Bill to assure military personnel extensions on driver’s license renewals

Assemblyman Joe Howarth introduced the bill on June 14.

Military personnel and their immediate family would be assured an extension to renew driving credentials under a new bill introduced by 8th District Assemblyman Joe Howarth on June 14.

“Going to the DMV the day you get home is not something our military personnel should have to worry about,” said Howarth. “There also shouldn’t be any concern that they’ll be fined for an expired license or registration while they’re away from home trying to protect our freedom.”

The bill codifies an existing New Jersey Motor Vehicles regulation, making it law so that it cannot be changed by any new administration. The regulation allows for an extension period on expired driver’s licenses, identification cards and motor vehicle registration certificates for active duty members of the US Armed Forces and their family stationed outside of the state.

The driving credentials remain valid during their time on active duty and until the earlier of the following dates — 90 days after the person is discharged from military duty or 90 days after the person returns to the state.

“Let’s give our brave men and women in the military a couple of months to come home and get their things in order before having to spend their time and money rushing to update their driver’s licenses and registrations,” Howarth said.