Every moving-violation conviction adds points to your record, with more points for more serious violations. Points pile up toward surcharges and suspension, and they drop off slowly with good driving.
Know the rule
All point violations after March 1, 1974 stay on your record. Violations committed in other states add 2 points.
Handbook p. 139 ↗Know the rule
Up to three points are subtracted for every year you go without a violation or suspension, but your total never goes below zero.
Handbook p. 139 ↗Know the rule
Traffic laws apply on highways, roadways, parking areas, driveways and government-owned grounds.
Handbook p. 139 ↗Point values (part 1)
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Racing on a highway | 5 |
| Failure to pass to the right of an oncoming vehicle | 5 |
| Improper passing on Turnpike, Parkway or AC Expressway | 4 |
| Construction vehicle over 45 mph | 3 |
| Failure to yield to or stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 2 |
| Failure to observe traffic signals | 2 |
| Failure to keep right | 2 |
| Using private property to avoid a signal or sign | 2 |
Point values (part 2)
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 30 mph or more over | 5 |
| Tailgating | 5 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Speeding 15-29 mph over | 4 |
| Passing in a no-passing zone | 4 |
| Unsafe driving (3rd within 5 years) | 4 |
| Speeding 1-14 mph over | 2 |
| Careless driving | 2 |
Point values (part 3)
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Improper right or left turn | 3 |
| Improper turn at a traffic light | 3 |
| Improper U-turn | 3 |
| Hand-held phone (3rd within 10 yrs of 2nd, and later) | 3 |
| Failure to stop for a traffic light | 2 |
| Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle | 2 |
| Wrong way on a one-way street | 2 |
| Slow speed blocking traffic | 2 |
Point values (part 4)
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Leaving the scene of a crash, personal injury | 8 |
| Improper passing of a school bus | 5 |
| Improper passing of a frozen dessert truck | 4 |
| Leaving the scene, no injury | 2 |
| Failure to observe Stop or Yield signs | 2 |
| Improper railroad crossing | 2 |
| Moving violation out of state | 2 |
| Move Over Law violation | 2 |
Nonresident Violator Compact
44 states and D.C. treat nonresident drivers like residents: settle an out-of-state ticket or risk suspension at home. Not for parking, weight-limit or hazmat violations.
Handbook p. 142 ↗Driver License Compact
Member states share violation information, so out-of-state violations become part of your New Jersey driving record.
Handbook p. 142 ↗Know the rule
Non-members: Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon and Wisconsin (Nonresident Violator Compact); Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin (Driver License Compact).
Handbook p. 142 ↗Put it into practice
You're convicted of going 20 mph over the limit (4 points) and later of tailgating (5 points). That's 9 points. Three more points within 24 months could bring a Notice of Scheduled Suspension.