of the commission. A person owning or having control over any unregistered vehicle shall not permit the same to be parked or to stand on a public highway. Any police officer is authorized to remove any unregistered vehicle from the public highway to a storage space or garage, and the expense involved in the removal and storing of the vehicle shall be borne by the owner of the vehicle, except that the expense shall be borne by the lessee of a leased vehicle. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100, except that for the misstatement of any fact in the application required to be made to the chief administrator, the person making the statement or omitting the statement that the motor vehicle is to be used as a leased motor vehicle when that is the case shall be subject to the penalties provided in R.S.39:3-37. The chief administrator may extend the expiration date of a registration certificate without payment of a proportionate fee when the chief administrator determines that the extension is necessary, appropriate or convenient to the implementation of vehicle inspection requirements. If any registration certificate is so extended, the owner shall pay upon renewal the full registration fee for the period fixed by the chief administrator as if no extension had been granted. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall make a reasonable effort to notify any lessor whose name and address is on file with the commission, or any other lessor the commission may determine it is necessary to notify, of the requirements of this amendatory act. A lessor doing business in this State shall notify in writing the lessee of a motor vehicle registered pursuant to this Title of any change in its policies or procedures affecting the registration of the motor vehicle. amended 1938, c.66, s.1; 1940, c.246, s.1; 1944, c.5; 1949, c.275; 1952, c.45; 1954, c.172; 1955, c.8, s.3; 1957, c.107; 1968, c.321; 1969, c.103; 1972, c.205, s.1; 1983, c.403, s.6; 1989, c.167, s.2; 1989, c.326, s.1; 1993, c.125, s.2; 1995, c.112, s.27; 1997, c.189, s.1; 2003, c.204, s.3; 2003, c.212; 2004, c.64, s.1; 2017, c.217; 2021, c.258, s.1. 39:3-4a. Temporary registration of motor vehicle in another state by resident of New Jersey Notwithstanding the provisions of Revised Statutes 39:3-4 every resident of this State who acquires and temporarily registers a motor vehicle in another State may operate such vehicle or cause such vehicle to be operated on the public highways of this State for a period not in excess of the unexpired term of such temporary registration in another State. L.1967, c. 38, s. 1, eff. April 27, 1967. 39:3-4b Temporary registration. 1. Any nonresident purchasing an automobile from a licensed dealer in New Jersey which is to be principally garaged, registered, and titled in another state, a federal district, or Canada, may register the automobile in New Jersey on a temporary basis. A temporary registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the chief administrator or the chief administrator's lawful agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the chief administrator, containing the name, address, and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile, including the name of the maker and the manufacturer's number or the motor number, or both, and any other statement that may be required by the chief administrator. A temporary registration certificate shall not be issued unless the licensed dealer has confirmed that the vehicle for which the temporary registration is to be issued is insured in accordance with the requirements of the "Motor Vehicle Security-Responsibility Law," P.L.1952, c.173 (C.39:6-23 et seq.), or the corresponding financial responsibility laws of the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is to be titled and registered. In the event that the insurance is terminated, the insurer shall notify the chief administrator within 30 days, following the termination. Thereupon the chief administrator or any licensed dealer who is authorized to issue temporary registration certificates and license plates pursuant to the provisions of subsection i. of section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4c) shall have the power to grant a temporary registration certificate and a temporary license plate in accordance with the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4c) to the owner of any automobile, if over 17 years of age, either directly or through any licensed motor vehicle dealer who is not within the geographical district, application for the temporary registration having been properly made and the required fee paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this subtitle. The form and contents of the temporary registration certificate to be issued shall be prescribed by the chief administrator. The chief administrator shall maintain a record of all temporary registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof. Every temporary registration shall expire and the certificate thereof shall become void on the 30th day following the date on which the certificate was issued; no temporary registration shall be renewed, except as a permanent registration pursuant to R.S.39:3-4, and after payment of the fees prescribed therein, or as a second temporary registration certificate issued pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4c). Each licensed dealer shall remit upon issuance of a second temporary registration certificate the amount due to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The chief administrator shall issue temporary registration certificates for the 30-day registration period, which shall be effective immediately. Upon a finding that any abuse has been practiced, the chief administrator shall have the right to