56:8-138.1 Identification badge required for certain contractors.

1. a. Every contractor required to register under the "Contractors' Registration Act," P.L.2004, c.16 (C.56:8-136 et seq.) shall have in his possession an identification badge, issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section, whenever the contractor is performing, or engaging, or attempting to engage, in the business of making or selling home improvements. The identification badge shall be plainly visible and worn on the upper left corner of his torso when the contractor is performing, or engaging, or attempting to engage, in the business of selling home improvements.

b. Upon the application of a registered contractor, the director shall issue, or cause to be issued, a personalized identification badge to the contractor. The identification badge shall include a color photograph of the contractor's face, the contractor's name, the contractor's registration number, and the name of the contractor's business displayed in a manner that will be plainly visible and permit recognition when worn by the contractor. The badge shall include a statement, written in such a way as to be plainly visible when worn by the contractor, that the badge is not for an electrical contractor, plumbing contractor or HVACR contractor license. The identification badge shall be made in such a way and of such material that any attempt to alter the badge will result in it being immediately, permanently and obviously ruined. The photograph included on the identification badge shall be taken no more than four weeks before the date upon which the identification badge is issued. A contractor shall apply for and obtain a new identification badge at least once every six years.

c. The director may charge the contractor a reasonable fee to cover the costs of the identification badge issued pursuant to this section.

d. A contractor who has been issued an identification badge pursuant to subsection b. of this section and whose registration has been suspended, revoked, or has not been renewed, shall, within three days of that suspension, revocation or nonrenewal, surrender the identification badge to the director.

e. A person who knowingly exhibits or displays an identification badge issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section and is not at that time registered as a contractor pursuant to the "Contractors' Registration Act," P.L.2004, c.16 (C.56:8-136 et seq.), including any contractor who has had his registration revoked, suspended, or not renewed, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

L.2013, c.144, s.1.