Probably every New Jersey driver has broken a traffic law—or two—in their lifetime. Speeding on the highway or accidentally rolling through a stop sign is so common that many people do not think twice.
Getting a ticket for these frequent incidents can be both frustrating and tedious. However, many people do not know that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) keeps a record of traffic violations. And every single one of those traffic violations adds points to that record.
Points can add up quickly
You may see traffic tickets as a nuisance, but they can have a substantial effect on your driving privileges in the long run. Your license could be suspended if you receive 12 or more points on your driving record.
That may not seem like a huge concern, but points for moving violations can add up fast. New Jersey Courts have a comprehensive list of the points each traffic violation is worth, but some of the most common ones include:
- Two points for running a red light
- Two points for failing to use a turn signal
- Five points for reckless driving
- Two to five points for speeding
The common infractions listed above already add up to 12 points. These points may only appear on your record if law enforcement issues a ticket, but the risks are high especially since police have recently increased patrols to combat distracted driving.
Deducting points is possible
There are options to reduce the points on your driving record to avoid license suspension. Taking an online defensive driving course can eliminate two points right away. New Jersey also deducts points if drivers do not receive points for a year.
And it is always possible to challenge tickets in traffic court and prevent points in the first place. It may be helpful to obtain a copy of your driving record from the MVC to know precisely how many points are on your record.
How many points does a DUI add?
Surprisingly, drunk driving charges do not add any points to your driving record in New Jersey. However, that is because they have consequences that extend beyond—and often include—license suspension already.
Regardless of what led to it, a suspended license can have significant negative impacts on your life. It can put your family and your job in jeopardy. Understanding how the point system works can help you avoid these consequences.