suspend the dealer's privilege to issue or franchise from issuing temporary registration certificates and license plates or, upon a finding that any abuse has been practiced by any member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative of the licensed dealer, the chief administrator shall have the right to permanently prohibit that member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative from obtaining a position as an owner, officer or director at any licensed dealership, or as an employee at any licensed dealership, if the employee's position involves access to the computer system used to request or print temporary registration certificates or license plates. Upon finding that any member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative of a licensed dealer has violated the provisions of this section or the provisions of any rule or regulation prescribed by the chief administrator related to the issuance of temporary registration certificates or license plates, the chief administrator shall impose a fine against the licensed dealer in the amount of $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for any subsequent offense. The chief administrator may suspend or revoke the dealer license of a dealer convicted of a violation of section 3 of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9) or for any subsequent violation of the provisions of this section or the provisions of any rule or regulation prescribed by the chief administrator related to the issuance of temporary registration certificates or license plates. Each temporary registration certificate or license plate issued in violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a separate offense. L.1969, c.301, s.1; amended 2017, c.352, s.1; 2023, c.285, s.1. 39:3-4c Rules, regulations relative to issuance of temporary registration certificates, plates. 2. a. The chief administrator may prescribe rules and regulations governing the issuance of temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates by motor vehicle dealers, motorized bicycle dealers, and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and may require security in sufficient amount to guarantee payment of all fees and moneys to the State of New Jersey. b. Except as provided in subsection f. of this section, a licensed dealer may print one temporary license plate per bona fide sale of a motor vehicle in accordance with subsection c. of this section. The chief administrator or designated vendor shall implement security features that prevent a licensed dealer from printing more than one temporary license plate per bona fide sale. c. Not later than six months following the effective date of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9 et al.), a licensed dealer shall print every temporary license plate on paper that utilizes enhanced security features for the purpose of preventing forgery or duplication of the temporary license plate, as established by the chief administrator. Not later than three months following the effective date of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9 et al.), the chief administrator shall select and authorize the use of a specific type of security paper that does not interfere with the ability of toll monitoring systems to detect toll violations. In addition to any other information required by the chief administrator, for every temporary license plate printed by the licensed dealer, the licensed dealer shall maintain, in a physical file on the business premises of the licensed dealer or in an electronic file on the computer system of the licensed dealer, for a period of three years following the date that the temporary license plate is issued, the following unredacted documents, which shall be made available for inspection by the chief administrator at any reasonable time: (1) a copy of the front and back of the driver's license of the purchaser of the motor vehicle; (2) a copy of the title or manufacturer's certificate of origin showing the make, model, and vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle sold to the purchaser of the motor vehicle; (3) proof of a bona fide sale to include, but not limited to, a copy of the executed bill of sale; (4) a copy of proof of insurance coverage for the motor vehicle sold to the purchaser; (5) the static IP address of the printer used to print the temporary license plate; and (6) a copy of the temporary registration certificate and temporary license plate issued to the purchaser. d. Not later than 14 months following the effective date of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9 et al.), the chief administrator shall establish and maintain a vehicle registry, as defined under subsection j. of this section. A licensed dealer shall enter into the vehicle registry any information required by the chief administrator. Following the establishment of the vehicle registry by the chief administrator, a temporary registration certificate and license plate shall only be issued to a licensed dealer for a motor vehicle that is listed in the vehicle registry. e. Upon a finding that any abuse has been practiced, the chief administrator shall have the right to suspend the dealer's privilege or franchise from issuing temporary registration certificates and license plates or, upon a finding that any abuse has been practiced by any member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative of the licensed dealer, the chief administrator shall have the right to permanently prohibit that member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative from obtaining a position as an owner, officer or director at any licensed dealership; or as an employee at any licensed dealership, if the employee's position involves access to the computer system used to