New Jersey Driving Law



Information on New Jersey driving law and NJ driving laws...

Driving on New Jersey Streets and Highways

Driving is a privilege. It is not a right. If you do not obey NJ driving laws, your driving privileges could be suspended or revoked.

Fines and imprisonment may also be imposed for moving violations. License restoration depends on the types of offenses and the number of convictions.

Penalties and Fines: Point System (Moving Violations)

Under New Jersey driving law, any driver who is convicted of a moving violation, including offenses committed while operating a motorized bicycle, will be assessed points for each conviction of NJ driving laws in accordance with the NJSA Point Schedule.

Surcharges

Surcharges are fines assessed by MVC on an annual basis for drivers who have earned excessive points or committed a specific violation of NJ driving laws, such as DUI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines/penalties.

In accordance with New Jersey driving law, your record is reviewed every time points are added to it. If you accumulate six or more points within three years from your last posted violation, you will receive a $150 surcharge plus $25 for each additional point.

Additional surcharges may also apply:

  • $100 for driving while unlicensed
  • $250 for driving while suspended
  • $100 for failing to insure a MOPED
  • $250 for operating an uninsured vehicle
  • $1,000 for DUI, 3 years
  • $1,000 for refusal to take breathalyzer test, 3 years

Under NJ driving laws, if you do not pay your surcharges, MVC will suspend your driving privileges indefinitely and take action in the State Superior Court. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other similar actions.

If you have surcharges that result from unpaid tickets or other unresolved legal issues, you will need to contact the court that is responsible for your case.



Interstate Compacts

New Jersey belongs to two Interstate Compacts. Member states exchange information to ensure driver compliance with the law and that they receive penalties for violations.

The Nonresident Violator Compact consists of 44 states* and the District of Columbia. This compact assures nonresident motorists the same rights and privileges as resident motorists. It requires drivers to fulfill the terms of traffic citations received in member states or face the possibility of license suspension in their home state.

*Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon and Wisconsin are not members.

Note: The compact does not apply to parking or standing violations, highway weight limit violations, or violations of Hazmat transportation laws.

The Driver License Compact consists of 45 states* (and the District of Columbia) that exchange violation information. This compact ensures that out-of-state violations become part of your NJ driving record. Two points are assessed for each out-of-state moving violation.

*Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin are not members.

Suspension of License

Under New Jersey driving law, your license can be suspended for the following reasons:

  • If you receive 12 or more points on your current driver record
  • Failure to appear in court or to pay fines
  • Failure to pay surcharges
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Failure to provide proof of insurance
  • Physical or mental disqualification
  • Drug or alcohol use while driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Vehicle abandonment on a public highway
  • Fault in a fatal accident

For more information on New Jersey driving law, please visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.

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