The trucking world never stops moving – and neither do the regulations that shape it. One of the most impactful recent changes is coming out of New Jersey, where a new law is raising the bar for commercial vehicle insurance coverage. Here’s what it means for you and your business.
What Changed?
In January 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a bill that increases the minimum required liability insurance to $1.5 million for commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds. This applies to any for-hire truck operating within or through the state of New Jersey.
This is a significant jump from the previous requirement and marks a trend toward tougher regulations aimed at improving safety and accountability in the industry.
Who’s Affected?
This new rule impacts a wide range of operators:
- Owner-operators running heavy-duty trucks
- Small to mid-size carriers operating intrastate or interstate through NJ
- Large fleets with regional routes that include the Garden State
Whether you’re hauling local freight or crossing state lines, if your truck exceeds the weight threshold and enters New Jersey, you need to comply.
Why It Matters
Raising the minimum liability limit to $1.5M can have several consequences:
- Higher insurance premiums, especially for small operators
- Tighter compliance standards for documentation and coverage proof
- Operational slowdowns if your coverage doesn’t meet new requirements
Ignoring these changes could result in fines, delays, or even disqualification from operating in the state.
What You Should Do Next
If you operate in or around New Jersey, here are a few steps to take now:
- Review your current insurance policy and confirm your liability limits.
- Talk to your provider about upgrading coverage if needed.
- Keep updated proof of insurance in your cab and on file.
- Stay informed on regulatory changes that may follow in other states.
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New Jersey may be the first, but it won’t be the last. Now’s the time to make sure your insurance – and your operation – are road-ready for whatever changes lie ahead.
