It is very common for states to have a point system for drivers where demerit points will be added to an individual’s driving record for certain driving infractions, and New Jersey is no different. The New Jersey Point Schedule under the N.J.S.A. is a system that tracks and penalizes drivers for moving violations. When a driver commits a traffic offense, points are added to their driving record based on the severity of the violation. Accumulating too many of these points can lead to penalties such as fines, surcharges, license suspension, and increased insurance rates.
How Points are Assigned to NJ Drivers?
Each traffic violation has a designated point value based on the severity of the offense. For example, leaving the scene of an accident in NJ where someone sustained an injury is worth far more points than speeding or failing to stop at a red light. Here is a rough breakdown of some of the more common things you can accumulate driving points for:
- 2 points – Failing to stop for a red light, speeding 1-14 mph over the limit.
- 3 points – Improper passing, careless driving.
- 4 points – Speeding 15-29 mph over the limit.
- 5 points – Reckless driving, improper passing on a hill.
- 8 points – Leaving the scene of an accident with injury.
This is not an exhaustive list, as most traffic violations are eligible to add points to your driving record. It can be at the discretion of the police officer at the scene how they code the infraction as to how many points you can expect as well. Points remain on your driving record and can accumulate over time. Certain serious traffic offenses, like DUI, may not be assigned points but can result in immediate license suspension or other penalties.
What Are The Consequences of Accumulating Driving Points?
If you accumulate 6 or more points on your NJ driver’s license within three years, the state will assess a surcharge of $150 plus $25 for each additional point. If you surpass 12 points, it can lead to a license suspension. You may be given the opportunity to attend a driver improvement program, which can reduce points from your record.
Can You Reduce Your Driving Points?
Eventually, points can be reduced off of your driving record. There are a few ways this can happen:
- No violations – For every 12 months of driving without a violation or suspension, 3 points are subtracted from your total.
- Defensive Driving Course – Completing a state-approved defensive driving course can reduce your point total by 2, though this is only allowed once every five years.
It is important to note however that just because you are able to get points reduced off of your driving record, it may not help reduce your insurance rate. Insurance companies view traffic infractions as a risk and will usually increase your premiums with the more points you add to your record. Over time your premiums may come back down, but this is typically a slow process.
The Importance of Keeping Your Driving Record Clean
Keeping points off your driving record is essential to avoid surcharges, license suspensions, and increased insurance premiums. It’s important to be aware of the NJSA point schedule to ensure compliance with traffic laws and protect your driving privileges. If you have been charged with a driving infraction and are looking at points being added to your driving record, it could be worth speaking with a traffic violation defense lawyer near you who can fight to keep your driving record intact.
