Driving is considered to be privilege in the state of New Jersey and driving while your license is suspended can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines, additional suspensions, and even jail time. If you feel there is a chance that your license has been suspended, it’s important to make sure to avoid unintentional violations. Fortunately, there are several ways to check your license status in New Jersey. If you do continue to drive while your license is suspended, then you might need the services of a driving with a suspended license lawyer near you to help mitigate the consequences and get your license reinstated.
How To Check If Your License Is Suspended
New Jersey law requires the NJMVC to notify drivers by mail if their license is being suspended. If your address is up-to-date in the NJMVC system, you should receive a suspension notice detailing the reasons for the suspension and any actions required to reinstate your license.
If you suspect your license may be suspended but have not received a notice, there are a number of ways that you can check to see if your license has been suspended. It is also important to ensure that the NJMVC has your current address by updating your information online or in person.
- Check Online via the NJMVC Website
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) offers an online service where you can check your driver’s license status. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Go to the NJMVC website
- Step 2: Navigate to the “Online Driver Record Request Service” under the Online Services tab on the homepage
- Step 3: Enter your driver’s license number and any other required personal information, such as your zip code or date of birth.
- Step 4: Submit the form to get your license’s current status.
The system will display your current license status, including whether it is valid, suspended, or revoked, along with any reasons for the suspension (such as unpaid fines or traffic violations).
- Call the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC)
You can also contact the NJMVC directly by phone to inquire about the status of your license. Simply call the NJMVC customer service number at 609-292-6500 during regular business hours. Be prepared to provide personal information, including your driver’s license number and possibly your Social Security Number, to verify your identity. The NJMVC representative will be able to inform you about the status of your license and any reasons for suspension, if applicable.
- Visit an NJMVC Office
If you prefer an in-person option, you can visit your local NJMVC office to check your license status. If you choose this method, you will need two pieces of valid identification, such as your driver’s license (if available), and another form of photo ID, such as a passport or state-issued identification card. The staff at the NJMVC will be able to check the status of your license and explain any issues related to suspensions or penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the suspension, if it for a minor infraction such as unpaid parking tickets, and you have dealt with these with the MVC you may be able to pay the $100 fee to restore your license while checking the status.
- Check with Local Law Enforcement
In some cases, you can check the status of your license by contacting local law enforcement. Police officers have access to driver records and can check your license status if you are stopped for a traffic violation or if you visit a police station. However, it is generally easier and more private to check your status through the NJMVC directly.
Common Reasons for License Suspension in New Jersey
If your license is suspended, it is essential to understand why so that you can deal with the infractions as quickly as possible. Some of the most common reasons for license suspensions in New Jersey include:
- Unpaid traffic tickets or fines – If you accumulate parking tickets, speeding tickets, or some other ticketed infraction, failing to pay these tickets or court-ordered fines can result in a suspension.
- Accumulation of points – New Jersey uses a point system for drivers. When they have committed a driving infraction, depending on the severity of the offense, they will have points added to their license. When too many points are on your driving record (12 or more) it can result in suspension.
- Failure to appear in court – If you have a scheduled day in court about a driving-related offense, and you miss that required court appearance, it can lead to a suspended license.
- Insurance violations – Driver’s in New Jersey are required to carry a valid insurance policy to help cover costs in the event of an accident. If a driver is found to be driving without valid car insurance, it is a common reason for license suspension.
- DUI or DWI violations – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offense that will lead to an automatic suspension of a person’s license. This type of offense cannot simply be paid off like other infractions and typically comes with a specific timeframe in which the license is suspended. If you are facing a license suspension due to DUI charges, it is important to speak with an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer near you for legal advice.
If your license has been suspended, you will need to take specific steps to reinstate it. These may include paying any outstanding fines or tickets, attending court proceedings, completing a driver improvement program, and paying a reinstatement fee.
Speak To A Driving Infraction Lawyer About Your License Suspension
It is essential to know the status of your driver’s license to avoid legal trouble and further penalties. In New Jersey, you can easily check if your license is suspended through online services, by requesting a driver history abstract, or by contacting the NJMVC directly. If your license is suspended, it is important to take swift action to address the issue will help you restore your driving privileges as soon as possible. Sometimes this involves retaining the help of an experienced driving infraction lawyer in your area, who can guide you and get you back behind the wheel as quickly as possible.
