In New Jersey, the length of time a driver’s license is suspended depends on the number of offenses committed.
For a first offense, the suspension period ranges from 7 to 12 months.
For a second offense, drivers face a license suspension for 1 to 2 years.
For a third or more offense, the suspension period extends from 3 to 10 years.
Before seeking reinstatement of driving privileges, it is crucial to settle any pending violation charges or surcharges with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC). Payments can be processed online.
This article will provide guidance on how to reinstate a suspended driver’s license in NJ, including discovering the suspension cause, completing required actions, and remitting the NJ license reinstatement fee.
Additionally, it will identify reasons for license suspension in NJ, reinstatement expenses for suspended licenses in NJ, and suspension triggers for driving privileges, including alcohol or drug impairment behind the wheel, unsettled traffic fines and additional charges, defaulting on child support payments, and accumulating excessive points for traffic offenses.
Reinstating a Suspended Driver’s License in NJ
If a driver’s license is suspended in New Jersey, there are several steps that must be taken to reinstate it. Here are the three key steps to follow:
Discover the Suspension Cause
The first step is to identify the reason behind the suspension. The driver can contact the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) at (609) 292-6500 to obtain this information. Additionally, the NJ Ticket Lookup By Plate tool is available to assess any outstanding parking violations.
Complete Required Actions
To become eligible for reinstatement, drivers must comply with the conditions associated with their suspension. These requirements may include adherence to court-imposed mandates, participation in a state-approved defensive driving course, or enrollment in substance abuse treatment programs, coupled with the installation of an ignition interlock device for DUI offenses.
Remit the NJ License Reinstatement Fee
The final step is to pay the New Jersey license reinstatement fee, which is currently set at $100. This fee can be paid either online or in person.
Online Payment: To pay the fee online, the driver should visit the NJ MVC’s official payment portal and provide their zip code associated with their license, Social Security Number, and Driver’s License number. The fee can then be processed using a credit or debit card.
Offline Payment: Alternatively, the fee can be paid directly at an MVC location. The driver should make a check or money order payable to the NJMVC and send it with their license information to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission P.O. Box 140 Trenton, NJ 08650-0140
Upon satisfying the criteria and paying the necessary fees, drivers should also furnish any required identification documents for license restoration. It is crucial to monitor points on one’s license, as accruing six or more points within three years can trigger additional surcharges or suspension actions. To circumvent future issues, drivers should prioritize adherence to traffic regulations and practice responsible driving.
Identifying Reasons for License Suspension in NJ
To identify the reasons for license suspension in New Jersey, individuals must contact the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) directly. Two numbers are available for this purpose: (609) 292-6500 (standard rate) or toll-free at 1-888-486-3339.
It is important to inquire about the specific cause of the license suspension, the duration of the suspension period, and any required surcharges, and if applicable, the amount.
The MVC maintains comprehensive records of every driver’s history, including infractions and suspensions. Therefore, during the call, individuals should request a complete overview of their driving record.
Essential questions to ask include the duration before license reinstatement is possible, outstanding surcharge amounts owed to NJ MVC, and eligibility and requirements for any MVC-approved license restoration programs.
If the suspension stems from violations adjudicated by an NJ Municipal Court, the MVC representative can provide additional insights. Individuals can request a physical copy of their driving records during the call for a nominal fee of $15.
Payment and restoration queries can be made regarding NJ traffic and parking tickets, unemployment filings (NJUIFILE), municipal court direct (njmcdirect.com) services, surcharge settlements (NJ Surcharge Payment), EZ Pass toll payments, and contesting tickets via NJMCdirect.
After gathering all relevant information and fulfilling any requirements such as fees and program participation, individuals can proceed with the driving license restoration process.
Reinstatement Expenses for Suspended Licenses in NJ
Reinstating a suspended driver’s license in New Jersey requires a $100 restoration fee payable to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. However, the total financial impact may vary depending on the reason for the suspension.
For instance, outstanding fines for unpaid parking tickets must be paid before license reinstatement. Similarly, if the suspension is due to unpaid surcharges, settling these additional charges is necessary.
In cases of DUI offenses, individuals may incur broader financial implications, with potential costs ranging from $500 to $2500, depending on the unique circumstances of the offense.
Additionally, the State may implement an annual surcharge or offer a payment plan, which could lead to accrued interest, increasing the total amount due.
To facilitate the reinstatement process, individuals are advised to pay fines and surcharges promptly. It is crucial to note that the restoration fee is not the only expense associated with license reinstatement in New Jersey.
Therefore, individuals must understand the unique circumstances of their suspension to determine the total financial impact of reinstating their driver’s license.
Suspension Triggers for Driving Privileges
Alcohol or Drug Impairment Behind the Wheel
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can result in a suspended driving license in New Jersey [1]. The state takes these violations seriously and imposes strict consequences, including license suspension.
Unsettled Traffic Fines and Additional Charges
Failure to pay traffic-related fines or surcharges can lead to license suspension in New Jersey. It is important to clear any pending dues promptly to avoid license suspension.
Defaulting on Child Support Payments
Consistent failure to make child support payments can result in license suspension in New Jersey. The state takes the obligation of upholding child support payments seriously to ensure dependents receive necessary financial support.
Accumulating Excessive Points for Traffic Offenses
Accumulating 12 or more points on a driving record due to traffic violations leads to license suspension in New Jersey. It is important to adhere to traffic laws and manage any traffic tickets swiftly to prevent point accumulation and the additional fallout of surcharges and suspension.
Being aware of these triggers is essential in safeguarding driving privileges. It is important to be responsible and follow traffic laws to avoid any suspension triggers.