A law just passed in the state of New Jersey means that all private sector employers must notify their employees before adding a tracking device to a work vehicle.
There are many valid reasons to track an employee’s vehicle: Any industry with fleet operations like a construction, HVAC or delivery service can become much more efficient with a fleet management system that updates in real-time. But at the same time, employees deserve to know what data their employer uses to conduct business.
While this new law only applies in one state, it underscores the importance of transparency through the one method that gets everyone to listen: hefty fines.
What you should know about New Jersey law
Effective April 18, 2022, any New Jersey employer who knowingly installs a tracking device on a vehicle used by an employee without prior written notice to that employee will be subject to a civil penalty.
The cost is capped at no more than $1,000 for the first violation and no more than $2,500 for each subsequent violation after the first, according to a Stevens and Lee news report.
If you, as an employer, are affected by this law, you must give written notice to all current employees and all new employees upon joining. Don’t forget to keep your records as well.
There is one exception: if the tracking device is used entirely and only to document employee expense reimbursements, the law does not apply. Furthermore, nothing in the Act supersedes other state regulations governing interstate commerce.
Why vehicle tracking is affected
If you’re not in one of these relevant industries, it can seem like micromanagement when employers track their employees’ every move. But location tracking data can enable a fleet manager to help their employees.
Many businesses may need to make multiple stops in a day: plumbing or lawn care services are an example, as are any local delivery services. With the right tracking software, a manager can identify when a driver has taken a wrong turn and use a two-way messaging service to help them determine the best route from their current position.
Some fleet management services, like our top pick for best route planning software, Verizon Connect Reveal, even include weather and traffic updates, allowing a manager to identify which drivers should be rerouted — another benefit that wouldn’t be possible without real-time location tracking.
Granted, these scenarios aren’t exactly what the new law is intended to address, as employees would likely know they were being followed, and this law appears to be aimed at preventing employees from overdoing it without their permission or knowledge of employees. However, the law covers any New Jersey business that needs to track its employees, and that includes all fleet operations in the state.
If this is you, start preparing your documents now.
And if you are soon, check out our picks for the best route planning software, all of which come with a variety of cutting-edge location tracks.
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