Natural Gas Laws and Incentives in New Jersey
The list below contains summaries of all New Jersey laws and incentives related to natural gas.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Access to Tunnels
An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) tunnels and the lower level of the George Washington Bridge if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 150 pounds.
An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use the Brigantine Connector Tunnel if the vehicle has a dedicated alternate fuel system installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle or a fuel system that has been properly converted to an alternate fuel system, conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 100 gasoline gallon equivalents, and displays all proper markings and symbols.
For more information, see the PANYNJ Trucker’s Resources website and the South Jersey Transportation Authority Rules and Regulations website.
(Reference New Jersey Administrative Code 19:2-4.3)
Clean Truck Port Requirements
Port drayage trucks must meet or exceed Model Year 2014 engine federal emissions standards to access the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) marine terminals. Drayage trucks operating on liquefied or compressed natural gas, electricity, or hybrid electric technology are exempt from these requirements. For purposes of this rule, drayage trucks are defined as on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,001 pounds or greater and intended to load, unload, or transport cargo from PANYNJ terminals. Additional rules apply. For more information, see the PANYNJ Drayage Truck Registration website.
Low Emission or Alternative Fuel Bus Acquisition Requirement
All buses purchased by the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJTC) must be: 1) equipped with improved pollution controls that reduce particulate emissions; or 2) powered by a fuel other than conventional diesel. Qualifying vehicles include compressed natural gas vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, vehicles operating on biodiesel or ultra-low sulfur fuel, or vehicles operating on any other bus fuel approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If the NJTC is unable to meet the bus purchase requirement, the organization must submit a report to the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly detailing the reasons and the state legislature may grant an exemption.
(Reference New Jersey Statutes 27:1B-22)
State Incentives
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption
A NGV may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by a weight equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle with the natural gas tank and fueling system and the weight of a comparable vehicle with a diesel tank and fueling system. The NGV maximum gross weight may not exceed 82,000 pounds.
(Reference New Jersey Statutes 39:3-84.1)
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.