Getting Your License Back After Revocation in New Jersey

Getting Your License Back After Revocation in New Jersey

Losing your driver’s license can be a real hassle. Believe me, I know from personal experience! But don’t worry – there are ways to get your license back in New Jersey if it’s been revoked. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps so you can get back on the road legally.

Why Do Licenses Get Revoked in New Jersey?

There’s a few main reasons your license might get revoked in the Garden State:

• DUI/DWI convictions – This is probably the most common reason. Too many DUIs on your record can lead to a revoked license.
• Failure to pay surcharges – The NJ MVC tacks on surcharges for certain driving offenses. If you don’t pay those fees, your license can get suspended.
• Accumulating too many points – Rack up 12+ points on your license and it’s hasta la vista, baby. Excessive points show a pattern of dangerous driving.
• Failure to appear in court – If you get a ticket and don’t show up for your hearing, the judge can revoke your license.
• Certain criminal convictions – Stuff like vehicular homicide or leaving the scene of an accident can cost you your driving privileges.
• Medical conditions – The MVC will revoke licenses for medical issues like epilepsy that make driving unsafe.

So in most cases, licenses get revoked due to some combination of dangerous driving and not following the rules. But don’t beat yourself up too much – it happens! Now let’s look at turning things around.

How to Get Your License Back in New Jersey

The process for license reinstatement depends on why it was revoked in the first place. Here’s an overview of the steps:

After a DUI/DWI Conviction

If you lost your license due to a DUI or DWI conviction, you’ll need to:

• Complete the sentence ordered by the court – This may include jail time, probation, fines, etc.
• Pay the NJMVC restoration fee – This is $100.
• Provide proof of satisfactory completion of an alcohol education or rehabilitation program.
• Install an ignition interlock device in your car – This tests your breath for alcohol and prevents the engine from starting if you’ve been drinking. It’s required for a certain period of time after a DWI.
• Provide proof of financial responsibility – This shows you can cover costs if you cause an accident. Often it means getting special DWI auto insurance.
• Pass a written driving test – Even if your revocation period has ended, you must pass the written test again before getting a new license.

After Failure to Pay Surcharges

If your license got suspended for unpaid surcharges, you’ll need to:

• Pay all surcharges and fees owed to the NJMVC – They won’t reinstate until you’ve paid in full.
• Pay a $100 restoration fee.
• Provide proof of auto insurance coverage.

Then you can regain your driving privileges! For most surcharge suspensions, you don’t have to retake tests or install an interlock device. Just pay what you owe.

After Too Many Points

The process here is simply:

• Wait out the suspension/revocation period – The MVC will tell you when you’re eligible to drive again.
• Pay a $100 restoration fee.
• Bring proof of insurance coverage.
• Pass vision and written tests.

Points suspensions don’t require classes, interlocks, etc. Just sit tight until the MVC says you can drive again!

After a Failure to Appear Suspension

To restore your license after a failure to appear in court for a ticket, you must:

• Resolve the original traffic ticket – Contact the court to settle the fine or contest the ticket.
• Pay a $100 restoration fee to the MVC.
• Show proof of insurance.
• Pass vision and written tests.

So take care of that old traffic ticket first, then the reinstatement process is pretty straightforward.

After a Medical Revocation

With medical revocations, the requirements depend on your specific condition. The MVC will lay out the steps you need to take – like providing documentation from your doctor that your condition is under control and you can drive safely again. Just be sure to follow their guidelines closely.

The Waiting Periods for License Reinstatement in NJ

Here’s a quick rundown of the typical waiting periods before the MVC will reinstate your license after a revocation:

• 1st DUI – 3 months
• 2nd DUI – 2 years
• 3rd DUI – 10 years
• Failure to pay surcharges – 6 months
• 12+ points – 1 year
• Failure to appear – 2 years
• Medical revocations – Varies case by case

The clock starts ticking on these waiting periods as soon as your license is revoked. Of course, you also have to complete all the steps listed above after the waiting period ends.

For repeat DUIs, the waiting periods get longer if you get additional DUIs during the revocation period. And if you’re caught driving without a valid license, that can extend the suspension too.

I know it stinks not being able to drive for months or years because of a revoked license. But try to look at it as a time to improve your habits so you can avoid future issues.

Can You Get a Restricted License in New Jersey?

Yes, in some cases the MVC may grant you a restricted license so you can drive to certain places during your revocation period. This is primarily done for work purposes.

To get a restricted license in NJ, you’ll need:

• A letter from your employer stating that the license is needed for work.
• Proof of high-risk auto insurance coverage.
• To pass an MVC driving test.
• To pay a $100 restoration fee.
• An ignition interlock device if it’s a DUI-related revocation.

And you can generally only drive to/from work or school – nowhere else. So while it’s not a full license, a restricted permit can help you earn a paycheck if your job depends on driving.

The Costs of Reinstating a License in NJ

Restoring your revoked license in New Jersey does come with some costs:

• The MVC restoration fee is $100
• You may have surcharges and fines to pay off
• SR-22 insurance is expensive – often $1500+ per year
• The ignition interlock device costs about $70-100 per month
• Alcohol education classes range from $150-500

So in total, expect to spend $1000 or more on getting your license back after a DUI. Surcharge suspensions are cheaper at around $200-300 total.

I know those costs are frustrating on top of the hassle of not being able to drive. But try to look at it as motivation to avoid risky driving and keep your license clean going forward!

How Lawyers Can Help with License Reinstatement

While the process is fairly straightforward, many people do consult traffic ticket lawyers for help getting their licenses back. An attorney can help you:

• Negotiate DUI/DWI charges to minimize revocation time
• Resolve the original traffic ticket if suspended for failure to appear
• Advise on steps to take for medical revocations
• Guide you through the reinstatement process
• Assist with restricted license applications
• Potentially get the revocation period reduced

So if you want an expert on your side, talk to a local traffic lawyer about your license reinstatement options. Many offer free consultations. Just search “[your town] traffic ticket lawyer” to find one near you.

Don’t Drive Without a Valid License!

I have to give the obligatory warning here – do NOT drive while your license is revoked in New Jersey! I know it’s tempting, but it’s asking for trouble.

If you’re caught driving on a suspended license, you may face:

• Fines of $500-1000
• Up to 90 days in jail
• Extended revocation periods
• Possible vehicle impoundment

It’s just not worth it. Find other transportation like rides from friends or public transit. I promise your license will be reinstated before you know it if you follow the proper steps.

In Conclusion…

Losing your license is a bummer, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With some patience and effort, you can get back on the road legally in New Jersey. Just be sure to satisfy the MVC requirements, follow your lawyer’s advice, and avoid driving without a license. This too shall pass!

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about reinstating a revoked license in NJ. I’m happy to help however I can – I’ve been there myself! Wishing you the best of luck getting your driving privileges back.