NJ A458

Parking facility owners and operators cannot prevent customers from leaving when payment systems malfunction, though they may delay customers for up to 10 minutes to attempt repairs

If the malfunction cannot be fixed within 10 minutes, the facility must accept cash or credit/debit card payment, or collect the customer's name and address to bill them later

When a malfunction prevents determining the amount owed, the facility may only charge the customer for one hour of parking at the regular rate

Violations constitute unlawful practices under New Jersey's consumer fraud act, carrying penalties of up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for subsequent offenses, plus potential punitive damages, treble damages, and costs

"Parking facility" includes any garage, building, area, or structure used for parking or storing vehicles