NJ Points System: How License Points Work
New Jersey adds points to your driving record when you're convicted of a moving violation, from 2 points for most minor violations up to 8 for leaving the scene of a crash with injuries. At 12 or more points your license will be suspended, and 6 or more points within 3 years also brings a yearly MVC surcharge.
Updated October 14, 2026 · Checked against NJ MVC sources · Reviewed by Jason Friedman, founder of DriveSafer
Points for common NJ violations
| Violation | Statute | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–14 mph over | N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 | 2 |
| Speeding 15–29 mph over | 39:4-98 | 4 |
| Speeding 30+ mph over | 39:4-98 | 5 |
| Careless driving | 39:4-97 | 2 |
| Reckless driving | 39:4-96 | 5 |
| Tailgating | 39:4-89 | 5 |
| Failure to observe a traffic signal | 39:4-81 | 2 |
| Failure to stop for a traffic light | 39:4-105 | 2 |
| Failure to observe a stop or yield sign | 39:4-144 | 2 |
| Improper turn at a traffic light | 39:4-115 | 3 |
| Improper right or left turn | 39:4-123 | 3 |
| Improper U-turn | 39:4-125 | 3 |
| Improper passing in a no-passing zone | 39:4-86 | 4 |
| Passing on the right or off the roadway | 39:4-85 | 4 |
| Improper passing of a school bus | 39:4-128.1 | 5 |
| Failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 39:4-36 | 2 |
| Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle | 39:4-91, 39:4-92 | 2 |
| Racing on a highway | 39:4-52 | 5 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash, no injury | 39:4-129 | 2 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash, personal injury | 39:4-129 | 8 |
| Hand-held phone, third or later offense | 39:4-97.3 | 3 |
| Moving violation in another state | 39:5-30.6 | 2 |
Full list: NJ MVC points schedule.
When points lead to a suspension
If you get 12 or more points, the MVC will suspend your license, and you'll receive a Notice of Scheduled Suspension by mail. The NJ Driver Manual says the notice lets you choose among options such as attending the Driver Improvement Program (if you're eligible), requesting a hearing, or surrendering your license for the suspension period.
New drivers have a separate rule. A 2-year probationary period starts when you get your permit. If you're convicted of 2 or more moving violations totaling 4 or more points during that time, the MVC requires the Probationary Driver Program.
Surcharges: the yearly bill for points
If 6 or more points are posted to your record within 3 years, the MVC charges a surcharge of $150, plus $25 for each point over 6. You pay it every year for 3 years, on top of any court fines. Point totals for surcharges are based on when violations are posted to your record, and point reductions don't lower a surcharge.
| Points posted in 3 years | Yearly surcharge | Over 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | $150 | $450 |
| 7 | $175 | $525 |
| 8 | $200 | $600 |
| 10 | $250 | $750 |
| 12 | $300 | $900 |
Other MVC surcharges (each year for 3 years)
| Violation | Yearly surcharge |
|---|---|
| Unlicensed driver | $100 |
| Driving while suspended | $250 |
| No liability insurance | $250 |
| DWI or breath-test refusal (first or second) | $1,000 |
4 ways to lower your points
| Method | Points removed | How often | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVC-approved defensive driving course | 2 | Once every 5 years | Any driver; it's voluntary |
| Driver Improvement Program | 3 | Once every 2 years | Only when the MVC offers it by notice |
| Probationary Driver Program | 3 | Once | Only when the MVC orders it (new drivers) |
| One year with no violations or suspensions | 3 | Each clean year | Automatic; never below zero |
None of these lowers a surcharge.
How long do points stay on your NJ license?
The MVC keeps a permanent record of every point you've received. Your active point total goes down by up to 3 points for each year without a violation or suspension, counted from the violation date or your most recent restoration. Your insurer may not factor these deductions into your rates.
How to check your points
Request your driver history abstract from the MVC. It costs $15 (Form DO-21), and you can request it online, by mail or in person.