Points, tickets and licence suspension in New Jersey

By the end of this topic you can

• You can give the point values for common New Jersey violations.
• You can explain when the MVC surcharge starts.
• You can describe the probationary driver period for new drivers.
• You can name the ways points can be reduced.
• You can list reasons a license can be suspended.

What you need to know and understand

• Speeding 1 to 14 mph over the limit adds 2 points; 15 to 29 mph over adds 4; 30 mph or more over adds 5.
• Tailgating, reckless driving and illegally passing a school bus each add 5 points.
• Leaving the scene of a crash with personal injury adds 8 points.
• Six or more points within three years brings a surcharge of $150, plus $25 for each extra point, every year for three years.
• Reaching 12 or more points can lead to a notice of scheduled suspension.
• New drivers start a two-year probationary period when they receive a permit.
• Up to 3 points are removed for each year without a violation or suspension.
• A defensive driving course removes 2 points, and only counts once every five years.

Common violations and their points

• Failure to obey a traffic signal, stop sign or yield sign: 2.
• Failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk: 2.
• Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle: 2.
• Move Over law violation: 2.
• Improper right or left turn, or improper U-turn: 3.
• Improper passing in a no-passing zone: 4.
• Racing on a highway, reckless driving, tailgating, passing a school bus: 5.
• Moving violations in another state: 2.

New drivers on probation

Your two-year probationary driver period starts when you get your special learner or examination permit. If you are convicted of two or more moving violations totaling 4 or more points in that time, you must complete the Probationary Driver Program. Completing it can take up to 3 points off your record. Failing to complete it, or getting another point violation during the follow-up period, leads to suspension.

This is separate from GDL restriction tickets, which carry their own fine and can lead to suspension.

Surcharges and suspensions

Points also bring money penalties. With six or more points posted in three years, the MVC charges a surcharge of $150 plus $25 for each point over six, every year for three years, on top of court fines. Unpaid surcharges can lead to suspension and collection action.

At 12 or more points, the MVC sends a notice of scheduled suspension. You may be able to attend a Driver Improvement Program, which removes 3 points, request a hearing or accept the suspension. Licenses can also be suspended for unpaid parking tickets, driving uninsured, DUI and more. Our New Jersey points and surcharges guide goes deeper.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a couple of small tickets do not matter. For new drivers, 4 points from two violations triggers a required program.
• Ignoring a surcharge bill. Unpaid surcharges can suspend your license.
• Believing out-of-state tickets stay out of state. They add 2 points in New Jersey.
• Taking a defensive driving course twice in a few years. Point reductions count only once every five years.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in New Jersey

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• NJ MVC Points and Surcharges
• New Jersey 6 Points of ID
• Getting a First New Jersey License as an Adult Over 21