How New Jersey's Point System Works
New Jersey assigns points to your driving record when you receive a traffic ticket or are convicted of a moving violation. Six points is a significant threshold — it triggers mandatory consequences from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), including a surcharge and possible license suspension. The points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation, but most remain for three years from the conviction date.
Points accumulate based on the severity of the violation. A minor infraction like unsafe lane change might be two points, while reckless driving or driving under the influence carries much higher point values. Once you reach six points, the MVC automatically sends you a notice and begins charging you a surcharge on top of your ticket fine.
Key Takeaways
- Six points on your New Jersey license triggers a mandatory surcharge of $100 to $1,000 depending on how many points you have and your driving history.
- Points remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction for most violations, though some serious offenses stay longer.
- If you accumulate 12 or more points within three years, your license will be suspended for a period set by the MVC.
- You can request a hearing with the MVC to contest points or ask for a reduction if you have documentation of hardship.
- Traffic school completion may reduce points for certain violations, but only if the court or MVC permits it for your specific ticket.
Point Values for Common New Jersey Violations
Different violations carry different point amounts. Speeding 1–14 miles per hour over the limit is two points, while speeding 15–29 miles per hour over the limit is four points. Speeding 30 miles per hour or more over the limit is five points. Reckless driving is five points, and driving under the influence is eight points on a first offense.
Other common violations include unsafe lane change (two points), failure to yield (two points), careless driving (two points), and leaving the scene of an accident (eight points). The MVC notice you receive will specify exactly how many points were assigned to your conviction. If you believe the point value is wrong, you can request a hearing to challenge it.
The Surcharge You Will Receive
When you reach six points, the MVC sends you a surcharge notice. The amount depends on your total points and your driving history. At six points, the surcharge is typically $100. At seven to nine points, it rises to $250. At ten to eleven points, it becomes $500. At twelve or more points, it reaches $1,000. You must pay this surcharge in addition to any fines from the original ticket.
The surcharge is due within 30 days of the notice date. If you do not pay it, the MVC can suspend your license. You can request a hearing to dispute the surcharge if you believe it was issued in error or if you have documentation of financial hardship, though hardship alone does not automatically reduce or eliminate the surcharge.
When Your License Gets Suspended
Twelve or more points within a three-year period results in license suspension. The MVC determines the length of suspension based on how many points you have accumulated. A first suspension is typically for three months. If you accumulate points again and reach suspension level a second time within five years, the suspension period increases to six months. A third suspension within five years results in a ten-month suspension.
The MVC will send you a notice of suspension by mail. Your license becomes invalid on the date specified in that notice. Driving with a suspended license is a separate offense and carries criminal penalties. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving the notice.
How to Request a Hearing
You have the right to request a hearing with the MVC to contest points, the surcharge, or a suspension. The hearing request must be submitted in writing within 10 days of receiving the MVC notice. You can mail the request to the address listed on the notice or submit it online through the MVC website. Include your driver's license number, the ticket number or violation date, and a brief explanation of why you are contesting the decision.
At the hearing, you can present evidence, including documentation of the violation, witness statements, or records showing the violation was dismissed or reduced in traffic court. An MVC hearing officer will review your case and make a decision. The officer can uphold the original decision, reduce the points, or dismiss them entirely depending on the evidence presented. You will receive the decision by mail within 30 days of the hearing.
Point Reduction Through Traffic School
New Jersey allows point reduction for certain violations if you complete an approved traffic school course. You are may be able to access if the violation was for speeding (not more than 14 miles per hour over the limit) or for failure to wear a seatbelt. Completion of the course reduces the points by two. However, you can only use traffic school once every three years, and the court or MVC must permit it for your specific violation.
Not all judges allow traffic school for all violations, and some violations do not may have access to at all. You must ask the judge at your traffic court hearing whether traffic school is an option for your ticket. If approved, you will have a set time frame (usually 30 to 60 days) to complete the course. Once you submit proof of completion to the court, the points are reduced on your record.
How Points Affect Your Insurance and Driving Record
Points on your New Jersey license directly affect your car insurance rates. Insurance companies receive notice of convictions and use points as a factor in calculating your premium. A six-point violation typically results in a rate increase of 15 to 30 percent, depending on your insurer and driving history. The increase usually lasts for three to five years, even after the points drop off your MVC record.
Your driving record is public information. Potential employers, landlords, and others can request it. Points remain visible on your record for three years from the conviction date for most violations. Serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may remain longer. You can request a copy of your own driving record from the MVC to verify what is listed and to check for errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward my New Jersey total?
Yes. New Jersey participates in the Driver License Compact, which means violations from other states are reported to New Jersey and added to your record. Points from out-of-state convictions count toward your total and can trigger surcharges and suspension just as New Jersey violations do.
Can I get points removed before three years?
Points cannot be removed early except through a successful hearing or traffic school. If you win a hearing and the points are dismissed, they are removed when ready. If you complete traffic school for an may be able to access violation, two points are removed once the court receives proof of completion. Otherwise, you must wait three years from the conviction date.
What happens if I get another ticket while I have six points?
Any additional points will push you closer to the 12-point suspension threshold. If the new violation adds enough points to reach 12 or more, your license will be suspended. Even minor violations can trigger suspension if you are already at or near six points, so it is important to drive carefully while points are on your record.
Can I dispute points if I paid the ticket without going to court?
Yes. Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt and results in a conviction, but you can still request a hearing to contest the points assigned or ask for a reduction. You will need to explain why you believe the points should be reduced or removed, and provide supporting documentation if possible.
How do I check how many points are on my license?
You can view your driving record through the MVC website or by visiting an MVC office in person. You can also call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to ask about your current point total. Your insurance company may also provide this information, as they receive updates from the MVC.