How many points does a speeding ticket add in New Jersey?

Speeding ticket points in NJ range from 2 points (1–14 mph over) to 5 points (30+ mph over). Accumulating 6 points triggers a surcharge; 12 points results in license suspension.

Should I hire an attorney for a traffic ticket in New Jersey?

An attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction in points or fines, which can protect your driving record and reduce insurance premium increases. This is especially valuable if you are close to the point threshold for suspension.

Traffic Violations Lawyer NJ | Marc B. Schram, P.C.

Understanding Fines for Traffic Violations

New Jersey has a long list of fines for traffic violations. Following are some examples:

Driving or parking an unregistered vehicle: $47
Improper lighting equipment: $47
Leaving vehicle with engine running: $47
Throwing litter from vehicle: $226
Failure to overtake and pass properly; crossing “no passing” lines: $81
Failure to obey stop sign or yield right-of-way signs: $81

For some of these offenses, fines are doubled in a Safe Corridor, Construction Zone, or 65 mile-per-hour area.

Understanding the Point System

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

Two points for moving against traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway
Three points for an improper right or left turn
Four points for improper passing on right or off roadway
Five points for reckless driving
Eight points for leaving the scene of an accident when there’s been a personal injury

Insurance companies consider these points when setting your insurance rates. The more points you have, the higher your insurance rates will likely be. If you have more than eight points, you won’t be able to buy “regular” auto insurance. You’ll have to buy special “assigned risk” insurance, which is much more expensive.

Understanding MVC Surcharges

If you accumulate points on your license, you’ll have to pay “point surcharges” to the MVC – over and above any fines and penalties that the court imposes. These surcharges will last as long as you have six or more points on your record due to moving violations over the past three years. If you fail to pay these surcharges, the MVC will suspend your driving rights. The MVC may also get a lien against your home or other real estate, garnish your wages, or take other steps to collect what you owe.

Understanding Point Violation Notices

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

Out-of-State Drivers

If you’re not a New Jersey resident, your New Jersey traffic ticket may or may not be reported to the state where you live. If you’re a New Jersey resident and you get a ticket outside the state, New Jersey will count it against you. All out-of-state moving violations (regardless of the nature of the offense) count as two points in New Jersey.

Understanding Your Options

When you get a traffic ticket, you can either pay the ticket — accepting points on your driving record — or contest the ticket during a Traffic Court hearing. If you pay the ticket, you’ll get points on your driving record and may face higher auto insurance rates. If you contest the ticket, you have the chance of avoiding fines and points. Our firm can advise you on your rights and help you with the hearing and appeal process. For experienced representation, call 732.888.4400 to schedule your free initial consultation.