§ 39:3-4b — Temporary registration.

1. Any nonresident purchasing an automobile from a licensed dealer in New Jersey which is to be principally garaged, registered, and titled in another state, a federal district, or Canada, may register the automobile in New Jersey on a temporary basis. A temporary registration shall be made in the following manner: An application in writing, signed by the applicant or by an agent or officer in case the applicant is a corporation, shall be made to the chief administrator or the chief administrator's lawful agent, on forms prepared and supplied by the chief administrator, containing the name, address, and age of the owner, together with a description of the character of the automobile, including the name of the maker and the manufacturer's number or the motor number, or both, and any other statement that may be required by the chief administrator. A temporary registration certificate shall not be issued unless the licensed dealer has confirmed that the vehicle for which the temporary registration is to be issued is insured in accordance with the requirements of the "Motor Vehicle Security-Responsibility Law," P.L.1952, c.173 (C.39:6-23 et seq.), or the corresponding financial responsibility laws of the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is to be titled and registered. In the event that the insurance is terminated, the insurer shall notify the chief administrator within 30 days, following the termination. Thereupon the chief administrator or any licensed dealer who is authorized to issue temporary registration certificates and license plates pursuant to the provisions of subsection i. of section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4c) shall have the power to grant a temporary registration certificate and a temporary license plate in accordance with the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4c) to the owner of any automobile, if over 17 years of age, either directly or through any licensed motor vehicle dealer who is not within the geographical district, application for the temporary registration having been properly made and the required fee paid, and the vehicle being of a type that complies with the requirements of this subtitle. The form and contents of the temporary registration certificate to be issued shall be prescribed by the chief administrator. The chief administrator shall maintain a record of all temporary registration certificates issued, and of the contents thereof. Every temporary registration shall expire and the certificate thereof shall become void on the 30th day following the date on which the certificate was issued; no temporary registration shall be renewed, except as a permanent registration pursuant to R.S.39:3-4, and after payment of the fees prescribed therein, or as a second temporary registration certificate issued pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1969, c.301 (C.39:3-4c). Each licensed dealer shall remit upon issuance of a second temporary registration certificate the amount due to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The chief administrator shall issue temporary registration certificates for the 30-day registration period, which shall be effective immediately. Upon a finding that any abuse has been practiced, the chief administrator shall have the right to suspend the dealer's privilege to issue or franchise from issuing temporary registration certificates and license plates or, upon a finding that any abuse has been practiced by any member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative of the licensed dealer, the chief administrator shall have the right to permanently prohibit that member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative from obtaining a position as an owner, officer or director at any licensed dealership, or as an employee at any licensed dealership, if the employee's position involves access to the computer system used to request or print temporary registration certificates or license plates. Upon finding that any member, officer, agent, employee, or other representative of a licensed dealer has violated the provisions of this section or the provisions of any rule or regulation prescribed by the chief administrator related to the issuance of temporary registration certificates or license plates, the chief administrator shall impose a fine against the licensed dealer in the amount of $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for any subsequent offense. The chief administrator may suspend or revoke the dealer license of a dealer convicted of a violation of section 3 of P.L.2023, c.285 (C.2C:21-4.9) or for any subsequent violation of the provisions of this section or the provisions of any rule or regulation prescribed by the chief administrator related to the issuance of temporary registration certificates or license plates. Each temporary registration certificate or license plate issued in violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a separate offense. L.1969, c.301, s.1; amended 2017, c.352, s.1; 2023, c.285, s.1.