The Division of Parks and Forestry of New Jersey is proposing regulation changes regarding "off road vehicles." On its face it concerns Dirt Bikes, ATV's, and large military surplus vehicles, but the proposed regulation is worded poorly and vague. The proposal can be seen here:
http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/proposals/20120716a.pdf
Comments on the proposal can be made here: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments/ by September 14th.
Comments on the proposal can be made here: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments/ by September 14th.
The way this is written, you are guilty of a violation just for operating a vehicle that LOOKS like it could cause damage, regardless of whether you are driving responsibly or not:
"(e) Except in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d), a person shall not operate or permit the
operation on or over lands or in or on waters under the jurisdiction of the State Park
Service of a motorized vehicle likely to cause damage or injury to persons, wildlife, or
property within the jurisdiction of the State Park Service. Such vehicles include, but are
not limited to, a motor vehicle having more than two axles and capability of four-wheel
drive, an ATV, military-designed or surplus vehicle (whether or not modified for civilian
use), or an unlicensed or unregistered motor vehicle."
operation on or over lands or in or on waters under the jurisdiction of the State Park
Service of a motorized vehicle likely to cause damage or injury to persons, wildlife, or
property within the jurisdiction of the State Park Service. Such vehicles include, but are
not limited to, a motor vehicle having more than two axles and capability of four-wheel
drive, an ATV, military-designed or surplus vehicle (whether or not modified for civilian
use), or an unlicensed or unregistered motor vehicle."
Are established unimproved roadways included in these "lands"? Who will be the judge of if your vehicle is "likely to cause damage"? A LEO who thinks all owners of lifted trucks, Jeeps, and dual sport bikes are outlaws? And if "such vehicles include but are not limited to" how long will it be before other vehicles (all vehicles?) are lumped in? This regulation needs to read "persons shall not operate a vehicle IN A MANNER that is likely to cause damage." Since when are we guilty of a violation only by our mere presence, without actually having done anything?
How about we have enforcement of the regulations that already exist?
Will M715's be banned because they are military surplus, even though there are civilian pickup trucks and SUV's with greater GVW?
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