Watered-Down 'Boom Car' Penalty Bill Passes NJ Senate Committee

SOUTH JERSEY — Loud music thumping at all hours of the night has plagued New Jersey residents for years, as legislators seek to enshrine punishments for so-called "boom car parties" into state law.

However, municipalities will not have the power to impound nuisance vehicles on first offense, which was possible under the original bill.

A modified version, proposed by three South Jersey Democrats, passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee 4-0 on Thursday.

When first introduced last fall, Bill S3131 included provisions for municipalities to seize or even destroy nuisance vehicles under certain circumstances. The latest iteration, also passed by an Assembly committee in January as Bill A4686, removed that provision and also reduced potential fines.

Senators Nilsa Cruz-Perez, James Beach, and Troy Singleton sponsored the bill in the Senate.

The bill defines a nuisance motor vehicle as such: "a vehicle in which the operation of an internal sound system is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the motor vehicle."

Violating this law would carry a fine of $250 for a first offense. For a second violation, the fine increases to $500. For a third or subsequent violation, a person would subject to a fine of $750 and would be assessed two motor vehicle penalty points, the proposed legislation shows.

Beach said drivers who blast loud music show a "total disregard" for residents who live there.

“This bill would allow for drivers and passengers to enjoy music at a responsible decibel without subjecting neighborhoods to obnoxiously loud sound systems," said Beach, who represents Burlington and Camden counties.

“The love for music is one thing most people share in common, including myself," added Cruz-Perez (Camden/Gloucester). "However, drivers must have regard for the people and communities around them who may be affected by blaring sound systems. The bill would ensure that neighborhood residents are protected against these roaring vehicles.”

Singleton, who represents Burlington County, said "boom car" gatherings have bothered residents in towns up and down the Delaware River for years.

"Residents, even those miles away from the Delaware River, can feel the bass vibrating their homes, which torturously keeps them awake all night long," he said. "While the majority of these parties are held in Philadelphia, we know that they also occur – albeit less frequently – in New Jersey. This legislation sends a clear message that this will not be tolerated in our state, and there will be real consequences for their actions.”