.1907150904550.jpg)
New Jersey residents who use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft will now have greater safety protections under legislation recently signed by Governor Phil Murphy.
The new law will require rideshare services to collect more information about drivers’ background and driving history, and allow passengers to more easily verify their driver’s identity.
About Sami’s Law
The legislation – known as “Sami’s Law – was prompted by the death of Robbinsville resident Samantha Josephson. A college student at the University of South Carolina, Sami was killed earlier this year after entering a vehicle she though was her Uber ride. The brutal murder sparked the “WhatsMyName campaign, which urges rideshare passengers to request the names of drivers before entering vehicles, as well as Sami’s Law.
Thanks to the efforts of the Josephson family, lawmakers, and passionate advocates, federal legislation was introduced to ensure rideshare services take greater precautions as they continue to rapidly expand and become more popular.
New Jersey is the first state in the U.S. to pass a law which mirrors the federal version of Sami’s Law.
Key Details About Sami’s Law
Sami’s Law was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in June 2019, and will take effect in March of 2020;
Under the law, rideshare companies will be required to issue additional materials of identification to its registered drivers as a means to help passengers correctly identify the vehicle designated as their ride. The three primary components of the law include:
- Rideshare drivers will be required to display two identifying marks on the front windshield and the rear window of their vehicles;
- Rideshare companies will be required to create two copies of a unique barcode passengers can scan with their smart phones to confirm their driver’s identity;
- Rideshare companies must issue two credential placards for drivers to place on the passenger and driver side rear windows. The placards will contain a driver’s name, photo, and their license plate number.
Per New Jersey’s version of the law, rideshare drivers who fail to comply with requirements will be subject to a $250 fine. Any rideshare company that does not implement mandatory measures may also have their operating permits suspended or revoked.
Rideshare Victims’ Rights
As rideshare services have proliferated across New Jersey and the U.S., there has been an increasing need to protect the safety of riders, as well as their rights when they suffer preventable harm and losses. Sami’s law is a critical part of fulfilling this need, and our legal team at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. commends the Josephson family for its tireless efforts in backing this legislation. We hope all other states follow suit.
As a law firm that has been fighting for the injured and the wronged since 1939, we have had to adapt to new technologies and legal issues – including those involving Uber and Lyft accidents. Our firm represents victims and families injured as passengers, drivers, and pedestrians in personal injury cases, as well as families who seek justice after a loved one’s wrongful death. We also handle cases involving sexual assault or acts of violence.
Call (732) 440-3089 to speak with an attorney about your potential case. Levinson Axelrod, P.A. has offices throughout the state of New Jersey, and offers free consultations.