The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs today reminds riders of auto-buses operated by privately-owned companies that notices informing riders of how to report service complaints are now required to be conspicuously posted on the inside and the outside of such vehicles.
Autobuses must include notices to riders directing them to report service complaints to the Division of Consumer Affairs whose contact telephone number must also be provided. These notices are required under “Angelie’s Law,” a state law enacted in memory of Angelie Paredes, who was killed in July 2013 by a lamp post that was struck by an autobus driver who was using his cell phone while driving.
The law applies to autobuses that operate on public highways and carry not more than 40 passengers within New Jersey or between states.
The Division of Consumer Affairs has contacted autobus operators to remind them of their notice obligation under Angelie’s Law and has also provided the following suggested wording for these notices:
If you have a complaint about this private bus service or the bus operator, you can call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-504-6200.
Division of Consumer Affairs investigators will follow up on filed complaints. Consumer Affairs has the authority to direct payment of civil penalties ($1,000 for the first violation; $2,000 for a second violation; and $5,000 for a third or subsequent violation) for daily violations of the law and stands ready to take all necessary action to ensure compliance with Angelie’s Law.
To learn more about Angelie’s Law, go to www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/angelieslaw.