request or print temporary registration certificates or license plates. Upon a finding that a licensed dealer has violated the provisions of this section or the provisions of any rule or regulation prescribed by the chief administrator related to the issuance of temporary registration certificates or license plates, the chief administrator shall impose a fine of $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for any subsequent offense upon a licensed dealer. In addition to any fines or penalties imposed under this section, the chief administrator may suspend or revoke the dealer license of a dealer convicted of a violation of section 3 of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9) or for any subsequent violation of the provisions of this section or the provisions of any rule or regulation prescribed by the chief administrator related to the issuance of temporary registration certificates or license plates. Each temporary registration certificate or license plate issued in violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a separate offense. f. Temporary registration certificates for vehicles to be permanently registered in New Jersey or any other jurisdiction shall be valid for a period of 30 days. In the event permanent registration has been delayed by reason of a lost title certificate or failure of a lien holder to timely turn over a certificate of title, or during the processing of complex title corrections or replacement titles and duplicate titles, or at the discretion of the chief administrator, a second temporary registration certificate may be issued. A licensed motor vehicle or motorized bicycle dealer shall make a record in the form and manner prescribed by the chief administrator for any second temporary registration certificate issued and shall pay an enhanced fee to be determined by the chief administrator for each second temporary registration issued. Each licensed motor vehicle or motorized bicycle dealer shall annually determine the fees to be paid pursuant to this section and shall remit annually under certification the amount due to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. g. No temporary registration certificate shall be issued by a licensed dealer unless the licensed dealer has confirmed that the vehicle for which the temporary registration is to be issued is covered by a policy of insurance in accordance with the requirements of the "Motor Vehicle Security-Responsibility Law," P.L.1952, c.173 (C.39:6-23 et seq.), whether by a policy in the name of the purchaser covering the vehicle or which would provide coverage for the purchaser while operating the vehicle or by an endorsement to a policy in the name of the licensed dealer; provided, however, no permanent registration shall be issued unless a policy in the name of the purchaser or someone in the purchaser's household is confirmed. h. A temporary registration certificate issued hereunder may be issued by any employee authorized by a licensed dealer to do so; however, the licensee shall be liable for the acts of any authorized employee in issuing temporary registrations, whether the particular unlawful acts were authorized or unauthorized. i. Every applicant for a motor vehicle dealer license who intends to issue temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates shall include with the dealer license application a separate application to issue temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates. The application for approval to issue temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates shall be made in a form determined by the chief administrator. The application for approval to issue temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (1) the name and business address of the applicant; (2) proof of a current and valid dealer license; (3) proof of a secure storage and printing area for the temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates; (4) not later than one year following the effective date of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9 et al.), certification of completion of a training course approved by the chief administrator for the issuance of temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates; and (5) the application fee, as determined by the chief administrator. j. As used in this section: "Bona fide sale" means a sale for valuable consideration made in good faith and without the purpose of circumventing any law, rule, or regulation. "Certificate of ownership" means the document certifying ownership of a motor vehicle, other than the manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin. "Manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin" means the original written instrument or document required to be executed and delivered by the manufacturer to the agent or a dealer, certifying the origin of the vehicle. "Motor vehicle title" means a title issued that documents ownership of a vehicle and can be used to transfer ownership. "Vehicle Registry" means a database established and maintained by the chief administrator that shall include a listing of motor vehicles owned, leased, or sold by the licensed dealer; any motor vehicles delivered to the licensed dealer for either wholesale or retail sale; the name and address of the buyer or lessee of the motor vehicle; the motor vehicle identification number; and any other information as required by the chief administrator. L.1969, c.301, s.2; amended 1983, c.105, s.5; 2007, c.335, s.19; 2017, c.352, s.2; 2023, c.285, s.2. 39:3-4d. "Geographical district" defined "Geographical district" shall be defined as within a 5 mile radius of a motor vehicle agency or agent designated pursuant to section 39:3-3 of the Revised Statutes. L.1969, c. 301, s. 3. 