Criminal Defense

New Jersey Traffic Ticket Surcharges FAQs

With overpopulation and millions of drivers on the road, New Jersey is strict on enforcing driving laws. Sometimes, too strict. One plague to the NJ traffic violations organization is its system of tacking on additional surcharges to already skyrocketing fines. With an extra surcharge, you can find yourself paying double the amount of the original ticket. To learn more about fighting traffic tickets and surcharges, contact a NJ traffic defense lawyer.

What is a surcharge?

When do I have to pay a surcharge?

  • If you accumulate six or more points within three years from your last posted violation, you will receive a $150 Surcharge plus $25 for each additional point. According to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s website, additional violations that qualify for surcharges (billed yearly for three years) include:
  • $100 for unlicensed driver or driver with expired license ($300 total)
  • $250 for driving with a suspended license ($750 total)
  • $100 for failure to insure a moped ($300 total)
  • $250 for operating an uninsured vehicle ($750 total)
  • $1,000 for first and second driving while intoxicated (DWI) ($3,000 total)
  • $1,500 third DWI (if it occurs within three years last offense) ($4,500 total)
  • $1,000 for refusing to take test to measure blood alcohol concentration ($3,000 total)

Are surcharges one-time fees?

No. Once you pay your initial surcharge, you will be billed yearly for two more years. So, you pay one surcharge per year for three years total.

What are points on my license?

If you are convicted of certain moving violations, you receive an assigned number of points on your license. Points are tracked by the MVC. After you receive six points in a three year period, you are charged a three-year surcharge. If you receive more than 12 points, your license will be suspended.  Points are deducted from your license for every year you remain violation-free.

How many points do I get for each violation?

Offense Points Offense Points
Improper passing 4 Unlawful use of median strip 2
Operating constructor vehicle in excess of 45 mph 3 Operating motorized bicycle on a restricted highway 2
More than one person on a motorized bicycle 2 Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk 2
Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk; passing a vehicle
yielding to pedestrian in crosswalk		 2 Driving through safety zone 2
Racing on highway 5 Improper action or omission on grades and curves 2
Failure to observe direction of officer 2 Failure to stop vehicle before crossing sidewalk 2
Failure to yield to pedestrians or vehicles while entering or leaving
highway		 2 Driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or
signal		 2
Operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk 2 Failure to obey direction of officer 2
Failure to observe traffic signals* (Red Light Camera- 0 pts.) 2 *No points assessed for red light camera violation 0
Failure to keep right 2 Improper operating of vehicle on divided highway or divider 2
Failure to keep right at intersection 2 Failure to pass to right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction 5
Improper passing on right or off roadway 4 Wrong way on a one-way street 2
Improper passing in no passing zone 4 Failure to yield to overtaking vehicle 2
Failure to observe traffic lanes 2 Tailgating 5
Failure to yield at intersection 2 Failure to use proper entrances to limited access highways 2
Failure to yield to emergency vehicles 2 Reckless driving 5
Careless driving 2 Destruction of agricultural or recreational property 2
Slow speed blocking traffic 2 Driving in an unsafe manner (points only for third or subsequent
offense within five years of most recent 39:4-97.2 conviction)		 4
Exceeding maximum speed 1-14 mph over limit 2 Exceeding maximum speed 15-29 mph over limit 4
Exceeding maximum speed 30 mph or more over limit 5 Failure to stop for traffic light 2
Improper turn at traffic light 3 Failure to stop at flashing red signal 2
Failure to stop for police whistle 2 Improper right or left turn 3
Improper turn from approved turning course 3 Improper u-turn 3
Failure to give proper signal 2 Improper backing or turning in street 2
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing 2 Improper crossing of bridge 2
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing by certain vehicles 2 Improper passing of school bus 5
Improper passing of frozen dessert truck 4 Leaving the scene of an accident – no personal injury 2
Leaving the scene of an accident – Personal injury 8 Failure to observe stop or yield signs 2
Racing on highway 5 Moving violation committed out-of-state 2

 

What happens when I don’t pay my surcharge?

Your license may be suspended if you fail to pay your surcharge. You can pay by check or online.

Are you facing large fees, license suspension, or other harsh driving penalties? Don’t let the state of New Jersey MVC take advantage of you.  Learn how a traffic defense attorney ensures you get a fair day in court. Contact our New Jersey criminal lawyers today, for a free initial consultation, call us today at (908) 561-5577 or contact us online.  Your initial consultation is free.