New Jersey is at the forefront of a sweeping transformation in vehicle regulations, targeting a cleaner, greener future. The state has enacted bold measures to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, aligning with a nationwide push toward zero-emission transportation.
These changes, driven by environmental and public health concerns, are reshaping which vehicles can be sold and, in certain cases, operated on New Jersey roads.
The Gasoline Vehicle Ban: What’s Changing?
New Jersey will prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. This means that after this date, car dealerships in the state will no longer be allowed to sell new cars, SUVs, or light trucks that run solely on gasoline or diesel. Instead, all new vehicles sold must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as fully electric or hydrogen-powered models.
The transition begins well before 2035:
- By 2027, 43% of new vehicles sold must be zero-emission.
- This percentage increases annually, reaching 100% by 2035.
Governor Phil Murphy and state officials have emphasized that these steps are crucial for improving air quality and reducing climate-changing emissions, as transportation is the largest source of pollution in New Jersey.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
Banned from New Sale (Not Immediate Road Ban):
- New gasoline and diesel-powered cars, SUVs, and light trucks (starting with model year 2035).
- New traditional hybrid vehicles are also included in the ban, as only full zero-emission vehicles will be allowed.
Not Banned (For Now):
- Existing gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles already owned or registered can still be driven and sold on the used market.
- The ban does not apply retroactively to vehicles already on the road or to used vehicle sales.
Heavy-Duty and Commercial Vehicles
New Jersey has also adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule, which gradually increases the percentage of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks that manufacturers must sell from 2025 through 20353. This rule uses a credit system to encourage the sale of electric trucks and reduce emissions from commercial fleets.
Temporary Vehicle Bans: Weather-Related Restrictions
Separate from the long-term environmental bans, New Jersey occasionally issues temporary travel bans on commercial vehicles during severe weather events.
For example, during winter storms, the state may restrict tractor trailers, empty trucks, passenger vehicles pulling trailers, RVs, and motorcycles from certain interstates to ensure safety. These restrictions are lifted once conditions improve and are not related to the environmental regulations.
Latest Statistics: Electric Vehicle Adoption in New Jersey
As of the most recent reports, electric vehicles account for 12% of new vehicle sales in New Jersey, with over 123,000 electric vehicles registered in the state.
EV sales have surged by 50% since last December, reflecting growing consumer interest and infrastructure improvements.
However, the state is still short of the 43% EV sales target set for 2027, with only 14% of car registrations currently being electric.
Political and Legal Uncertainty
The future of New Jersey’s vehicle bans faces potential challenges at the federal level. Recent Congressional actions have aimed to repeal the waivers that allow states like New Jersey to set stricter vehicle emissions standards. If signed into law by President Trump, these actions could halt or delay New Jersey’s plans to ban new gasoline vehicle sales by 2035.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s bold move to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 marks a significant shift in transportation policy. While existing vehicles are not immediately banned from the roads, the state is steering toward a future dominated by zero-emission cars and trucks.
With electric vehicle adoption rising but still below ambitious targets, the coming years will be critical for infrastructure, consumer acceptance, and potential legal battles that could shape the pace and scope of these historic changes.
Source:
[1] https://www.nj.com/bergen/2025/05/trump-can-now-squash-njs-plan-to-ban-sales-of-new-gas-powered-cars.html
[2] https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2023/11/27/new-jersey-becomes-latest-state-to-announce-looming-ice-vehicle-ban/
[3] https://njeja.org/debunking-act-myths-understanding-new-jerseys-advanced-clean-trucks-rule/
[4] https://njbia.org/siekerka-on-nj101-5-federal-repeal-of-gas-car-ban-will-help-nj-businesses-consumers/
[5] https://apnews.com/article/zero-emission-cars-electric-new-jersey-fba750b735a47bb7fb79087d7ed53e00
[6] https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2023/11/21/new-jersey-says-it-will-ban-sales-of-new-gas-powered-cars-by-2035-00128333
[7] https://www.roi-nj.com/2025/05/22/politics/senate-vote-repealing-ban-on-sales-of-gas-powered-cars-in-california-may-have-consequences-in-n-j/
[8] https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/05/gop-blocks-state-rules-on-clean-cars/
[9] https://cdllife.com/2025/full-commercial-vehicle-travel-ban-coming-to-multiple-new-jersey-interstates/