S-2055 is the Senate version of A-823 Gusciora. The bill that attempts to raise registration fees and fines by threefold, while still not providing any safe legal areas for us to recreate.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to you as a concerned member of the New Jersey Off-Highway Vehicle Association (NJOHVA). We are concerned about a bill you are sponsoring, S-2055, and how it will affect us as OHV enthusiasts and tax payers. It is our belief that with small changes this legislation can be made to better represent the interests of all New Jersey citizens.

Let me make clear that we do not oppose the raising of registration fees or the increase in penalties for illegal activities. We believe these measures are necessary for law enforcement and we support them in concept. We also believe however, that these increases must be tied directly to the opening of legal venues in the state that will provide people with safe opportunities to enjoy this activity. We believe that without these venues this legislation simply amounts to another tax on the people of New Jersey.

There are currently no legal parks in which the 200,000 plus OHV users can ride legally in the state of New Jersey. For the state to raise both registration fees and fines by nearly three times their current rates without offering the citizens anything in return is simply not fair and not good policy. For many years we as a user group have been promised parks from various administrations and legislatures but have yet to see any action. We believe the tripling of these fees without incentives will do two things;

1.It will be an unjust burden on the citizen who already pays some of the nations highest taxes.

2.It will run small motorcycle and ATV dealers and repair shops out of business. It will impact insurance agents who insure these.

An increase in fees without legal parks will add to the already growing problem of sending NJ residents out of state to purchase their OHV`s. This is occurring because they can avoid the taxes and registration fees by purchasing out of state and not registering their machines when they return to NJ. While we as an association try to discourage this practice, people feel justified in doing so because the state gives them nothing in return for the fees related to OHVs. This continues to be a heavy burden on both dealerships and law enforcement. We are tax paying citizens and are glad to pay those taxes when they in turn provide services for our benefit. We do not however, believe we should be asked to pay higher taxes to fund administrative costs at the Motor Vehicle Commission.

We believe that in order for this legislation to accomplish its goals, it must be tied directly to the opening of OHV facilities and the continued process for legal Enduros in New Jersey. We would respectfully require that at least one park to be opened before the law goes into affect and require two more parks to be opened in the state over the four years following the passage of this bill.And if these goals are not accomplished this bill must sunset. This is the only way to ensure that the state will take an active role in opening parks and the only way to ensure S-2055 accomplishes its goals.

We ask that this bill be amended to reflect these changes so that it is better policy which represents all of New Jersey citizens.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 08, 2008