Legislators from New Jersey’s 21st Legislative District have introduced a bill (A5511) that would require entities that transport, store, or broker vehicles to take reasonable measures to ensure they are not dealing in stolen cars, or risk facing civil liability. The proposal is led by Assemblymen Andrew Macurdy and Vincent Kearney, and State Senator Jon Bramnick, who together represent portions of Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties, which have faced significant auto theft crime in recent years.

Over 13,000 cars were stolen in New Jersey last year. Car theft has been a persistent problem in Legislative District 21 in recent years. For example, Westfield experienced a streak of clustered auto thefts and home break-ins earlier this year. A significant portion of stolen cars are trafficked for resale or parts, either within New Jersey, another state in the US, or out of the country.  Oftentimes legitimate entities are unwittingly used to transport, store, or broker the stolen car, making the illicit scheme possible. This proposal aims to shut down that pipeline by imposing a responsibility on these companies to make reasonable efforts to prevent their unknowing engagement with stolen cars.

Covered companies that do not fulfill this duty to prevent the movement of stolen vehicles will be subject to a civil lawsuit brought by the New Jersey Attorney General. Penalties for a first offense are up to $1 million, and $5 million for a second offense.

The sponsors gave the following statements about the legislation:

“Vehicle theft has been an intractable problem in our district and across the State of New Jersey that requires comprehensive solutions. By requiring entities that transport or store cars to act with more vigilance, we can work to shut down the pipeline of stolen vehicles that are shipped off and sold for profit.” Assemblyman Macurdy (D-Union) said. “This is a common-sense mechanism to enhance public safety.”

“Legitimate businesses deserve better protection, not blame, so we're going after the ones exploiting them,” said Assemblyman Kearney (D-Union).  “This bill makes sure the companies doing it right stay clean, and the ones looking away pay for it.”

“We must stop the epidemic of stolen cars,” added Senator Bramnick (R-Union).