In the state of New Jersey, traffic violations are not taken lightly. They are governed by a points-based system designed to deter drivers from breaking traffic laws and to encourage safe driving habits. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) assigns points to the driver’s record when traffic violations occur. Accumulation of these points can lead to penalties, fines, license suspensions, and an increase in insurance premiums.
Understanding the Points System
The points system in New Jersey operates on a simple premise: the more severe the violation, the more points you accumulate on your driving record. Accumulating points on your driving record comes with consequences. If you amass 6 or more points within three years, you will be subjected to a surcharge. Accumulating 12 or more points on your current driving record will result in a license suspension.
How Long Do Points Stay?
Points on a New Jersey driver’s license do not stay indefinitely. After one year from the date of the violation, the NJMVC removes up to 3 points from your record, provided you have not committed any violations during that period.
Out-of-State Violations
What happens when a New Jersey resident incurs a traffic violation out of state? The state receives violation notifications from other states. Regardless of what type of offense occurred in another state, New Jersey will add 2 points to your license.
Reducing Points
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or deduct points from your license. Attending a state-approved defensive driving course can remove 2 points from your record. This option is available once every five years. Maintaining a clean driving record for one year can also deduct up to 3 points from your total.
Defensive Driving Courses
Defensive driving courses are designed to help drivers improve their skills on the road. These courses cover various topics, including traffic laws, basic car maintenance, handling emergencies, and strategies for safe driving. Completing a state-approved defensive driving course in New Jersey can remove 2 points from your record. This option is available once every five years.
Impact on Insurance Rates
In New Jersey, points on your license can lead to higher auto insurance premiums. Insurers use your driving record as one of the factors to determine your risk level. Having points on your license indicates a higher risk, which can cause your insurance rates to increase.
However, completing a defensive driving course can reduce your license points and qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance. It is worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they offer such discounts.
Appealing Points
If you believe points have been wrongly added to your driving record, you can challenge this. The first step in this process is to contact the NJMVC to review your driving record.
If the points were added due to a traffic violation conviction, you may need to appeal the conviction in the court where the case was heard. This can be a complicated process and may require legal representation.
An NJ Traffic Ticket Lawyer at Ellis Law, P.C. Can Work to Keep You on the Road
Getting a traffic ticket can be a frustrating and expensive experience. It can also lead to extra points on your license, increasing your insurance rates and limiting your ability to drive. For legal help, speak with an NJ traffic ticket lawyer at Ellis Law, P.C. today. Call 732-702-6103 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
