In New Jersey, losing your driver’s license can happen because of simple mistakes. A suspended license means you can’t drive legally until you fix the problem and pay a fee to get your license back. This article explains the most common reasons for driver’s license suspension in New Jersey, how to avoid these mistakes, and what to do if your license is suspended. It’s written in simple English to help everyone understand.
Why Your License Can Be Suspended in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) or a court can suspend your driver’s license for many reasons. Some are serious, like driving under the influence (DUI), but others are common mistakes that many drivers make. Below are the most frequent errors that lead to license suspension.
1. Getting Too Many Points on Your Driving Record
New Jersey uses a point system to track driving violations. Every time you get a ticket for things like speeding or running a red light, points are added to your driving record. If you get 12 or more points within three years, your license will be suspended.
Common Mistakes That Add Points:
- Speeding (2–5 points, depending on how fast you were going)
- Running a red light or stop sign (2 points)
- Improper passing or U-turns (3–5 points)
- Tailgating (5 points)
How to Avoid This:
- Drive carefully and follow traffic rules.
- If you get a ticket, consider fighting it in court with a lawyer to avoid points.
- Take a Driver Improvement Program to remove up to 3 points from your record. You can do this once every two years.
What Happens:If you reach 12 points, the MVC sends a notice of suspension. The suspension usually lasts 14 to 30 days, but it depends on your case. You’ll need to pay a $100 restoration fee to get your license back after the suspension period.
2. Not Paying Traffic Tickets or Fines
If you get a traffic or parking ticket and don’t pay it, the court can suspend your license. This is a common mistake because some drivers ignore tickets or forget to pay them.
Common Mistakes:
- Ignoring parking tickets, even small ones.
- Not paying traffic tickets on time.
- Missing a court date for a ticket.
How to Avoid This:
- Pay tickets as soon as you get them. You can usually pay online, by mail, or at the municipal court.
- If you can’t pay the full amount, ask the court for a payment plan.
- Keep track of court dates and show up if required.
What Happens:If you don’t pay, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest and suspend your license. To fix this, you must pay the fines and the $100 restoration fee. If you miss payments on a payment plan, your license could be suspended again.
3. Driving Without Insurance
In New Jersey, it’s illegal to drive without car insurance. If you’re caught driving without valid insurance, your license can be suspended.
Common Mistakes:
- Letting your insurance lapse (expire) without renewing it.
- Driving a car that’s not insured, even if you own another insured car.
- Not providing proof of insurance when asked by police.
How to Avoid This:
- Always keep your insurance active and renew it on time.
- Carry proof of insurance in your car or on your phone.
- If you sell a car, cancel its registration to avoid tickets for uninsured plates.
What Happens:If you’re caught without insurance, your license can be suspended for up to one year for a first offense. You’ll need to show proof of current insurance and pay the $100 restoration fee to get your license back. Fines can also be $300 or more.
4. Not Paying Child Support
If you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments for six months or more, the Family Court can suspend your driver’s license. This is a common reason for suspension that’s not related to driving.
Common Mistakes:
- Missing child support payments.
- Not communicating with the court if you can’t afford payments.
How to Avoid This:
- Pay child support on time.
- If you’re struggling, contact the court to ask for a modified payment plan.
- Keep records of all payments.
What Happens:The court will suspend your license until you pay the overdue amount or set up a payment plan. You’ll also need to pay the $100 restoration fee to restore your license.
5. Failing to Appear in Court or Respond to Notices
If you’re supposed to appear in court for a traffic violation but don’t show up, the court can suspend your license. Similarly, ignoring notices from the MVC, like a suspension warning, can lead to trouble.
Common Mistakes:
- Missing a court date for a ticket.
- Not updating your address with the MVC, so you miss important notices.
- Ignoring a suspension notice thinking it’s not serious.
How to Avoid This:
- Update your address with the MVC so you get all notices.
- Respond to court summons and MVC letters right away.
- Hire a lawyer if you’re unsure how to handle a court case.
What Happens:Missing a court date can lead to a license suspension and a warrant for your arrest. To fix this, you’ll need to appear in court, pay any fines, and pay the $100 restoration fee.
What to Do If Your License Is Suspended
If your license is suspended, don’t panic. Follow these steps to get it back:
- Find Out Why It’s Suspended:
- Call the MVC at (609) 292-6500 or check your driving record online.
- Contact the court if the suspension came from a ticket or fine.
- Fix the Problem:
- Pay any outstanding fines or tickets.
- Show proof of insurance if it was an insurance issue.
- Catch up on child support or set up a payment plan.
- Complete any required programs, like a Driver Improvement Program.
- Pay the Restoration Fee:
- The fee is $100. You can pay it online, in person at an MVC office, or by mail.
- If paying by mail, send a check or money order to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission P.O. Box 165 Trenton, NJ 08666-0165 Include your driver’s license number on the payment.
- Wait Out the Suspension Period:
- Some suspensions have a set time, like 30 days or 7 months. You can’t drive during this time.
- If your license expired during the suspension, you’ll need to renew it in person.
- Get a New License:
- Once you’ve fixed the issue and paid the fee, the MVC will send a Notice of Restoration.
- Visit an MVC office to get your new license. Bring proof of identity and residency.
Tips to Avoid License Suspension
- Check Your Driving Record Regularly: You can request your driver history from the MVC to see your points and any issues.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of tickets, court dates, and insurance renewals.
- Hire a Lawyer: If you’re facing a suspension, a traffic lawyer can help reduce penalties or avoid suspension.
- Don’t Drive While Suspended: Driving with a suspended license is a serious offense. Penalties include fines ($500–$1,000), jail time (up to 90 days), and longer suspensions.
Why License Suspension Matters
A suspended license can make life hard. You might struggle to get to work, school, or the grocery store. New Jersey doesn’t offer temporary licenses for things like work, so you’ll need to find other ways to get around, like public transportation or rides from friends. Driving while suspended can also lead to bigger problems, like jail time or higher fines.
Final Thoughts
Losing your driver’s license in New Jersey can happen because of simple mistakes like ignoring tickets, driving without insurance, or getting too many points. The good news is you can avoid these problems by staying careful and organized. If your license is suspended, act quickly to fix the issue, pay the restoration fee, and get back on the road legally. If you’re unsure what to do, contact the MVC or a traffic lawyer for help.
For more information, visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website or call (609) 292-6500.
Sources:
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: Suspensions and Restorations
- Legal Services of New Jersey: Five Most Common Types of Driver’s License Suspensions
- New Jersey Traffic Law Center: The Most Common Types of Driver’s License Suspensions
Leave a Reply