New Jersey Driving Records

New Jersey's driving records are primarily public information, thanks to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). This law allows anyone to access most driving-related information, though some sensitive details are still protected. These records, which show their official driving history, are essential for drivers. 

They can affect car insurance costs, job prospects, and court cases. Businesses and government agencies use these records to make decisions and create policies.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) handles these records. It ensures the information is correct, manages requests for records, and keeps private information safe.

Types of Driving Records Available in New Jersey

The NJ MVC offers various types of driving records. These documents are essential for insurance assessments, employment verifications, and legal proceedings.

Non-Certified Driving Record 

The non-certified driving record provides a basic overview of a driver's history. It is accessible online and includes:

• Personal information (name, address, date of birth)
• Driver's license details (number, class, expiration date)
• Current license status
• Recent traffic violations and convictions
• License suspensions or restorations

This record is primarily for personal reference and informal inquiries. Insurance companies, employers, and courts do not accept it for official use.

Certified 5-Year Driver Record 

The certified 5-year driver record is a comprehensive document, widely accepted for official purposes, and includes:

• All non-certified record information
• Official NJ MVC certification
• A detailed history of violations, accidents, and convictions within the past five years
• License suspensions and restorations
• Accumulated driver's license points

Insurance companies and employers often request this type of record for policy assessments and pre-employment screening.

Certified Complete Driving Record 

The certified complete driving record offers the most extensive account of a motorist's driving history, providing:

• All information from the 5-year record
• A complete driving history beyond the five-year limit
• Comprehensive details on all recorded incidents
• A complete history of fee payments and financial responsibilities

Courts commonly require this record for legal proceedings related to traffic offenses.

Common Information in Certified Records 

Both the certified 5-year and complete driving records include detailed information such as:

• Accidents: Dates, locations, and severity
• Traffic violations: Specific offenses and their dates of occurrence
• License suspensions: Reasons for suspension and duration
• Driving record points: Accumulated points and their impact on license status
• Fee payment history: Record of fines, fees, and their payment status

How To Request a New Jersey Driving History Report?

Motorists who need their New Jersey Driver History Abstract, which provides details about their driving record, including moving violations, points, accidents, and suspensions over the past five years, can request it online, by mail, or in person.

Online Request

Motorists seeking a quick and efficient way to access their driving history can use the NJ MVC’s Online Driver Record Request Service. This method requires a User ID, a valid New Jersey driver’s license or ID, and a $15 payment via credit or debit card. 

Mail Request

Individuals who prefer mailing their request must complete the Driver History Abstract Application Request (Form DO-21). 

Along with the form, they should include a photocopy of their New Jersey driver's license or ID and a $15 money order or check payable to NJ MVC. The completed application, payment, and license copy should be sent to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Abstract Unit
225 East State Street
P.O. Box 142
Trenton, NJ 08666-0142

In-Person Request

Motorists can also obtain their driving history report in person at any local NJ MVC office. They need to present their New Jersey driver's license or ID and pay the $15 fee, which can be made via credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order (payable to NJ MVC). The required Form DO-21 can be completed either before arriving or at the office.

Uses of New Jersey Driving Records

Under the New Jersey Driver Privacy Protection Act, the use of motor vehicle records is strictly regulated. The law specifies permitted uses to ensure the privacy and proper handling of these records. 

The following outlines the different authorized uses for accessing driving records in New Jersey:

• Government and legal use: Access for official functions by government agencies, courts, and law enforcement.
• Vehicle safety and research: Records address safety issues, emissions, recalls, and market research.
• Business verification: Businesses can verify and correct personal information submitted by individuals.
• Legal proceedings: Utilized in civil, criminal, or administrative cases, including investigations.
• Education and research: Supports educational or research activities without publishing data or contacting individuals.
• Insurance and claims: Used by insurers for claims investigations, fraud prevention, and underwriting.
• Towed or impounded vehicles: Records notify owners of towed or impounded vehicles.
• Commercial license verification: Employers verify information related to commercial drivers.
• Private toll management: Used for managing private toll facilities.

