One traffic ticket won’t necessarily cost you your license right away. However, multiple violations over time can accumulate rapidly, and that final ticket may be the violation that places you over the suspension threshold.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission uses a point system to track driving violations, where each offense adds points to your record. Once you accumulate too many points, you face serious consequences, including license suspension.
Knowing exactly how the state’s points system works provides some advantage before things get serious.
The points system and what it means for your finances
Every moving violation in New Jersey adds a set number of points to your driving record. Those points accumulate and once you reach 12, the state suspends your license. The agency will notify you of your scheduled license suspension via mail.
Even if you do not reach the 12-point suspension threshold, you will already start to feel the financial consequences at six points. The state department charges a surcharge of $150 per year for drivers who accumulate at least six points within a three-year period.
Moreover, there’s also an extra $25 surcharge for each point beyond six. That financial burden stacks on top of any fines you already paid for the original violation.
Common violations and their point values
Different offenses carry different point values. The most points you can get for one violation is eight points for disappearing after an accident that led to injury. Other common and higher-point violations include:
- Improper passing: Four points
- Speeding: Between two to five points, depending on speed
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way road: Two points
- Reckless driving: Five points
- Tailgating: Five points
- Improper right or left turn: Three points
- Running a red light: Two points
For traffic violations out of state, you will still get two points added against your New Jersey license.
Available options when facing license suspension
Fortunately, options exist to bring your total down before or even after you reach 12 points. Completing an approved driving course or program can remove up to three points, but there are limitations and conditions.
The Driver Improvement Program for experienced drivers is available in lieu of the suspension and can deduct up to three points. The Probationary Driver Program works similarly but for new drivers and comes with a two-year probationary period.
Meanwhile, finishing approved defensive driving courses are a voluntary option that can deduct two points off driving records. However, this offer is only available once every five years.
Preserving your driving privileges
Traffic violations might seem minor at first, but if you depend on your car to get to work or handle daily responsibilities, losing your license creates significant life disruption.
Staying aware of your point total and addressing violations promptly makes a real difference. If you’re approaching that 12-point mark or already facing suspension, consulting with a lawyer can help you explore your options and potentially save your license.