New Jersey Driving Records

Driving safely is not just about avoiding accidents, it is also about maintaining a clean driving record. In New Jersey, your driving history is tracked and stored as part of official state motor vehicle records. These reports may follow you for years and influence everything from employment opportunities to your insurance rates.

It is important to know that driving records are not managed the same way nationwide. Each state handles its own DMV driving records, and access depends on specific state rules that determine who may view them and how.

What Is a New Jersey Driving Record?

A New Jersey driving record, also officially known as a driver history abstract or motor vehicle record (MVR), details all traffic events a person has been involved in while behind the wheel, including violations, accidents, and accumulated points on the license. In this state, driver history is monitored by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC).

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

Official MVRs are issued exclusively by the NJ MVC and reflect a motorist's legal driving status. These records are required for official use, such as legal proceedings, employment in regulated industries, or insurance reviews, because they carry the MVC's certification and are accepted as legally binding.

While not certified by the MVC, public driving records from third-party providers like RecordsFinder generally offer distinct advantages in terms of accessibility and additional context.

Unlike MVRs issued by the MVC, which typically contain only state-specific data, third-party reports may draw from multiple jurisdictions to offer a generally more comprehensive overview of a driver's activity.

Moreover, these reports are often easier to obtain without the delays and complexities of government bureaucracy, making them a convenient tool for informal checks or personal research.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Your New Jersey driving record is vital for the following reasons:

• License Restoration Hearings: If your license is suspended in New Jersey, you may need to present your driving report at an MVC restoration hearing to show that you have met the required conditions or demonstrated improved behavior.
• Employment in Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Roles: Employers hiring for commercial driving positions often request an official driver's record to verify your qualifications, ensure safe driving practices, and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, including the 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 391.
• Insurance Rate Disputes: Policyholders may use their driving history to contest premium hikes or inaccuracies in violation reporting that do not align with the guidelines set by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI).

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A typical New Jersey driver report may reveal the following data points:

• Personal information
• Driver's license status
• License details (number, class, and expiration date)
• License suspensions and restorations
• Traffic violations and convictions
• Accident involvement history
• Points accumulated on the license
• Payment records (fees, fines, and payment statuses)

Types of Driver Records Available in New Jersey

The following are the different types of driver records in New Jersey:

• Non-Certified Driving Record: A non-certified driving record is available online and offers basic details about a person's driving history, such as recent violations and convictions. This record is intended for personal use only and is not accepted by insurance companies, employers, or courts for official purposes.
• Certified 5-Year Driver Record: Employers and insurance companies frequently request a certified 5-year driving record detailing convictions, violations, and accidents within the past five years for pre-employment screenings and policy assessments.
• Certified Full Driving History: This driving record offers a complete account of a person's driving history, including incidents within the last five years and beyond, payment records, and financial obligations.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in New Jersey

Traffic violations and infractions in New Jersey encompass both civil and criminal breaches of the state's motor vehicle laws and regulations. The type and seriousness of each offense determine the resulting penalties, which may include fines, points, or legal action.

Enforcement and penalties are administered by the NJ MVC, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), local police departments, and municipal courts throughout the state.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Generally, traffic violations may be categorized as moving and non-moving.

Moving violations are traffic offenses committed while a vehicle is in motion. Common examples typically include speeding, driving while intoxicated (DWI), illegal U-turns, unsafe lane changes, and running a stop sign. Depending on severity, these violations add points to a driver's record and may lead to fines, surcharges, license suspension, or jail time.

On the other hand, non-moving violations, such as parking in a fire zone or driving with expired tags, usually involve fines but no points. However, repeated violations may result in steeper penalties or mandatory court appearances.

Moving Violations

• Speeding: Speeding violates New Jersey Statutes Annotated (NJSA) Section 39:4-98. Fines range from $50 to $200, with up to 15 days in jail and 2–5 points added to your driving record, depending on how fast you were going. Fines double for speeding 20+ mph over the limit or 10+ mph in 65-mph zones, and triple on Route 130.
• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): Under NJSA Section 39:4-50, driving in New Jersey with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, or while impaired, leads to severe penalties. First offenders face up to 30 days in jail, a $250–$400 fine, a three-month license suspension, and enrollment in the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP). A BAC of 0.10% increases fines to $300–$500 and revocation to 7–12 months. Repeated offenses carry harsher penalties.

Non-Moving Violations

• Driving Without a License or While Suspended: As per NJSA Section 39:3-40, if you operate a vehicle without a valid license or while your driving privileges are suspended, you may face fines between $150 and $1,000, jail time ranging from 1 to 18 months, and possible registration revocation. Penalties become more severe for repeat offenses or if the suspension resulted from a DWI conviction.
• Using a Fraudulent or Expired Inspection Sticker: In New Jersey, using an unauthorized or expired inspection sticker may lead to fines of up to $1,000 for the first offense and $1,500 for repeat violations.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

After receiving a traffic ticket, the individual is required to respond within 30 days or by the date specified on the ticket. Below are several options for addressing a traffic citation in New Jersey:

• Pay the Ticket: New Jersey traffic offenders may pay fines either in person at the designated municipal court or through the official online system. For faster, secure transactions, the New Jersey Judiciary provides the NJMCDirect payment portal.
• Contest the Ticket: If you are asking how to contest a ticket in New Jersey, begin by pleading not guilty during the arraignment. The court will then schedule a hearing, at which you may choose to represent yourself or hire an attorney.
• Negotiate a Plea Bargain: Another option for responding to a traffic citation is negotiating a plea deal before trial, where your attorney and the prosecutor agree on reduced penalties, such as lower fines, probation, or a driver course, in exchange for admitting guilt.