Understanding New Jersey Driving Laws

New Jersey enforces various driving laws to create a safer driving environment for everyone in the state. Motorists must be aware of these laws to avoid the personal, legal, and financial consequences of violating them.

Below are some of the key driving laws in New Jersey and their associated penalties:

Licensing Laws and Penalties

In New Jersey, driving without a valid license or while under suspension is a serious violation under New Jersey Statutes Annotated (NJSA) Section 39:3-40. Motorists must always carry a valid license and present it when requested by law enforcement. 

Failure to do so can lead to a $150 fine, though producing a valid license in court may result in case dismissal, subject to court fees. Driving on a suspended or revoked license incurs penalties starting at a $500 fine and escalating to $1,000 and up to ten days in jail for repeat offenses. 

Repeat violations may lead to felony charges, with potential imprisonment of up to 18 months and fines of up to $10,000.

Speeding Laws and Penalties

New Jersey’s speeding laws, detailed in NJSA Section 39:4-98, include a basic speed law and specific speed limits. The basic law mandates that drivers adjust their speed according to road conditions. 

Established limits include 25 miles per hour (mph) in school zones and 35 mph in suburban areas. Penalties for speeding range from $50 to $200 and may include up to 15 days in jail. Offenders may also receive two to five demerit points on their driving records. 

Fines are doubled for speeding by 20 mph over the limit and tripled in certain areas, such as sections of Route 130.

Reckless and Careless Driving Laws and Penalties

Reckless driving, as defined in NJSA Section 39:4-96, involves deliberately endangering others on the road. 

First-time offenders face fines between $50 and $200 and up to 60 days in jail. Repeat violations result in steeper penalties, including fines of $100 to $500, up to three months in jail, and five demerit points on the driving record.

Careless driving, a less severe offense, occurs when a motorist's negligence endangers others, resulting in fines from $50 to $200, up to 15 days in jail, and two demerit points. Severe incidents, like assault by auto due to reckless driving, can lead to harsher consequences.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Laws and Penalties

Driving while intoxicated, governed by NJSA Section 39:4-50, is a significant offense in New Jersey. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, or drug impairment, leads to severe consequences.

First-time offenders face fines of $250 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and a license suspension ranging from three months to a year. 

For a second offense, the penalties increase to 48 to 90 days in jail, fines between $500 and $1,000, and a license suspension of one to two years. A third offense can result in 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and an eight-year license suspension.

Illegal Racing Laws and Penalties

Illegal street racing, as prohibited by NJSA Section 39:4-52, is strictly enforced in New Jersey. This law forbids racing, driving for wagers, or attempting speed records on public roads and penalizes organizers as well. 

First offenses can result in fines ranging from $27 to $102, while repeat violations carry fines of $102 to $202. A 30-day license suspension is standard but can extend up to two years, depending on the circumstances.

Additionally, five demerit points are added to the driver's record, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. 

The Point System in New Jersey

New Jersey's point system, managed by the NJ MVC, tracks traffic violations to promote road safety. Based on the severity of the offense, points are added to a driver's record, affecting insurance premiums and potentially leading to license suspension.

Minor infractions, like failure to give proper signal and careless driving, add two points each, while serious offenses, such as reckless driving and tailgating, can add five points each. 

The most severe violations, like leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, can add up to eight points.

Penalties and Remedies for Accumulating Points

Accumulating six points within three years in New Jersey triggers a $150 surcharge, plus $25 for each additional point.

Reaching 12 points within three years results in automatic license suspension and reinstatement fees. These points can also impact employment opportunities, especially in driving-related jobs.

