NEW JERSEY TOWN TO FINE DRIVERS WHO USE IT AS A SHORTCUT

Leonia is little New Jersey town, a quarter-mile from the George Washington Bridge into New York City. Residents say they are sick of traffic tie-ups in their quiet little town caused by commuters short-cutting off the interstate. So, the town is trying an experiment, declaring 60 residential streets off-limits to drivers who use them as cut-throughs. Drivers without yellow tags proving residency could find themselves stopped by one of Leonia’s police officers and asked, “Do you have business in Leonia?” Anyone caught cutting through the town will be fined $200. Leonia’s Mayor Judah Zeigler says the main reason for the legislation is to get the navigational apps like Waze and Google Maps to remove the town’s side streets from their recommendations as an alternative route. The mayor says they will do that once this legislation takes effect.
* Keep Out: it’s the New Jersey state motto.
* How long before counterfeit yellow tags are available on the black market?
* Here’s what you do. Always have a sealed manila envelope on the passenger’s seat (filled with folded newspaper) marked “Official Business – Leona City Hall”. When the cop asks “Do you have business in Leonia?” you answer, “Sure do, officer! Can you direct me to city hall?” Get the directions, then proceed to New York.
* Sorry, Leonia, but you started this.