What 6 points means on your New Jersey license
New Jersey uses a point system to track driving violations. When you get a ticket for speeding, reckless driving, or other violations, the court assigns points to your license. Six points is the threshold where New Jersey suspends your license — you lose your driving privileges until you meet reinstatement requirements. The state does not remove points automatically; you have to take specific action to reduce them.
The only way to remove points from your New Jersey record is through the state's Defensive Driving Course program, officially called the New Jersey Defensive Driving Course. Completing an approved course removes up to 3 points from your record. If you have 6 points, you would need to take the course twice to bring yourself below the suspension threshold, or take it once and have other points age off your record.
Key Takeaways
- Six points on your New Jersey license triggers an automatic suspension unless you act before the suspension takes effect.
- The Defensive Driving Course removes up to 3 points per completion, and you can take it multiple times.
- You can take the course online through an approved provider, and it typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete.
- Points age off your record at a rate of 1 point per year after the violation date, so waiting combined with a course can also reduce your total.
- You must complete the course and submit proof to the Motor Vehicle Commission before your suspension date to stop the suspension from taking effect.
How the Defensive Driving Course works in New Jersey
The New Jersey Defensive Driving Course is a state-approved educational program you can take online or in person. The course covers safe driving practices, hazard recognition, and decision-making on the road. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you submit to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to request point reduction.
The course removes up to 3 points from your record per completion. You can take the course once every 12 months. If you have 6 points, taking it twice within a year will remove 6 points total, bringing you to zero. However, you must complete and submit proof before your suspension date or the suspension will take effect regardless.
The course costs between $20 and $50 depending on the provider. New Jersey maintains a list of approved providers on the MVC website. All approved providers offer online options, and most allow you to start and stop the course over multiple sessions.
Finding an approved provider and registering
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission publishes a list of approved Defensive Driving Course providers on its official website. You can search by provider name or location. Each provider has its own registration process, but all require you to enter your driver's license number and the violation details before you start.
When you register, have your driver's license and the ticket or violation notice in front of you. You will need to confirm the violation date and the number of points assigned. Some providers allow you to start the course when ready after registration; others may have a waiting period of a few days.
After you complete the course, the provider will issue you a certificate of completion. Some providers send it electronically; others mail it. Keep a copy for your records and submit the original to the MVC as instructed on the certificate.
Submitting your certificate to the Motor Vehicle Commission
Once you have your certificate of completion, you must send it to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The address and submission method are printed on the certificate itself. Most providers include a prepaid envelope or instructions for online submission through the MVC portal.
The MVC processes certificates within 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, your points remain on your record. If your suspension date is approaching, contact the MVC directly to confirm receipt and ask about expedited processing. You can reach the MVC by phone at 609-292-6500 or through its website.
Once the MVC processes your certificate, you will receive written confirmation that the points have been removed. Keep this confirmation with your driving records. Your license will not be automatically updated; the point reduction takes effect in the MVC system when ready, but your physical license remains unchanged until you renew it.
What happens if you reach 6 points before taking the course
If you accumulate 6 points before you complete the Defensive Driving Course, the MVC will send you a notice of suspension. The notice includes a suspension date, usually 30 to 60 days from the date of the letter. You have until that date to submit your course certificate to prevent the suspension from taking effect.
If the suspension takes effect, you cannot drive legally in New Jersey. To reinstate your license, you must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100) and meet any other requirements listed in your suspension notice. Taking the Defensive Driving Course after a suspension is more expensive and time-consuming than taking it before, so acting quickly when you receive your violation notice is important.
Points aging off your record and other reduction options
In New Jersey, points age off your driving record at a rate of 1 point per year, starting from the date of the violation. A violation that assigned 6 points will drop to 5 points after one year, 4 points after two years, and so on. This happens automatically; you do not need to do anything.
However, relying on points aging off is risky because you will lose your license at 6 points before most of them have time to age away. The Defensive Driving Course is the only active way to reduce points before they age off naturally. New Jersey does not offer point reductions for safe driving records, traffic school alternatives, or other programs.
If you have received multiple violations and are close to suspension, combining the Defensive Driving Course with waiting for older points to age off is often the fastest path to getting below 6 points.
Scam alerts and common mistakes
Be cautious of websites or services that claim they can remove points without you taking a course, or that promise to "fix" your record through a lawyer or third party. The only legitimate way to remove points in New Jersey is through the state-approved Defensive Driving Course. No private service can bypass this requirement.
Do not ignore a suspension notice. If you receive notice that your license will be suspended, you have a limited window to act. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in New Jersey and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Verify that the provider you choose is on the official MVC list before you pay. Some websites advertise "New Jersey defensive driving" but are not state-approved. Only providers listed on the MVC website will have their certificates accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Defensive Driving Course more than once?
Yes. You can take the course once every 12 months, and each completion removes up to 3 points. If you have 6 points, you can take it twice in a year to remove all 6 points, or take it once and wait for older points to age off.
What if I take the course but still get another ticket before my points are removed?
New violations are added to your record when ready. If you take the course and remove 3 points, but then receive a new 4-point violation before the MVC processes your certificate, you will have 7 points and will be suspended. Submit your certificate as soon as you receive it to avoid this overlap.
Do I have to take the course in person, or can I do it online?
All approved New Jersey providers offer online options. You can complete the course from home on your own schedule. The course typically takes 6 to 8 hours to finish, and you can log in and out as needed.
What if my suspension already took effect?
If your license is already suspended, you must pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the MVC before you can drive again. Taking the Defensive Driving Course after suspension does not waive the fee. You can take the course while suspended to reduce future points and avoid another suspension.
How long does it take for the MVC to process my certificate?
The MVC typically processes certificates within 2 to 4 weeks. If your suspension date is within this window, contact the MVC directly at 609-292-6500 to confirm receipt and ask about your case. Do not assume the points are removed until you receive written confirmation from the MVC.