Traffic Offenses

Penalties And Fines

Driving is a privilege, not a right. If you break traffic laws, your driving privileges could be suspended or revoked resulting in fines and even imprisonment. The seriousness of your violations – and resulting penalties – are tracked by MVC using a point system.

If you are convicted of a moving violation, MVC will penalize you by adding points to your driving record. You will only get points on your record for moving violations – points are not assessed for parking and other violations. A table is provided for more information on the number of points earned for specific violations.

How Do Points Affect You?

• If you get six or more points within three years on your current driving record, you will be assessed a surcharge
• If you get 12 or more points on your current driving record, your license will be suspended. You will receive a notice of scheduled suspension by mail
• Getting points on your license may also increase your insurance rates. Contact your insurance agent for details

How Can I Get Rid Of Points On My Record?

Although MVC keeps a permanent record of all the points you’ve earned, it is possible to earn point deductions by remaining violation and suspension-free for one year or by taking qualified driving courses approved by MVC.

Note: Your insurance company might not factor these deductions into your insurance rate.

NJSA point schedule for the most common violations

Surcharges

Surcharges are fines assessed by New Jersey Surcharge Violation System (NJSVS). Drivers who have excessive points for traffic violations or have been convicted in court for specific offenses such as driving while intoxicated (DWI) are liable for Surcharge. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines and/or penalties and are billed yearly for three years.

Why do you get a Surcharge?

Your New Jersey driving record is reviewed every time points or other serious violations are added to your driving record. 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. A points based Surcharge can result in a Surcharge for three years.

Additional violations that will result in a Surcharge due for three years:

• $100 for unlicensed driver or driver with expired license ($300 total)
• $250 for driving with a suspended license ($750 total)
• $100 for failure to insure a moped ($300 total)
• $250 for operating an uninsured vehicle ($750 total)
• $1,000 for first and second driving while intoxicated (DWI) ($3,000 total)
• $1,500 third DWI (if it occurs within three years last offense) ($4,500 total)
• $1,000 for refusing to take test to measure blood alcohol concentration ($3,000 total)

Not paying surcharges?

Drivers failing to pay surcharges are sent a notice indicating when their license will be suspended and another notice confirming suspension for non-payment. Moving out of state or failing to maintain a current address with the MVC does not excuse surcharge debts. After suspension, surcharges and a $100 restoration fee must be paid to restore the license privilege. If the surcharge remains unpaid a Certificate of Debt is filed in Superior Court. The court issues a judgment, which allows the state to collect unpaid surcharges through involuntary means. The judgment amount (surcharge debt) must be paid before personal property can be transferred or sold. Judgments include a collection cost and interest charges calculated on the judgment balance. Unpaid judgments are assigned to collection agencies and law firms. Credit bureaus are made aware of unpaid accounts.

More Information:

• Bonus Chapter: The Truth About Traffic Violations In New Jersey
• When Does A Traffic Infraction Become A More Serious Offense In New Jersey?

Commercial Driver License Violations

Your Commercial Driver License (CDL) is at risk if you are convicted of any violations – even those involving non-commercial motor vehicles.

• Initial DUI conviction in a passenger vehicle will result in a three to 12-month basic driver license suspension and a one-year CDL suspension

Second DUI conviction in a passenger vehicle will result in a two-year basic driver license suspension and a permanently revoked CDL

Auto Insurance Rates

If you are convicted of a traffic violation, your auto insurance rate may go up as well. It will depend on your specific insurance provider’s policy. Many factors can go into the insurer’s decision, including the type of violation and your driving record and accident history. Insurance.com analyzed nearly 500,000 auto insurance quotes and other data and determined typical rate increases that accompany certain traffic violations. This chart may help you to understand the potential rate increase you could face if your traffic ticket leads to a conviction:

An auto insurance company may ultimately reduce your rate if you complete a defensive driving course or go a certain period of time without a new violation.