Reasons for License Suspensions

The reasons your driver’s license can be suspended include the following:

You have 12 or more points on your driving record
You failed to appear in court or pay fines you owe
You failed to pay surcharges based on points
You drove with a suspended license
You failed to provide proof of insurance when this was requested by a police officer
You’re physically or mentally disqualified from driving
You used drugs or alcohol while driving
You engaged in reckless driving
You abandoned your vehicle on a public highway
You were the at-fault driver in a fatal accident
You failed to pay child support
You committed certain non-driving criminal offenses
You were convicted of being a minor in possession of alcohol

Understanding the Point System

When you’re ticketed for speeding or other traffic offenses, points are added to your Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) record. For example, you’ll get:

Two points for being 1–14 miles over the speed limit
Three points for an improper right or left turn
Five points for racing on a highway
Five points for reckless driving
Eight points for leaving the scene of an accident when there’s been a personal injury

As these points add up, you’ll face losing your license.

Understanding Point Violation Notices

If you have from six to 11 points on your license, you’ll receive an Advisory Notice warning you that you risk losing your license. If you have 12 or more points, the MVC will send you an automatic Notice of Scheduled Suspension.

Surrendering Your License

If you didn’t surrender your license to the judge at your traffic hearing, you must surrender it to the MVC. You can do this in person during walk-in hours, or you can mail it to: Motor Vehicle Commission, Driver Management Bureau, P.O. Box 134, Trenton, New Jersey 08650.

What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License?

You can get in serious trouble if you drive while your license is suspended. You could face up to five years in prison for this offense.

How Long Does a Suspension Last?

The length of a suspension depends on how many violations you have and how long it’s been since your last suspension. The suspension periods range from 45 days to 180 days.

Restoring Your Driving Privileges

Once you’ve completed your suspension period, you’ll receive a Notice of Restoration in the mail. You’ll need to go through the same steps required for a regular license renewal. In addition, you’ll need to pay a Restoration Fee of $100 in order to get your license back. You may not drive until you restore your license and receive written notice that your driving privileges have been restored.