What 6 points means on your New Jersey license
Six points on your New Jersey driving record is a serious threshold. When you accumulate 6 points within a 12-month period, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will suspend your license for a minimum of 30 days. The suspension is automatic — you do not have to wait for a hearing or a letter telling you it is coming. Once the MVC records the sixth point, your license is gone.
Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation. Most moving violations remain for 3 years from the date of conviction. Some violations, like reckless driving, stay for 5 years or longer. Even after points drop off your record, they count toward the 6-point threshold if they were added within the past 12 months.
The 6-point suspension is not the same as a revocation. A suspension is temporary — you can regain your license once the suspension period ends and you meet any other requirements the MVC sets. A revocation is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process.
Key Takeaways
- Six points accumulated within 12 months triggers an automatic 30-day license suspension from the New Jersey MVC.
- Common violations that add 2 to 4 points include speeding, careless driving, and failure to obey traffic signals.
- You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving notice.
- After your suspension ends, you must pay a $100 restoration fee to the MVC before your license is reinstated.
- Completing a defensive driving course can reduce points on your record by up to 3 points, but only once every 5 years.
Which violations put points on your New Jersey record
Not every traffic ticket results in points. Parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some administrative violations do not add points to your driving record. Moving violations — those that happen while you are driving — do add points.
Speeding is the most common point violation. Driving 1 to 14 miles per hour over the limit adds 2 points. Driving 15 to 29 miles per hour over adds 4 points. Driving 30 miles per hour or more over the limit adds 5 points. Careless driving, failure to obey a traffic signal, and improper lane changes each add 2 points. Reckless driving adds 5 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license adds 8 points.
Some violations add points only if you are convicted in court. If you pay a fine without going to court, the violation may not add points — but this varies by municipality and violation type. Always ask the court or the prosecutor whether paying the fine will result in points before you decide to pay.
How to request a hearing before suspension takes effect
When the MVC records your sixth point, it will send you a notice of suspension. This notice will include the date your suspension begins, usually 10 to 14 days after the notice is mailed. You have 10 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing before the MVC.
To request a hearing, you must write to the MVC at the address listed on the notice. Include your name, driver's license number, the date of the notice, and a brief statement of why you believe the suspension should not take effect. Sending an email or calling the MVC does not count as a formal request — you must submit a written request by mail or in person at an MVC office.
A hearing officer will review your case, but the hearing does not stop the suspension from starting on the date listed in the notice. The hearing determines whether the MVC correctly recorded the points and whether you have any legal grounds to challenge the suspension. In most cases, if you have 6 or more points, the suspension will proceed even after a hearing.
What happens during a 30-day suspension
During a suspension, you cannot legally drive in New Jersey or any other state. Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines up to $500, jail time up to 30 days, and additional points on your record. If you are caught driving while suspended, your license will be revoked, not just suspended.
The 30-day suspension period begins on the date listed in the MVC notice, not the date you receive it. If the notice says your suspension begins on January 15, it begins on January 15 even if you do not open the letter until January 20. You should assume the suspension is in effect as soon as you receive the notice.
If you receive a second suspension within 10 years of the first, the minimum suspension period increases to 90 days. A third suspension within 10 years results in a minimum 180-day suspension. These longer suspensions can be reduced only through a formal reinstatement hearing with the MVC.
How to restore your license after suspension ends
After your suspension period ends, your license is not automatically restored. You must submit a restoration fee of $100 to the MVC before you can drive again. You can pay this fee by mail, in person at an MVC office, or online through the MVC website.
When you submit the restoration fee, include your driver's license number, the date your suspension ends, and proof of payment. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation. The MVC will process your restoration within 5 to 10 business days after receiving payment. You can check the status of your restoration online or by calling the MVC.
Some people are required to install an ignition interlock device before their license is restored. This applies if your suspension was related to a DUI or drug-related offense. If this applies to you, the MVC will notify you in the suspension notice and provide instructions for installation.
Reducing points through a defensive driving course
New Jersey allows you to reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course approved by the MVC. A course can remove up to 3 points from your record, but only if you have not taken a course in the past 5 years. You can take a course only once every 5 years, regardless of how many points you have.
Defensive driving courses are offered online and in person by private companies. The course typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. After you finish, the provider will send a completion certificate to the MVC on your behalf. The MVC will then reduce your points by 3 within 10 to 15 business days.
Taking a defensive driving course does not erase points — it only reduces them. If you have 6 points and take a course, you will have 3 points remaining. The course also does not prevent a suspension that has already been ordered. You can take a course before you reach 6 points to lower your total, or after a suspension ends to help prevent future suspensions.
What happens if you reach 12 points
If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, the MVC will revoke your license, not just suspend it. A revocation is more serious than a suspension. Your license is cancelled entirely, and you must go through a formal reinstatement process to drive again.
To reinstate a revoked license, you must request a hearing with the MVC and demonstrate that you are fit to drive. This hearing is more rigorous than a suspension hearing. You may need to show proof of a defensive driving course, proof of insurance, and evidence that the circumstances that led to the revocation have changed. The MVC may also require you to retake the written driving test or road test.
A revoked license can take 6 months to a year or longer to reinstate, depending on the circumstances. During this time, you cannot drive at all. If you are caught driving with a revoked license, you face criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work during a suspension?
No. A license suspension in New Jersey is absolute — you cannot drive for any reason, including work, medical appointments, or court dates. Driving during a suspension is a criminal offense. If you need to drive for work, you must request a work license from the MVC, which is granted only in rare circumstances and requires a formal hearing.
Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward the 6-point threshold?
Yes. If you are convicted of a moving violation in another state, the MVC will add points to your New Jersey record based on the equivalent New Jersey violation. For example, if you are convicted of speeding in Pennsylvania, the MVC will add the same points you would receive for speeding in New Jersey.
What if I pay a ticket without going to court?
Paying a fine without a court appearance may or may not result in points, depending on the violation and the municipality. Some violations are "non-moving" violations that do not add points even if you pay. Always contact the court or prosecutor before paying to confirm whether points will be added.
Can I get points removed from my record early?
Points cannot be removed early except through a defensive driving course, which reduces up to 3 points and can be taken only once every 5 years. Otherwise, points remain on your record for 3 to 5 years depending on the violation. After that time, they drop off automatically.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, usually 30 days or longer, and is restored once the period ends and you pay the restoration fee. A revocation is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement hearing. Revocations typically result from more serious violations or from accumulating 12 or more points.