The Traffic Unit investigates motor vehicle crashes with serious injuries or fatalities and collects traffic data to identify problematic areas to determine the need for additional enforcement activities.  Traffic data is collected by several solar powered speed signs installed throughout town and also by deploying road tubes, which collect vehicle speeds, vehicle counts and direction of travel.  The Traffic Unit coordinates the deployment of the department message board which also acts as a portable speed limit advisory sign.  The Traffic Unit has officers who are trained in Alcotest, DRE (Drug Recognition Expert), SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing), ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement), Radar, Lidar, Crash Investigation, and Child Safety Seat Installation.  

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Supervisor:

• Sergeant Leigh Leaf #197

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Officer:​

• Officer Kevin Brogan # 196

 

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School Crossing Guards

Crossing guards are civilians who have been trained to ensure the safety and welfare of students as they travel to and from school by directing traffic and signaling the safe crossing of dangerous streets and intersections.  There are currently two crossing guard posts in town, Roseland Ave. at Forest Way and Roseland Ave. at Borough Place.

 

To obtain a copy of a crash report

www.crashdocs.org

 

Seatbelt Laws

https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/seatbelts.html

 

Child Safety Seat Laws

https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/childseats/childseats_newlaw.html

 

Child Safety Seat Installation

https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/childseats/childseatchecks.html

*Essex Fells residents can also call the Essex Fells Police Department to schedule a car seat installation by one of our certified technicians 

 

Safe Kids World Wide – The Ultimate Car Seat Guide

https://www.safekids.org/ultimate-car-seat-guide/

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NEW JERSEY E-BIKE LAW UPDATE – EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026 

 

New Jersey has enacted significant changes to its e-bike laws aimed at improving public safety. Beginning January 2026, all e-bikes are classified as motorized bicycles and are subject to licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

 

Key Requirements & Restrictions:

• Minimum Age: Riders must be 15 years or older

• License Required:

– 17+ must possess a valid driver’s license

– Ages 15–16 must obtain a motorized bicycle license through the NJMVC

• Registration & Insurance: All e-bikes must be registered and insured

– Registration fees are waived for the first year

• Where You Can Ride: E-bikes are prohibited on highways with speed limits over 50 MPH

• Sales & Modifications:

– Online e-bike sales are banned for one year

– Speed-enhancing modification kits are illegal

 

Grace Period:

Riders have until July 19, 2026 to comply with licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

Enforcement:

After the grace period, non-compliance may result in fines starting at $50.

 

These laws were enacted in response to a rise in e-bike crashes and fatalities. The legislation was signed by former Governor Phil Murphy to improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists statewide.

 

Authorized by:  Chief Darren Volker

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