NJSA Point Schedule

Understanding New Jersey’s NJSA Point Schedule

New Jersey’s NJSA point schedule can seem complicated at first glance, but it’s important to understand if you drive in the Garden State. Getting points on your license can lead to surcharges, suspension, and other headaches – but knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the system. This article will break things down in an easy-to-understand way so Jersey drivers know what they’re up against.

An Overview of the NJSA Point System

The NJSA (New Jersey Statutes Annotated) point system is used to track driving violations in New Jersey[1]. Most moving violations have points associated with them – running a red light may be 2 points, while reckless driving can be 5 points. If you rack up 12-15 points in a 2 year period, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will suspend your license[2].

The more points you have, the higher your insurance rates will likely be as well. After 6+ points, you’ll start getting “surcharges” – fines from the MVC for each additional point. So those points can really add up over time!

How Points Are Assigned in New Jersey

The number of points for a violation depends on its severity. For example[3]:

• Speeding 1-14mph over the limit: 2 points
• Speeding 15-29 mph over: 4 points
• Speeding 30+ mph over: 5 points
• Reckless driving: 5 points
• Careless driving: 2-4 points
• Running a red light: 2 points
• Using a cell phone while driving: 3 points

As you can see, points range from 2 on up to 5. Running that red light and checking your texts will cost you!

Consequences of Getting Points on Your NJ License

Those NJSA points may start to pile up before you know it. Here’s what you can expect[4]:

• 6+ points – Surcharges from the MVC for every point over 6
• 12+ points – Possible license suspension
• 12-15 points in 2 years – License suspension – length depends on offense
• Higher insurance rates – Most companies will raise rates based on points

As you can see, points can hit you hard through surcharges and suspension. Plus your car insurance will likely increase as well. It’s worth fighting any questionable tickets to try and limit points!

Options to Reduce NJSA Points

The good news is that there are options to reduce points in many cases[5]:

• Plea bargaining – Work with prosecutors to plead to a lesser offense
• Defensive driving course – Can remove up to 2 points from your total
• Point reduction after 2 years – Points over 5 years old don’t count toward suspension

An experienced traffic lawyer can help negotiate with prosecutors to plead to a lesser offense, reducing your points significantly in most cases. Taking a defensive driving course is another option that can shave off 1-2 points.

Tips for Avoiding Points on Your NJ License

Here are some tips to keep those NJSA points off your record:

• Obey all traffic laws – sounds simple, but critical!
• Slow down – many points come from excessive speeding
• Avoid distractions like phones – focus on driving
• Contest questionable tickets – don’t just pay if you weren’t in the wrong
• Ask about plea bargains – see if you can get the charge reduced
• Take defensive driving – removes 1 or 2 points if you do get cited

Following traffic laws, driving the speed limit, and avoiding distractions like cell phones go a long way. But if you do get an unfair ticket, fight it! Meet with prosecutors to bargain it down and take defensive driving. Knowing your options will help minimize NJSA points.

Don’t Panic! Consult a Traffic Lawyer

If you’ve made some mistakes and are facing license suspension or heavy surcharges, don’t panic. An experienced New Jersey traffic lawyer can be your best ally in this situation. They know all the ins and outs of the NJSA point system and the best ways to fight back.

A lawyer may be able to plea bargain your offense down to a lesser charge or zero points. They can also advise on taking defensive driving courses at the optimal time. Don’t let those points pile up and get your license suspended unnecessarily! Consult an attorney to explore your options.

Driving in New Jersey means dealing with the NJSA point schedule. But understanding how it works is key – you’ll know how to minimize points and avoid suspension. Obey traffic laws, fight unfair tickets, take defensive driving, and talk to a lawyer if you need help. Handling points properly will keep you safely on the road!