How Does the Point System in New Jersey Affect Drivers?
Getting a traffic ticket in New Jersey means more than just paying a fine. It pulls you into a system that can affect your finances and driving privileges for years. Understanding the state’s point system is not just useful; it is vital for protecting your wallet and your license. Each moving violation adds points to your driving record, similar to demerits that signal increased risk.
If you accumulate too many, you could face steep surcharges, soaring insurance premiums, or even license suspension. The flashing lights in your mirror may fade quickly, but the consequences of those points can last much longer.
What Happens When You Accumulate Points on Your License?
New Jersey’s point system assigns specific values to traffic violations, which are added to your driving record only after conviction. If you get six or more points within three years on your current driving record, you will be assessed a surcharge. If you get 12 or more points on your current driving record, your license will be suspended. Points are applied only after pleading guilty, being found guilty at trial, or failing to appear in court, so every ticket offers a chance for legal defense.
A driver who accumulates 5 points in year one and 2 points in year two crosses the 6-point surcharge threshold. Because New Jersey uses a rolling three-year timeline, timing and legal strategy are essential to avoiding long-term penalties.
What are the Critical Point Thresholds and Their Consequences
Understanding the point system is necessary to avoid financial penalties and license suspension. The consequences of accumulating points can be severe, including surcharges, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. Here are:
6-Point Surcharge Trigger
Accumulating 6 or more points within 3 years will result in a $150 surcharge, plus $25 for every point over 6. This surcharge will last for 3 years. This creates a minimum $450 financial obligation spread over three years, separate from original fines and court costs.
12-Point Suspension
Reaching 12 points triggers automatic license suspension, but this isn’t the only path to losing your driving privileges. Certain violations carry immediate suspension consequences regardless of total point accumulation.
Insurance Rate Impacts
Insurance companies review driving records regularly, and even minor point accumulation can result in rate increases that persist for years. These “hidden” costs often exceed the direct financial penalties imposed by the state.
The Three-Point Annual Reduction
Three points are removed from your driving record every 12 months following your last traffic violation. This automatic reduction only occurs when you maintain a violation-free period, making clean driving essential for point management.
Defensive Driving Course Benefits
New Jersey allows drivers to remove up to 2 points by completing approved defensive driving courses, but this option is limited to once every five years. Strategic timing of this option can be vital for drivers approaching threshold limits.
What are the Common Violations and Their Point Values
Here’s a breakdown of some common traffic violations and the points they carry:
General Moving Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:4-96 | Reckless driving | 5 |
| 39:4-97 | Careless driving | 2 |
| 39:4-97.1 | Slow speed blocking traffic | 2 |
| 39:4-97.2 | Unsafe driving (only 3rd or subsequent offense within 5 years) | 4 |
| 39:4-97.3 | Use of a handheld cellphone (3rd offense or more within 10 years) | 3 |
| 39:4-89 | Tailgating (following too closely) | 5 |
| 39:4-90 | Failure to yield at the intersection | 2 |
| 39:4-90.1 | Improper entrance to a limited-access highway | 2 |
| 39:4-91–92 | Failure to yield to emergency vehicles | 2 |
| 39:4-129 | Leaving scene of accident (no injury) | 2 |
| 39:4-129 | Leaving scene of accident (with injury) | 8 |
Speeding Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:4-98 | Speeding 1–14 mph over the limit | 2 |
| 39:4-98 | Speeding 15–29 mph over the limit | 4 |
| 39:4-98 | Speeding 30+ mph over the limit | 5 |
Lane & Passing Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:4-84 | Failure to pass to right of oncoming vehicle | 5 |
| 39:4-85 | Improper passing on right or off roadway | 4 |
| 39:4-85.1 | Wrong way on one-way street | 2 |
| 39:4-86 | Improper passing in no no-passing zone | 4 |
| 39:4-87 | Failure to yield to an overtaking vehicle | 2 |
| 39:4-88 | Failure to observe traffic lanes | 2 |
| 39:4-82 | Failure to keep right | 2 |
| 39:4-82.1 | Improper operation on divided highway/divider | 2 |
| 39:4-83 | Failure to keep right at intersection | 2 |
Signal & Stop Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:4-81 | Failure to observe traffic signals (Red light camera violations: 0 pts) | 2 |
