MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION POINT SYSTEM
Driving is a privilege, not a right. If you violate traffic laws, your driving privileges could be suspended or revoked resulting in fines and even imprisonment. The seriousness of your violations - and resulting penalties - is tracked by MVC using a point system.
If you are convicted of a moving violation, MVC will penalize you by adding points to your driving record. You will only get points on your record for moving violations - points are not assessed for parking and other violations. A table is provided for more information on the number of points earned for specific violations.
How do points affect you?
- If you get six or more points within three years on your current driving record, you will be assessed a surcharge.
- If you get 12 or more points on your current driving record, your license will be suspended. You will receive a notice of scheduled suspension by mail.
- Getting points on your license may also increase your insurance rates. Contact your insurance agent for details.
Violations committed in other states
Even though you are a New Jersey driver, you can still acquire points and penalties for violations committed in other states. New Jersey is a member of two compacts that enforce this policy.
The Driver License Compact
• Consists of 45 states and the District of Columbia. States not included are Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin
• Members in this compact exchange all violation information. Out-of-state moving violations are worth two points. For example, if you receive a speeding ticket in Florida, you will get two points on your New Jersey driving record for that violation
The Nonresident Violator Compact
• Consists of 44 states and the District of Columbia. States not included are Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon and Wisconsin
• Assures nonresident motorists the same rights and privileges as residents
• Nonresident drivers have due process protection and cannot be detained out-of-state
• Requires drivers to fulfill the terms of traffic citations received in member states or face the possibility of license suspension in their home state
• Does not apply to parking or standing violations, highway weight limit violations and violations of Hazmat transportation laws
Municipal Court