To reduce points, New Jersey automatically deducts three points for each year without a violation. Completing the NJ MVC’s Driver Improvement Program or a Defensive Driving Course can further reduce points.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in New Jersey

Driving offenses in New Jersey are divided into criminal and civil categories, each with its own set of penalties. Recognizing the difference between these violations is crucial for motorists to avoid serious legal repercussions.

Criminal Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

Criminal driving offenses in New Jersey are severe violations under the Motor Vehicle and Criminal Codes, categorized as felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies like vehicular homicide, under NJSA Section 2C:11-5, can lead to five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.

Other serious crimes include assault by auto near school zones and driving on a suspended license post-DUI, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison. 

Misdemeanors, such as reckless driving, can result in fines of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and demerit points. Although less severe than felonies, misdemeanors still result in criminal records and can have long-lasting impacts.

Civil Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

Civil driving offenses in New Jersey, though less severe than criminal offenses, still carry significant penalties. Common violations include speeding, running red lights, and illegal U-turns.

These infractions generally result in fines, surcharges, and demerit points on the driver’s record. For instance, speeding in a school zone can result in fines between $50 and $200, with fines doubled in specific areas. Improperly passing a school bus can lead to a $500 fine and five demerit points. 

While civil offenses don’t typically lead to jail time, repeated violations or severe circumstances can escalate them to criminal charges.

New Jersey Driving Statistics and Goals

Recent data reveals concerning trends in New Jersey. In 2021, New Jersey recorded 697 traffic fatalities, a 19.9% increase from 2020. Pedestrian deaths also rose, with 220 fatalities in 2021 compared to 179 in 2020. 

To address these issues, the state has implemented targeted strategies, including increased sobriety checkpoints, enhanced crosswalk enforcement, and improved roadway design. New Jersey's multifaceted approach combines education, engineering, and enforcement to create safer roads for all users.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has set ambitious goals to reduce traffic fatalities through its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The state aims to halve traffic deaths by 2030, setting a target of no more than 284 fatalities annually. 

This goal is part of the broader "Toward Zero Deaths" initiative, which ultimately seeks to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Driving Records

Here are answers to frequent questions about managing driving records in New Jersey, including correcting errors, accessing records, and expungement limitations.

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

Motorists can address driving record errors by first obtaining a Driver History Abstract from the NJ MVC’s Online Driver Record Request Service. If discrepancies are found, they must submit a correction request through the NJ MVC website or at NJ MVC agencies. 

For court-related issues, contact the relevant municipal court. The NJ MVC may require additional documentation. Drivers can track the status of their correction request online using the provided confirmation number.

Can an Individual Request Someone Else’s Driving Record?

An individual can request another person's driving record in New Jersey, but specific steps must be followed. The requestor must complete the Form DO–21A.

This form requires the record owner's signature and must be notarized by a Notary Public. After completing the form, the requester should visit the MVC’s office in Trenton to proceed with the request.

Can Driving Records Be Expunged or Sealed?

Driving records in New Jersey, including traffic violations and convictions, cannot be expunged or sealed. Once recorded, these violations permanently affect a motorist’s driving history, insurance rates, and job prospects. 

Unlike criminal records, which may be expunged under certain conditions, driving records receive no such relief. Certain indictable or disorderly offenses may be expunged after ten years of a clean record, but the underlying traffic violation remains on the driving record, reflecting the individual’s driving history.

Helpful Links and Resources

Check these critical resources for New Jersey driving laws, points, and 2024 crash stats.

• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/about/regs.htm
• NJ MVC’s Points Schedule: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/license/points-schedule.htm
• New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Fatal Crash Statistics for 2024: https://www.nj.gov/njsp/info/fatalacc/index.shtml

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Counties in New Jersey

• Atlantic
• Bergen
• Burlington
• Camden
• Cape May
• Cumberland
• Essex
• Gloucester
• Hudson
• Hunterdon
• Mercer
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Morris
• Ocean
• Passaic
• Salem
• Somerset
• Sussex
• Union
• Warren