39:4-87.1 Right of way of certain buses reentering traffic.

1. a. The driver of a non-emergency vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to any bus, provided that:

(1) The driver is operating a vehicle that is in a position to overtake the bus from its rear; and

(2) The bus, after exiting an active traffic lane for the purpose of stopping to receive or discharge passengers is attempting to reenter the lane from which it exited and to enter the traffic lane occupied by the driver by signaling its intention to do so. No other lane changes shall be applicable.

As used in this act, "bus" means a bus as defined in section 3 of P.L.1995, c.225 (C.48:4-2.1e), in regular scheduled service, and a motorbus operated in regular route service pursuant to P.L.1979, c.150 (C.27:25 -1 et seq.).

b. The New Jersey Transit Corporation shall conduct a public education program to inform motorists of the requirements imposed by this section relating to bus rights-of-way.

c. The Commissioner of Transportation shall study the need for further action to effectuate the purposes of this 2003 act and shall, no later than 18 months after the effective date of this 2003 act, report to the Governor and the Legislature.

d. This section shall not relieve the driver of any bus from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall it protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any immunity or defense otherwise provided by law.

L.2003,c.226,s.1.