NJ Receiving a Scheduled Suspension Notice from the NJ MVC Lawyers

Receiving a Scheduled Suspension Notice from the NJ MVC

Seeing that scary scheduled suspension notice from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in your mailbox is enough to give any driver a panic attack. Your first thought is probably “My license is getting suspended?!” Don’t freak out just yet though. While a scheduled suspension sounds serious, there are still steps you can take to fight it and keep your driving privileges.

This article will break down everything you need to know about NJ MVC scheduled suspensions – from why you got one to how to challenge it. We’ll also give tips on avoiding license suspension in the future. Let’s dive in!

Why Did I Get a Scheduled Suspension Notice?

The New Jersey MVC issues scheduled suspension notices for a few common reasons:

• You missed a court date or didn’t pay motor vehicle fines
• You racked up too many points on your license
• Your insurance lapsed or was canceled
• You failed to provide proper documentation

Basically, the MVC is threatening to suspend your license because you didn’t follow the rules of the road or failed to take care of your legal responsibilities as a driver. Specific reasons will be listed on your suspension notice.

How Much Time Do I Have?

The suspension notice will list a “Scheduled Suspension Date” – this is usually at least 2 weeks from the date of the notice. You need to act before that suspension date if you want to fight it!

Don’t just wait around and assume your license will get suspended. Take the notice seriously and start exploring your options right away. The clock is ticking!

Can I Request a Hearing?

In many cases, yes – you have the right to challenge your scheduled suspension by requesting an administrative hearing. This is basically your chance to tell your side of the story and fight the suspension.

To request a hearing, you or your lawyer must submit a written request before the suspension date. The request should lay out any defenses or extenuating circumstances that explain why your license shouldn’t be suspended. For example, you may argue that:

• You missed a court date for medical reasons
• The insurance lapse was an error by your provider
• You already paid the fines in questions

A hearing officer will review your case and make a determination. In some cases, they may offer you a probation option or agree to lift the suspension entirely.

What If I Miss the Hearing Request Deadline?

If you don’t request a hearing in time, your license will be automatically suspended on the scheduled date. At that point, you’ll have to pay all required restoration fees and complete any other requirements before getting your license back.

However, you may still be able to get the suspension lifted if you can provide proof that it was issued in error. For example, if you already paid the fines in question but just missed the hearing deadline, the MVC may withdraw the suspension when you present receipt proof.

But don’t count on getting a second chance – act fast to request your hearing as soon as you get the notice!

How Much Are the Restoration Fees?

If your license does get suspended, you’ll have to pay a restoration fee to the MVC before getting your driving privileges reinstated. The exact amount depends on the type of suspension:

• Failure to appear in court: $100
• Failure to pay surcharges: $100
• Excessive points: $100
• Driving without insurance: $300

You’ll also have to take care of any outstanding fines, tickets, or insurance requirements before the MVC will lift the suspension. Make sure to resolve any underlying issues so you don’t rack up more restoration fees down the road!

How Do I Pay the Restoration Fee?

To pay your restoration fee, you can:

• Mail a check or money order to the NJ MVC processing center
• Pay in person at a Regional Service Center
• Pay online through the NJ MVC website

Be sure to include your driver’s license number on any payments so it’s properly credited. And don’t forget – just paying the fee itself won’t reinstate your license. You need to resolve any outstanding tickets, fines, or insurance issues too.

How Long Will My License Be Suspended?

Suspension periods vary depending on the reason for suspension:

• Failure to pay surcharges or appear in court: 1 year minimum
• No auto insurance: 1 year minimum
• Excessive points: Up to 2 years

The suspension notice should list the exact period that your license will be revoked. Mark your calendar so you know when you’ll be able to drive again! And make sure you don’t commit any further infractions during the suspension period, or you may face an even longer revocation.

How Can I Prevent Suspension in the Future?

The best way to avoid scheduled suspension notices is to always follow New Jersey’s motor vehicle laws. Here are some tips:

• Pay any traffic tickets promptly or request hearings to contest unfair tickets
• Show up for all court dates related to moving violations
• Maintain auto insurance at all times, with no lapses in coverage
• Request a driver history periodically to check for errors
• Take defensive driving courses to reduce points

Following the rules of the road will keep your license clear and make sure the MVC has no grounds to suspend your driving privileges. A few simple precautions can save you major headaches down the road.

Fight Back With Legal Help

Dealing with the MVC and license suspensions can be overwhelming. If you received a scheduled suspension notice, consulting a traffic ticket lawyer can help tip the scales in your favor. An experienced attorney knows how to craft persuasive hearing requests and negotiate favorable outcomes with the MVC.

Don’t just give up your license without a fight. With the right legal help, you can get your scheduled suspension overturned and keep driving.

Sources:

[1] https://www.newjerseycriminallawattorney.com/traffic-offenses/license-suspension-hearing/scheduled-suspension-notice/

[2] https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/suspension.htm

[3] https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/i-have-received-an-nj-mvc-scheduled-suspension-not-1606154.html

[4] https://www.thomascarrollblauvelt.com/traffic-tickets/suspended-license-mvc-scheduled-suspension/

[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/newjersey/comments/jtrj4y/nj_mvc_order_of_registration_suspension/