N.J. Stat. § 39:3-84.4
Any person driving any vehicle, object or contrivance referred to in section 39:3-84 of the Revised Statutes, in excess of the gross weight limits set forth therein upon any highway or highway structure, whether temporary or permanent, shall be liable for all damage which said highway or highway structure may sustain as a result of any such operation, driving or moving of such vehicle, object or contrivance.
Such damage may be recovered in a civil action brought by the authorities in control of such highway or highway structure.
The fact that the vehicle, object, or contrivance causing the damage was being operated, driven or moved within the size and weight limitations authorized in this Title or permitted by a special permit as provided by law, shall not be accepted as a defense to any action brought as provided herein if damage is caused to highways or bridges posted for less weight limits than those set forth in this act.
Whenever the driver is not the owner of such vehicle, object or contrivance, but is so operating, driving or moving the same with the express or implied permission of said owner, then the owner and the driver shall be jointly and severally liable for any damage.
N.J.S. § 39:3-84.4