New Jersey has strict traffic rules. If you break them, you will get a ticket. Some tickets come with fines, points on your license, or even jail time.
Traffic tickets can lead to serious problems if you don’t handle them on-time. You could face large surcharges, higher insurance costs, or lose your driving privileges.
That’s why you must know what counts as a moving violation and what happens if you get one.
What Is a Moving Violation in NJ?
A moving violation happens when you break a traffic rule while your vehicle is in motion. These are more serious than parking tickets. Police officers give moving violations when you do something unsafe on the road.
Common Moving Violations
Here are some of the most common violations drivers face in New Jersey:
- Speeding
- Running a Red Light
- Illegal Turns
- Failing to Yield
- Tailgating
- Using a Phone While Driving
- Not Wearing a Seatbelt
- Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a serious offense. It includes weaving in and out of traffic or racing other cars. Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs also counts as reckless driving.
Penalty Points
New Jersey uses a point system to track driving violations. Each offense adds points to your license. The more serious the violation, the more points you get.
Here are some common violations and their point values:
- Speeding 1-14 mph over limit: 2 points
- Speeding 15-29 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Using a cell phone while driving: 3 points (for 3rd offense)
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way street: 2 points
When you rack up too many points, you face penalties. At 6 points, you pay a surcharge. At 12 points, your license gets suspended.
To avoid suspension, you can:
- Take a defensive driving course
- Wait for points to expire (after 3 years)
- Drive safely to earn point reductions
If your license does get suspended, you’ll need to:
- Pay a restoration fee
- Serve your suspension time
- Complete any required courses
New Jersey also has a Probationary Driver Program for new drivers. You must take a driver improvement course if you get 4 or more points in your first year.
| Type of Violation | Penalty Points on License |
|---|---|
| Failure to stop at traffic light | 2 |
| Failure to observe traffic signals | 2 |
| Driving the wrong way on a one-way street | 2 |
| Blocking traffic by driving at low speeds | 2 |
| Exceeding maximum speed 1-14 mph over limit | 2 |
| Failure to stop at a traffic light | 2 |
| Failure to stop at a traffic light | 2 |
| Tailgating (following too closely) | 5 |
| Unsafe lane change | 2 |
| Improper passing | 4 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) | 8 |
| Distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a handheld device) | 3 |
| Driving without headlights when required | 2 |
| Failure to signal lane changes or turns | 2 |
| Failure to yield to emergency vehicles | 2 |
| Driving with a suspended or revoked license | 2 |
| Driving through a railroad crossing while signals are active | 2 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights | 5 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 2 |
| Excessive acceleration or speeding in a construction zone | 2 |
Fines For Moving Violations
Here’s a quick look at some common moving violations and their costs:
| Type of Violation | Fine Range | Additional Penalties/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to stop at traffic light | $200 – $500 | Court appearance required. |
| Failure to observe traffic signals | $85 – $200 | Immediate fine payment. |
| Driving the wrong way on a one-way street | $200 – $500 | Court appearance within 30 days. |
| Blocking traffic by driving at low speeds | $85 – $200 | Fine due within 30 days. |
| Exceeding maximum speed 1-14 mph over limit | $85 – $95 | Payment due within 30 days. |
| Failure to stop at a traffic light | $85 – $200 | Fine due within 30 days. |
| Failure to stop at a stop sign | $85 – $200 | Fine due within 30 days. |
| Tailgating (following too closely) | $85 – $200 | Payment required within 30 days. |
| Unsafe lane change | $85 – $200 | Immediate payment or court appearance. |
| Improper passing | $85 – $200 | Fine payment due within 30 days. |
| Reckless driving | $50 – $200 | First offense: Court appearance within 30 days. |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) | $250 – $400 | First offense: License suspension for 3 months. |
| Distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a handheld device) | $200 – $400 | Fine and possible court appearance within 30 days. |
| Driving without headlights when required | $85 – $200 | Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalk |
| Failure to signal lane changes or turns | $85 – $200 | Fine due within 30 days. |
| Failure to yield to emergency vehicles | $85 – $200 | Payment required within 30 days. |
| Driving with a suspended or revoked license | $500 – $1,000 | License suspension extended; court appearance. |
| Driving through a railroad crossing while signals are active | $85 – $200 | Payment due within 30 days. |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights | $85 – $200 | Court appearance required. |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | $85 – $200 | Court appearance required. |
| Excessive acceleration or speeding in a construction zone | $85 – $200 | Fine doubled in some areas; payment within 30 days. |
These fines are just the start. You may face extra costs like court fees and surcharges. Surcharges are extra fees you pay on top of the fine for certain violations.
Some violations carry higher fines. For example, if you’re caught texting while driving, you could pay up to $400 for a first offense. Repeated offenses can cost even more.
Parking tickets are a different story. They’re not moving violations, but they can still hurt your wallet if unpaid.
Types Of Non-Moving Violations
Non-moving violations occur when your car isn’t in motion. Parking illegally is a common example. This could mean parking in a no-parking zone or staying too long at a meter.
Equipment issues can also lead to tickets. These include:
- Broken headlights or taillights
- Expired registration or inspection stickers
- Cracked windshield
- Loud exhaust
Not wearing a seatbelt is another non-moving violation. Even if you’re parked, you can get a ticket for this.
- Renew Driver’s License
- Pay NJ Tickets Online at NJMCdirect.Com
It is against the law in New Jersey to leave your car running while unattended, even if you’re just warming it up in winter.
- Moving Violation Ticket Points and Costs in New Jersey
- Renew New Jersey Driver’s License
- Register a Car in New Jersey at NJ DMV
- Pay NJ Parking Ticket Online
- NJ Ticket Lookup By Plate and Name
- NJ Surcharge Online Payment
- NJ Registration Renewal
- NJ E-ZPass: Buy or Pay EZ Pass Bill Online
- Plead Not Guilty
FAQ
I have addressed some common questions about New Jersey traffic violations.
How can I check the points on my NJ driver’s license?
You can check your license points online through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. Log in to your account and view your driving record. You can also request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person at an MVC office.
What does having 4 points on my New Jersey driver’s license mean?
Four points on your license means you’ve gotten tickets for minor traffic offenses. This can lead to higher car insurance rates. You’ll have to pay a surcharge if you get 6 points in 3 years. At 12 points, your license could be suspended.
How long do points from moving violations stick on my New Jersey driving record?
Points from moving violations usually stay on your NJ driving record for 3 years. After that, they drop off. But some serious offenses can stay longer. You can remove up to 3 points by taking a defensive driving course once every 5 years.
That is all I can share with you guys for today. Follow rules, Drive Safely and avoid traffic tickets.
