How Does the New Jersey Points System Work?
In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses a point system to encourage drivers to drive safely and avoid traffic violations. Under this system, different moving violations assess 2 to 8 points against the driver’s license. If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within 3 years, it results in mandatory driver’s license suspension. Make sure to speak with an experienced New Jersey accident lawyer for guidance.
Points Assigned to Common Traffic Violations
The purpose of the New Jersey points system is to impose consequences on drivers who commit traffic infractions, in an effort to improve the safety of the state’s roads and highways. Under this system, common violations such as speeding and running a red light come with a certain number of points that are added to the individual’s driving record, as kept by the MVC.
The State of New Jersey’s website details the points schedule, or the number of points attached to each type of conviction. Below is a list of common violations and their corresponding point values:
- Careless driving (NJSA § 39:4-97): 2 points
- Failing to yield at an intersection (NJSA § 39:4-90): 2 points
- Failing to observe traffic signals (NJSA § 39:4-81): 2 points
- Using a handheld device such as a cellphone while driving (NJSA § 39:4-97.3): 3 points
- Improper passing (NJSA § 27:23-29): 4 points
- Tailgating (NJSA § 39:4-89) and reckless driving (NJSA § 49:4-96): 5 points
- Speeding (NJSA § 39:4-98): 2 to 5 points, depending on speed
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury (NJSA § 39:4-129): 8 points
Note that points are only added for moving violations, not violations while a vehicle is parked or equipment-related citations. Some moving violations, such as driving under the influence, are serious enough that they do not come with points, but are instead penalized with more severe consequences, such as fines, jail time and driver’s license suspension. The point system is reserved for mid-level traffic offenses; more serious violations bypass it.
What Are the Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points?
New Jersey’s point system is meant to encourage safe driving to bring down the number of automobile accidents that occur each year. It does this by imposing consequences against the individual’s driving privileges if a driver acquires too many points in a short amount of time.
The consequences are as follows:
- Accumulating 6 points on your driving record within 3 years (36 months) subjects you to heavy fines and an annual surcharge of $150 from the MVC. Every point after 6 points results in a $25 annual surcharge increase per point.
- Accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months. You will have to pay to have your license reinstated at the end of the suspension period.
In addition, points against your driver’s license can lead to increased insurance premiums for your automobile policy. After a certain number of points or a serious traffic conviction, you may be dropped by your insurer entirely.
Can You Reduce Your Driver’s License Points in New Jersey?
As long as you do not accumulate points for further violations or convictions, 3 points will be deducted from your license every year by the New Jersey MVC. You may also be able to remove points from your driving record sooner by taking approved driver education and traffic safety courses.
However, this option is not available every year. Only every 2 years, the completion of a driver improvement program can deduct 3 points. Every 5 years, a defensive driver program can be completed to deduct an additional 2 points.
If you wish to limit the impact of points against your driving record in New Jersey, a traffic ticket criminal defense lawyer can help you argue against tickets, challenge traffic stops, contest evidence against you, prevent convictions and avoid points from being assessed. Speak with a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey today.