Traffic Points in New Jersey: What They Mean and How They Affect You

If Drivers in New Jersey offend traffic rules then traffic points are added to their driving record and they can affect insurance, finances, and driving privileges as well. The objective of New Jersey’s point system is to promote a safe driving experience and focus on discouraged violations. In this guide we will explore the basic aspects of traffic points, how they affect drivers, how to get rid of added points, and what are pro tips. Also read: Pay NJ Ticket Online

Why Traffic Points Matter?

Traffic points are added to your insurance, finances, and driving privileges when you break the rules and do not drive safely. You can earn more points for more severe violations, it depends on the incident and circumstances on the spot. To avoid earning points, you have to track your points and follow the traffic rules to maintain a safe driving experience.

How Points Are Assigned?

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) adds points to driving record for the following situations:

• 1 to 14 mph over the speed limit: 2 points
• 15 to 29 mph over the speed limit: 4 points
• 30 mph or more over the speed limit: 5 points
• Running a red light: 2 points
• Improper passing: 4 points
• Careless driving: 5 points
• Not stopping for a pedestrian at a crosswalk: 2 points

Pro Tip: You can minimize the accumulating points experience by monitoring your speed, and following the traffic violations intensities for a safe driving practice. Take care of following the traffic lights and pedestrians, and handle crowded roads or school and college areas.

Consequences of Accumulating Points:

If you get points to your driving record, then here are the following consequences:

Fines or Penalties:

If you earned more than 6 points within 3 years then a fixed fine will be charged with $150 for 1st six points and $25 for every additional point.

License Suspension:

If your points are continuously accumulating and you get more than 12 points then your driving license will be suspended. It will affect our life activities, jobs, and education as well and you can not drive.

Risk by Insurance Companies:

If you are earning more points, then you have to pay higher premiums along with fines or penalties.

Tips to Getting Rid of Points:

It is good news to reduce the points that are added to your driving record and you can maintain a clean record as well. Here are the following tips:

Defensive Driving Courses:

To remove up to 2 points from your record can maintain by completing the Defensive Driving Courses and learning about traffic rules.

Maintain a Safe Driving Experience:

To remove up to 3 points from your record, then you have to follow the traffic rules for at least one year.

Driver Improvement Program (DIP):

This program is another learning platform for drivers to drive safely, and you can remove up to 3 points if you complete it successfully.

Long-Term Impact of Points:

If your points are accumulating continuously and you fail to reduce or handle the points, then you can face the following impacts:

Losing your License:

Adding 12 points to your record can suspend your license permanently, and additional fines or penalties are additional to bear.

Loss of Employment:

At the time of the interview, some employers check your driving record. If your driving record is not maintained then you can terminated from the current job or maybe you won’t get hired.

Financial Stress:

More accumulated points tend to more fines, charges, insurance premiums, or penalties for a long time.

How to Prevent Getting Points?

Here are the following criteria that have to follow if you want to avoid accumulating points:

• Obey and monitor speed limits
• Avoid running to traffic lights
• Be calm and act politely
• Provide a space for other drivers to create a safe driving environment on crowded roads.
• Focus on minimizing the earned points by completing driving-related courses or programs.

Additional Tips for Safe Driving:

• Focus on driving to avoid distraction.
• Never use your mobile phone or make a call.
• Maintain attention on the road and signal lights.
• Maintain a distance from other vehicles especially in crowded places.
• Follow the speed limit criteria.

Conclusion

New Jersey’s point system refers to adding points to drivers’ records to focus on safe driving practice. Drivers with added points try to follow the traffic rules to handle their earned points. Accumulation of more points means you are stressed with high penalties, insurance rates, and even permanent license suspension. Drivers must avoid points by following the tips and traffic rules prescribed in this guide.