| 39:4-105 | Failure to stop at a traffic light | 2 |
| 39:4-115 | Improper turn at the traffic light | 3 |
| 39:4-119 | Failure to stop at a flashing red signal | 2 |
| 39:4-122 | Failure to stop for a police whistle | 2 |
| 39:4-123 | Improper right or left turn | 3 |
| 39:4-124 | Improper turn from the approved turning course | 3 |
| 39:4-125 | Improper U-turn | 3 |
| 39:4-126 | Failure to give a proper signal | 2 |
| 39:4-127 | Improper backing or turning in the street | 2 |
| 39:4-144 | Failure to observe stop or yield signs | 2 |
Pedestrian & School Zone Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:4-35 | Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 2 |
| 39:4-36 | Passing a vehicle yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 2 |
| 39:4-128.1 | Improper passing of a school bus | 5 |
| 39:4-128.4 | Improper passing of the frozen dessert truck | 4 |
Miscellaneous Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:4-52 | Racing on the highway | 5 |
| 39:5C-1 | Racing on the highway (alternate statute) | 5 |
| 39:4-66.2 | Driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal | 2 |
| 39:4-71 | Operating a vehicle on a sidewalk | 2 |
| 39:4-127.1 | Improper crossing of the railroad grade | 2 |
| 39:4-127.2 | Improper crossing of the bridge | 2 |
| 39:4-128 | Improper crossing of the railroad by certain vehicles | 2 |
| 39:4-97a | Destruction of agricultural/recreational property | 2 |
Toll Road Violations
(New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway)
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 27:23-29 | Moving against traffic | 2 |
| 27:23-29 | Improper passing | 4 |
| 27:23-29 | Unlawful use of the median strip | 2 |
Out-of-State Violations
| Statute | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 39:5D-4 | Moving violation committed out of state | 2 |
Each violation is tied to a specific statute under New Jersey law. For example, careless driving is governed by N.J.S.A. 39:4-97, and reckless driving falls under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96.
How to Remove Points from Your Record
Points on your driving record aren’t permanent, and New Jersey offers several ways to reduce them. If you maintain a clean driving history for one full year, with no violations or suspensions, the MVC automatically deducts 3 points. You can also remove 2 points by completing a state-approved defensive driving course, available once every five years.
Drivers who accumulate 12–14 points over more than two years may qualify for the Driver Improvement Program (DIP), which can reduce points and help avoid suspension.
Additionally, new drivers with multiple violations totaling 4 or more points may be required to attend the Probationary Driver Program, which also offers point reduction. These options make proactive driving and timely intervention essential for maintaining a clean record.
Why Legal Help Can Make a Difference
New Jersey’s point system will continue evolving, but understanding its current structure empowers drivers to make informed decisions about their cases. The key is recognizing that every traffic ticket represents both immediate consequences and long-term implications that extend far beyond the citation date.
Whether you’re facing your first traffic violation or dealing with multiple citations, understanding the system puts you in control of your response strategy. Don’t let a traffic ticket become a long-term financial burden without exploring all your legal options.
At Rosengard Law Group, we help drivers understand their options and develop strategies that protect both their immediate interests and long-term driving privileges. Because when it comes to traffic violations, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you—both financially and legally.
Every case is unique, and every driver deserves representation that understands both the law and the real-world consequences of traffic convictions. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can help protect your driving future.
FAQs
How long do points stay on my record?
Points remain on your record permanently, but their impact lessens over time. You can reduce points by going one year without violations or taking approved courses.
Can I fight a traffic ticket to avoid points?
Yes. You can challenge a ticket in municipal court. A lawyer can help you reduce or eliminate points by negotiating or proving your innocence.
What happens if I reach 12 points?
Your license may be suspended. You’ll need to complete a driver improvement program or serve a suspension period before driving again.
Can I remove points with a defensive driving course?
Yes. You can remove 2 points by completing a state-approved defensive driving course once every five years.
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