Understanding Points & Penalties in NJ
Getting a traffic ticket in New Jersey isn’t just about paying a fine—it can also add points to your driving record. These points can mess with your license and even raise your insurance costs. On this page, we’ll break down how points work, what penalties you might face, and how to keep your record clean. Let’s make it simple so you can drive worry-free!
How Points Work in New Jersey
Every time you get a ticket for breaking a traffic rule, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) might add points to your driving record. The number of points depends on what you did wrong. Here are some common examples:
- Speeding (1-14 mph over the limit): 2 points
- Running a red light: 2 points
- Using your phone while driving: 3 points
- Reckless driving: 5 points
If you’re not sure how many points your ticket adds, you can check your ticket’s violation code on the NJ MVC website. Points stick around for a while—usually a few years—so they can add up if you’re not careful.
What Happens When You Get Too Many Points?
Points aren’t just numbers—they can cause big problems. Here’s what happens if you rack up too many:
- 6 or More Points: You’ll have to pay a surcharge (an extra fee) to the MVC. This starts at $150 and goes up $25 for each extra point.
- 12 or More Points: Your license gets suspended. That means no driving until you fix it, which can take months.
- Insurance Costs: More points often mean higher car insurance rates because companies see you as a risky driver.
For example, a friend of mine got 8 points from two tickets in a year. He paid a $200 surcharge and saw his insurance bill jump by $50 a month. It’s a pricey lesson!
How to Avoid Points and Penalties
Don’t worry—there are ways to keep points off your record or lower them:
- Fight Your Ticket: If you think the ticket isn’t fair, plead “not guilty” using NJMCDIRECT. You might get the ticket dropped or points reduced.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: NJ lets you remove 2 points every 5 years by completing an approved course. It’s online, takes a few hours, and can even lower your insurance.
- Drive Safely: Follow speed limits, stop at lights, and put your phone down. Fewer tickets mean fewer points.
Here’s a tip nobody talks about: If you’re close to 6 points, ask the court for a “zero-point” deal on a minor ticket. It’s not guaranteed, but it saved me 2 points once when I explained my situation to the judge.
What If Your License Gets Suspended?
If you hit 12 points and lose your license, don’t panic. You’ll need to:
- Pay a restoration fee ($100) to the MVC.
- Wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days to a year, depending on your case).
- Sometimes, take a driver improvement course.
After that, you can drive again—but be extra careful to avoid more points. A suspended license can also make it hard to get to work or school, so it’s worth fighting tickets early to avoid this mess.
Stay On Top of Your Points
Want to know how many points you have? You can check your driving record on the NJ MVC website for a small fee (about $15). It’s a good idea to look every year, especially if you’ve had a ticket. Knowing your points helps you plan—like taking a course to lower them before things get worse.
Why This Matters to You
Points and penalties aren’t just annoying—they can change your daily life. A clean record keeps your wallet happy and your driving privileges safe. Whether you’re paying a fine with NJMCDIRECT or fighting a ticket, understanding points is the first step to staying in control.