If you have misplaced or lost your traffic ticket in New Jersey, contact the court with jurisdiction over the violation. They may help with recovering lost tickets, but ensure you have the necessary details, like the citation number, for quick identification.

How Does the New Jersey Point System Work?

New Jersey's point system, overseen by the NJ MVC, tracks traffic violations to enhance road safety. Each offense adds points to a driver's record, with more severe violations adding more points.

For instance, minor violations like failure to signal or careless driving result in two points, while serious offenses such as reckless driving or tailgating add five points. The most severe violations, such as leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, carry eight points.

If you accumulate six points within three years, a $150 surcharge and an additional $25 for each extra point are imposed. Reaching 12 points within three years leads to automatic license suspension and reinstatement fees.

The NJ MVC automatically removes three points for each violation-free year. Completing the Driver Improvement Program or a Defensive Driving Course may further reduce points.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Traffic violations generally stay on New Jersey drivers' records permanently, but points may be reduced in various ways. Completing a defensive driving program removes up to two points every two years. Experienced drivers may take the driver improvement program once every five years for a three-point reduction.

New drivers in violation may be required to complete the probationary driver program, which is also worth three points. Additionally, going one year without any violations or suspensions results in a three-point credit.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In New Jersey, moving violations cannot be removed from a driver's record unless the charge was dismissed or no conviction occurred. On the other hand, non-moving offenses, such as parking or equipment violations, might be eligible for expungement.

However, the possibility of expungement is determined by the specific court, local jurisdiction, and other considerations from the driver's past record.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Here are the methods for obtaining your official New Jersey motor vehicle history report:

• Online: By using the NJ MVC's Online Driver Record Request Service, you may request a driving record online. You'll need a valid New Jersey license or ID and a registered User ID.
• By Mail: Download and fill out the Driver History Abstract Application Request (Form DO-21). Send the completed form, a copy of your driver's license or ID, and payment to the mailing address provided on the form.
• In-Person: You may also visit an NJ MVC regional service center or agency to request your driving history. Be sure to bring the necessary identification documents and the appropriate payment for processing.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in New Jersey?

A New Jersey driver record costs $15. You may pay by credit or debit card for online lookups and by check or money order for mail-in requests. You may also pay with cash if you plan to get your record in person.

Depending on your chosen method, your driving report may be received in two to seven days.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

As noted earlier, there is a fee for requesting your official driving record from the NJ MVC. However, if you only want to view physical court records from past traffic cases for free, you may visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was handled. Just remember, while viewing is free, there may be fees if you need copies of the records.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

In New Jersey, a bad driving record is linked to the accumulation of excessive points on a driver's record due to traffic violations or accidents.

Serious offenses that violate NJSA Title 39 and the New Jersey Criminal Code are classified as felony traffic violations. These indictable offenses may lead to heavy fines, extended license suspensions, and lengthy prison terms.

For example, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a third-degree felony. Penalties may include a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years, and license suspension for up to 10 years.

Misdemeanor traffic violations, such as driving with a revoked license, are less severe than felonies. Known as disorderly persons offenses, they carry penalties of up to $500 in fines, 2 to 3 demerit points, and up to 30 days in county jail.

Traffic infractions are the least severe but may still result in significant fines and points. Parking violations, however, typically do not affect a driver's record or add any points. Additionally, warnings do not appear on a driver's record because they are informal notices issued at an officer's discretion and do not involve a formal charge, citation, or court action.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Regional and local insurance carriers consider multiple factors when determining auto insurance rates, with your driving record being a key consideration. If your record reflects risky behaviors or violations, insurers may categorize you as high-risk, leading to increased premiums.

In New Jersey, for example, insurance companies like Plymouth Rock, NJM, and Travelers typically raise their average annual full coverage rates by 17% to 24% for drivers with speeding tickets.

Your driving history also impacts employment opportunities, particularly in public transportation. NJ TRANSIT, a New Jersey public transportation company, for instance, requires applicants for bus and rail operator positions to have a clean driving record with fewer than five points. A poor driving record could prevent you from securing a job in these fields.

Who Can Access Your New Jersey Driving History?

Access to your New Jersey driving history is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and state laws (NJSA Sections 39:2-3.3 and 39:2-3.4).

The NJ MVC cannot release personal details, like your name, address, photo, Social Security Number, or medical records, without your written consent and a completed authorization form.

Only authorized parties, such as insurers, employers, attorneys, law enforcement, and courts, may access this data for legitimate motor vehicle or driver history purposes, and they must provide valid identification.

FAQs About New Jersey Driving Records

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about New Jersey driving records below.

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