Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
New Jersey adds points to your driving record when you are convicted of a moving violation, from 2 points for most offenses up to 8 for leaving the scene of a crash with injury. Six or more points within 3 years triggers an MVC surcharge of $150, plus $25 for each extra point, billed every year for 3 years. New drivers face a tighter rule: two or more violations totaling 4 or more points during the first two years means a mandatory Probationary Driver Program.
Key facts (as of November 2026)
- Point surcharge: 6+ points in 3 years = $150, plus $25 per point over 6, yearly for 3 years.
- Notice of Scheduled Suspension: sent at 12 to 14 points (2026 manual).
- New drivers: a 2-year probationary period starts when you get your permit.
- Safe driving credit: up to 3 points removed for each year with no violation or suspension.
- Defensive driving course: 2 points off, once every 5 years.
- Out-of-state moving violations: 2 points on your New Jersey record.
How many points is a ticket in New Jersey?
Selected values from the MVC moving violation point chart:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1 to 14 mph over the limit | 2 |
| Speeding 15 to 29 mph over | 4 |
| Speeding 30 mph or more over | 5 |
| Failure to observe stop or yield signs | 2 |
| Failure to stop for a traffic light | 2 |
| Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 2 |
| Careless driving | 2 |
| Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle | 2 |
| Move Over law violation | 2 |
| Failure to give proper signal | 2 |
| Improper right or left turn, improper U-turn | 3 |
| Improper passing in a no passing zone | 4 |
| Improper passing of a frozen dessert truck | 4 |
| Tailgating | 5 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Racing on a highway | 5 |
| Improper passing of a school bus | 5 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash, no injury | 2 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash, personal injury | 8 |
| Moving violation in another state | 2 |
Hand-held phone convictions carry 3 points only from the third offense within 10 years of the second. Fines for phone use run from $200 to $400 for a first offense. A Safe Passing Law violation that causes bodily injury brings a $500 fine and 2 points.
The Probationary Driver Program for new NJ drivers
Every first-time permit holder starts a 2-year probationary period. If, during that time, you are convicted of two or more moving violations totaling 4 or more points:
- The MVC sends a Fee Due notice.
- You pay a $75 administrative fee to the MVC before scheduling the class, or you get no credit.
- You attend a 4-hour classroom course with an approved provider. The provider’s fee will not exceed $75, so the total will not exceed $150 (MVC PDP FAQ).
- You complete it within the time on your notice (the FAQ refers to 120 days). Arriving late or leaving early counts as failing to complete.
Completing the program removes up to 3 points. Any moving violation within one year after the class leads to suspension, and so does missing the program. A defensive driving course cannot replace it. If you are suspended for missing it, you pay a $100 restoration fee and still complete the class.
Scenario: two tickets in the first year
Six months after getting your probationary license, you are convicted of going 18 mph over the limit (4 points). That alone is one violation. Two months later you get 2 points for failing to signal. That makes two violations totaling 6 points, so the Probationary Driver Program is mandatory.
How NJ MVC surcharges work
Surcharges are separate from court fines and are billed by the New Jersey Surcharge Violation System (NJSVS), yearly for 3 years.
| Reason | Yearly surcharge | 3-year total |
|---|---|---|
| 6 points within 3 years | $150 (+$25 per point over 6) | Depends on points |
| Unlicensed driver or expired license | $100 | $300 |
| Driving while suspended | $250 | $750 |
| Uninsured vehicle | $250 | $750 |
| First or second DWI, or refusing a breath test | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Third DWI within 3 years of the last | $1,500 | $4,500 |
Points count from the date a violation is posted to your record, not the date of the ticket. The 3-point safe driving credit and the 2-point defensive driving reduction do not lower your surcharge point total. Unpaid surcharges can lead to judgments, liens, wage garnishment and seizure of state tax refunds.
Reaching 12 points: the Driver Improvement Program
At 12 to 14 points, the MVC mails a Notice of Scheduled Suspension. You can attend the Driver Improvement Program (if eligible), request a hearing, or surrender your license for the suspension period. The MVC web page describes the program as offered instead of a 30-day suspension. Completing it removes 3 points, costs a $75 MVC fee plus the provider’s fee, and is followed by a one-year probation in which any moving violation leads to a scheduled suspension.
Common questions
How long do points stay on your NJ record?
All point violations since March 1, 1974, stay on your driving record. Your active point total drops by up to 3 points for every year without a violation or suspension, but never below zero.
Does a defensive driving course remove points in New Jersey?
Yes, 2 points, once every 5 years, and only if you have points when you finish. It does not reduce surcharges or replace the Probationary Driver Program.
Do out-of-state tickets add points in NJ?
Yes. A moving violation in another state adds 2 points to your New Jersey record.
Can I get a work license if I am suspended?
No. The MVC says New Jersey has no special license for suspended drivers to drive to work.
Do GDL violations add points?
The manual says breaking GDL restrictions can bring a $100 fine or suspension. It does not list GDL violations in the point chart.
Related: New Jersey probationary license rules, points systems across the US, zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21. Back to the complete New Jersey learner guide.
Sources
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “New Jersey Driver Manual 2026” (nj.gov)
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “Surcharges” (nj.gov)
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “Driver Programs” (nj.gov)
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Probationary Driver Program (PDP)” (nj.gov)