Traffic violations add up faster than many drivers expect. If you have received notice that your driver’s license is suspended or at risk of being suspended due to tickets, there are steps you can take to address the situation and potentially regain your driving privileges.
How Does New Jersey’s Point System Work?
When a driver commits a traffic violation, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) assigns “points” to their driving record. For example, driving 15 to 29 miles per hour over the speed limit carries four points; the more serious the offense, the higher the number of points.
If a driver accumulates six or more points within a three-year period, they may be subject to a surcharge. If they reach 12 points or more, their license is subject to suspension. The MVC mails a notice explaining the suspension period, which reflects how many points were accumulated and how quickly they were received.
What Happens After a Suspension Notice?
Once a driver receives a suspension notice from the MVC, they must stop driving immediately! Operating a vehicle with a suspended license can lead to further penalties, including additional fines and extended suspension periods. It is important to carefully read the notice to understand the length of the suspension and any required steps before driving privileges can be restored.
In some cases, the MVC may allow the driver to attend a hearing to contest the suspension or request a reduction. Failing to respond to the notice in a timely manner can result in further legal and financial consequences.
Can I Fight a License Suspension?
You may be able to challenge or reduce the suspension period. One option is to request a hearing with the MVC to present mitigating circumstances or show that some of the points were incorrectly applied. In other cases, older violations may be eligible for removal from the record.
Another possibility is completing a defensive driving course, which can reduce the total number of points on a driving record. The MVC allows up to two points to be deducted for successfully finishing an approved course. However, this can only be used once every five years for point reduction purposes.
Legal representation during a hearing may also help you address ticket-related issues, present documentation, and request relief, particularly if the tickets stem from a limited timeframe or involve circumstances that affected judgment or response.
What Is the Process for Restoring a Suspended License?
Before a driver can legally get back behind the wheel, they must meet all conditions outlined by the MVC. This may include serving the full suspension period, paying any outstanding surcharges, and completing any mandatory courses. Once those steps are completed, the driver must apply for license restoration and pay a restoration fee.
Simply waiting for the suspension period to end is not enough to restore a license. The driver must actively go through the restoration process and wait for the MVC to confirm the license has been reinstated. Driving before this confirmation can result in further legal trouble.
How Can I Avoid Future License Suspensions?
Avoiding license suspension in the future requires a long-term change in driving habits. Following posted speed limits, avoiding distractions, and staying aware of traffic laws can prevent the accumulation of additional points. If you do receive a ticket, respond to it quickly and address the matter through appropriate legal or administrative channels to reduce the risk of further consequences.
Additionally, reviewing your driving record periodically can help you track how many points have accumulated and whether you may be approaching the limit. Some violations remain on a record for years, and repeated infractions can have long-term consequences.
Need Legal Support After a License Suspension? Talk to Our Experienced New Jersey Ticket Lawyers at Ellis Law
The seasoned New Jersey ticket lawyers at Ellis Law have helped many drivers restore suspended licenses. For a free consultation, call us today at 732-702-6103 or complete our online form. With our office in Freehold, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in both New Jersey and New York.
