In addition to fines and fees, a New Jersey traffic ticket will often result in the assessment of demerit points. This article explains New Jersey's traffic violation point system and the consequences of racking up too many points on your driving record.
All moving violation convictions are reported to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The MVC then assesses points to the person's driving record. The number of points roughly corresponds to the seriousness of the violation (see chart below).
New Jersey drivers who accumulate too many points can expect two consequences: license suspension and license surcharges.
However, points eventually expire, and drivers have options for removing points from their records and avoiding point-related consequences (explained below).
The consequences you'll face for point accumulation depend on how many points the driver has received over the past three years.
A driver who accumulates six points will receive a notice indicating the driver's current point total and the penalties associated with additional points. A driver with a probationary license will receive a warning after any points are assessed.
The MVC is authorized to suspend the license of any driver who acquires at least 12 points. The length of the suspension depends on the number of points within a certain period of time.
Points acquired over a two-year period will result in the following suspensions:
Points
Suspension duration
At least 180 days
Points acquired over a period of more than two years will result in the following suspensions:
Points
Suspension duration
At least 180 days
The MVC is permitted to modify the suspension for "good cause." In other words, based on the driver's history and any other relevant factors, the MVC can require completion of a driver improvement program in lieu of part of or the entire suspension period.
Any points assessed against a driver operating with a learner's permit will result in a 90-day suspension and delay in license advancement. The holder must also take a four-hour driver improvement course. A probationary license holder who is assessed at least two points will be required to complete the four-hour driver improvement course or face license suspension.
In addition to license penalties, the MVC will order an annual surcharge against any driver with at least six points in 36 months. The driver will be charged $150, then an additional $25 for each point above six.
All license points expire after three years from the date of the violation. Three points will also be removed for every 12-months the driver is violation-free.
A driver can voluntarily complete a license improvement course to remove three demerit points. However, this option is available only once every two years.
A driver can also voluntarily complete a defensive driving course once every five years. Completion of the course will remove two demerit points.
Here are the point values for some of the more common traffic violations.
Violation
Points Assessed
Driving wrong way
Failure to yield to pedestrian
Diving through safety zone
Failure to yield on on-ramp
Driving on sidewalk
Improper passing on right
Passing in no-pass zone