N.J. Bill Would Require Permits For Uber, Other Ride-Sharing Companies
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Legislation advanced by a New Jersey State Assembly panel would require ride-sharing companies that use personal vehicles to get a state permit and meet safety requirements.
The state Assembly Transportation Committee approved legislation Thursday that calls for ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to get a permit from the Motor Vehicle Commission.
The bill also requires the drivers get a Motor Vehicle Commission endorsement and that they have valid driver's licenses and auto insurance. The bill also calls for driver background checks and vehicle inspections.
Ridesharing companies are new to the state, with Uber beginning operations in 2013.
But the UberX version of Uber is illegal in New Jersey, as its drivers aren't commercially licensed. This past summer, Hoboken officials lanched a crackdown against UberX in which drivers were ticketed and passengers were ordered out of the cars.
Lawmakers said public safety concerns spurred the proposed legislation. It will now go before the full Assembly, though a voting date has not been scheduled.
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