Understanding How NJ Traffic Points Are Counted on Your Driver’s License

Driving in New Jersey comes with rules to keep roads safe. When drivers break these rules, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) adds points to their driver’s license. These points track violations and encourage safe driving. This article explains how traffic points are counted, which violations add points, and how they affect your license in simple terms.

What Are Traffic Points in New Jersey?

Traffic points are a way for the NJ MVC to monitor driving behavior. Each time a driver is found guilty of a moving violation, like speeding or running a red light, points are added to their license. The number of points depends on how serious the violation is. The goal is to identify risky drivers and encourage them to follow traffic laws.

Points are not added for minor issues like parking tickets. They are for moving violations that could make roads unsafe. The more points you have, the higher the penalties, like fines or even losing your license.

How Points Are Counted and Added to Your License

When you get a traffic ticket in New Jersey, you can either pay the fine, which means admitting guilt, or challenge the ticket in court. If you’re found guilty, the MVC adds points to your license based on the violation. Here’s how it works:

1. Violation Occurs: A police officer issues a ticket for a moving violation, like speeding or tailgating.
2. Court or Payment: If you pay the ticket, you admit guilt, and points are added. If you go to court and lose, points are added based on the court’s decision.
3. MVC Updates Record: The MVC adds the points to your driving record. The points are counted from the date of the violation, not the court date.
4. Points Stay on Record: Points stay on your record for three years for most penalties, but the MVC keeps a permanent record of all points.

For example, if you get a ticket for speeding 15-29 mph over the limit, you get 4 points. If you get another ticket for careless driving, you add 2 more points. The MVC counts these points to decide if you face extra penalties.

Common Violations and Their Points

The number of points depends on the violation’s severity. Here’s a list of common moving violations and their points, based on the NJ MVC points schedule:

• Speeding:
  • 1-14 mph over the limit: 2 points
  • 15-29 mph over the limit: 4 points
  • 30 mph or more over the limit: 5 points
• Careless Driving: 2 points
• Improper Passing: 4 points
• Tailgating: 5 points
• Reckless Driving: 5 points
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 2 points
• Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian: 2 points
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident (with injury): 8 points

Some serious violations, like driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended license, don’t add points but lead to immediate license suspension or other penalties. Out-of-state tickets also add 2 points to your NJ license, no matter the violation, because of agreements between states.

Consequences of Accumulating Points

Points on your license can lead to several problems. The more points you have, the worse the consequences. Here’s what happens:

• 6 or More Points in 3 Years: You must pay a surcharge (extra fee) to the MVC. It starts at $150 for 6 points, plus $25 for each point after 6. For example, 9 points means a $225 surcharge. This fee is paid every year for three years.
• 12 or More Points in 3 Years: Your driver’s license is suspended. The suspension can last from 30 days to 6 months, depending on how many points you have. You’ll also pay a $100 fee to get your license back after the suspension.
• Insurance Costs: Points make you seem like a risky driver to insurance companies. Even 2 points can raise your insurance rates by 20% or more. For example, 4 points could increase your yearly insurance by up to $1,200.

These penalties show why it’s important to keep points low. Too many points can make driving expensive or stop you from driving legally.

How to Check Your Points

You can check how many points are on your license by requesting a Driver History Abstract from the NJ MVC website. It costs $15 and shows all violations and points on your record. Knowing your point total helps you understand if you’re at risk of surcharges or suspension.

How to Reduce Points on Your License

If you have points, there are ways to remove them. Here are the main options:

1. Drive Safely for One Year: If you go 12 months without any violations or suspensions, the MVC removes 3 points from your record. This happens automatically.
2. Defensive Driving Course: Taking an MVC-approved defensive driving course removes 2 points. You can do this once every 5 years. The course also gives you a 5-10% discount on car insurance.
3. Driver Improvement Program: If you have 12-14 points, the MVC may let you take this program instead of a suspension. It removes 3 points and costs $150. You can take it once every 2 years.
4. Probationary Driver Program: If you’re a new driver with a probationary license and get 4 or more points, you must take this program. It removes 3 points but is only for specific drivers.

These options help you lower points and avoid penalties. Taking a course also makes you a better driver, which can prevent future tickets.

Tips to Avoid Getting Points

The best way to manage points is to avoid getting them. Here are some simple tips:

• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding is a common reason for points. Always check speed limit signs and drive within them.
• Obey Traffic Signals: Stop at red lights and stop signs to avoid 2-point violations.
• Be Careful When Passing: Improper passing adds 4 points, so only pass when it’s safe and legal.
• Avoid Distractions: Don’t use your phone or do anything that takes your focus off the road.
• Challenge Tickets: If you get a ticket, talk to a traffic lawyer. They might help reduce or remove points by fighting the ticket in court.

Being a safe driver keeps your record clean and saves you money.

Why Points Matter

Points on your driver’s license are more than just numbers. They show how safe you are as a driver and affect your ability to drive legally. Too many points can lead to high fees, expensive insurance, or losing your license. By understanding how points are counted and taking steps to reduce them, you can protect your driving privileges and keep costs low.

If you’re worried about points or have a ticket, contact a New Jersey traffic lawyer for help. They can guide you through the process and work to keep your record clean. Stay safe on the roads, and drive smart to avoid points!

Sources: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Points Schedule, NJ MVC Surcharges, and NJ Defensive Driving Course Information.