Downey, Houghtaling Bill to Bar DUI Drivers from Operating NJ Transit Trains Now Law

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Members Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling to prohibit anyone whose driver’s license is suspended for DWI from operating a New Jersey Transit train has been signed into law.

The law (A-20) prohibits any individual whose driver’s license is suspended or revoked due to driving while intoxicated or refusing to take a breathalyzer test from operating an NJ Transit locomotive or train.

“No one who is prohibited from operating an automobile should be in a position to transport passengers who take NJ Transit trains,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “This is the third largest transit system in the United States of America. For the sake of public safety, New Jersey must take action to ensure that no one whose license is suspended due to drunk driving is granted this level of responsibility.”

The measure is a response to a recent report that an NJ Transit engineer with a suspended license due to a record of driving while intoxicated nonetheless is still permitted to operate trains. Federal law governing railroad operations does not prohibit the engineer from retaining the position.

“It’s entirely illogical for New Jersey to allow people who are prohibited from driving to be in charge of public transportation,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “Strengthening the standards for engineers is consistent with our state’s mission to ensure that safety is the first priority on NJ Transit.”