39:3-4d1 Suspending, revoking, dealer license, imposing fines, prior, notify license holder of charges, hearing; rules, regulations. 4. a. Prior to suspending or revoking a dealer license or imposing a fine on a licensed dealer pursuant to section 1 or section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4b or C.39:3-4c), the chief administrator shall, at least 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing, notify the license holder, in writing, of the charges and afford the license holder an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel. The written notice may be served either personally or by registered mail addressed to the last-known address of the licensee. The chief administrator may subpoena and require the appearance of any person in this State, or take testimony by deposition, in the same manner as prescribed by law in judicial proceedings in the courts of this State. The Appellate Division of the Superior Court shall have the power to review, by an appeal in lieu of prerogative writ taken by an aggrieved person, a final determination of the chief administrator. b. Any fine imposed and collected pursuant to this act shall be remitted to the commission and used to defray the costs of the commission. c. The chief administrator is authorized to adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), implementing the provisions of this act. L.2023, c.285, s.4. 39:3-4e. Rules and regulations; information by insurers The director, after consultation with the Commissioner of Insurance, is hereby empowered to prescribe, adopt, promulgate, rescind and enforce rules and regulations requiring insurers to provide all information with respect to the issuance, renewal, cancellation, nonrenewal and termination of insurance as the director may deem necessary to assist the division in enforcement of the provisions of this Title relating to insurance coverage for motor vehicles. L.1972, c. 205, s. 2, eff. Dec. 26, 1972. 39:3-4f. Vehicles registered in foreign country, operation by owner permitted temporarily A resident owner of any motor vehicle which has been registered in accordance with the laws respecting the registration of motor vehicles in a foreign country may operate the motor vehicle in this State for 20 days after the owner imports the motor vehicle into this State in the same manner and to the same extent as though the motor vehicle was registered in this State, provided the registration number is conspicuously displayed on the motor vehicle. L.1989, c.210, s.1. 39:3-4g Open recall notice, recall database, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. 5. a. As used in this section, �chief administrator,� �commission,� �manufacturer,� �new motor vehicle dealer,� �open recall,� and �recall� have the same meaning as those terms are defined in section 2 of P.L.2025, c.140 (C.56:10-33). b. When issuing a motor vehicle registration or registration renewal notice, the commission shall also issue an open recall notice to inform a motor vehicle owner that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a recall database through which motor vehicle owners can determine whether a motor vehicle is subject to an open recall. The open recall notice shall also include: (1) a link to the Internet website through which a motor vehicle owner can access the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration�s recall database; and (2) a statement indicating that each open recall may be repaired by a new motor vehicle dealer approved by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle at no cost to the owner of the motor vehicle, except as provided pursuant to 49 U.S.C. s.30120. c. (1) The commission may apply for any funding that may be available to defray the costs to implement the provisions of this section, which may include, but shall not be limited to, federal grants. (2) A manufacturer that conducts business in the State shall assist the commission with its application for any funding that may be available to defray the costs of implementing the provisions of this section, as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection. d. In the event that any funding sources acquired pursuant to subsection c. of this section do not cover the commission�s costs to implement the provisions of this section, the chief administrator may require each manufacturer that conducts business in the State to pay a fee to the commission, except that the total fees collected shall not exceed the actual costs incurred by the commission each year to implement the provisions of this section. The amount of the fee shall be determined by the chief administrator each year based on documentation of the actual costs incurred by the commission to implement the provisions of this section, which documentation shall be published annually on the commission�s Internet website and provided directly to each manufacturer that conducts business in the State. e. The commission may adopt, pursuant to the �Administrative Procedure Act,� P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations that are necessary to implement this section, which rules and regulations may include enforcement and penalty provisions for violations. f. Nothing in this section shall alter the liability under common law of a manufacturer or a new motor vehicle dealer approved by the manufacturer to repair an open recall. g. The commission shall not be liable to any person for any act or omission related to the open recall notice provided pursuant to this section. L.2025, c.140, s.5.

This is the verbatim text of N.J.S.A. 39:3-4, retrieved from the New Jersey Legislature's public statute corpus. Statutes are amended periodically — for the most current version, check the external source link above. Kyzer is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice.