New Jersey Traffic Violation Records

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is responsible for maintaining traffic records in the state. However, records of traffic violations that fall within the scope of the jurisdiction of the courts in the state are maintained by the clerk of those courts.

Although many people interpret traffic violations as speeding violations, traffic violations also include other moving and non-moving violations. New Jersey has a low rate of drivers with a prior speeding violation on their driving records. Only about 5.52% of motorists in the state have a prior speeding violation on record. This figure is much lower than the 10.54% national average. Accumulating traffic violations may significantly impact an individual's driving record, often resulting in fines, points, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in New Jersey?

Traffic records are not fully public in New Jersey. Some information, such as court case information related to traffic offenses, are available publicly, while individual driving records are typically restricted to the record owner, authorized parties, and certain government agencies. Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, employers are allowed to request a certified copy of an individual's driving record from the NJMVC as part of a pre-employment background check.

Traffic offenses such as reckless driving and DUI records are often maintained by the local municipal courts where the cases were handled. Anyone may access such records online or at the office of the clerk of the municipal court.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in New Jersey?

You may use the case search tool on the New Jersey Municipal Court Case Search portal to look up traffic tickets in the state. To start:

• Visit the case search page on the New Jersey MCCS website
• Select "Ticket Number" from the "search by" dropdown menu.
• Provide the court ID, ticket prefix, and the ticket number
• Select the "search" button to reveal information on the ticket

Since some traffic violation records are public records, you may also use reliable third-party websites such as publicrecords.us to look up New Jersey traffic ticket information.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may use the New Jersey Municipal Courts Direct portal to look up traffic and parking tickets. Also called NJMCdirect, the portal provides a secure and fast way to make payments for traffic tickets. To use the system, you will need to provide the court ID, ticket prefix, ticket number, and additional information, such as license plate or driver license number.

Alternatively, you may visit the municipal court with jurisdiction on the matter to pay the fine in person. Payments may typically be made via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, depending on the court's policies.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) issues driving history in a document referred to as a Driver History Abstract. This abstract may be obtained online, by mail, or at an agency.

To obtain the abstract online, visit the NJMVC Online Driver Record Request Service portal. You will need to provide your driver's license or ID number and your date of birth to log into the system. Obtaining your driving record via this method costs $15.

If you prefer a mail application, you may provide a completed Form DO-21, a photocopy of your New Jersey driver license or ID, and a check or money order of $15 made payable to NJMVC to:

Note that the New Jersey driving record typically includes the past five years of driving history. This record contains information such as moving violations, traffic tickets, accidents, license suspensions, and points accrued.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in New Jersey?

Traffic infractions in New Jersey may be classified as moving violations or non-moving violations, depending on whether the vehicle was in motion when the offense occurred. A moving violation happens when a driver breaks New Jersey traffic laws while their vehicle is in motion. Examples of moving violations in New Jersey include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Improper lane changes
• DUI
• Reckless or careless driving

New Jersey typically punishes moving violations with fines, license suspension, points on the driver's license, and jail time for serious offenses like DUI. Note that the accumulation of too many demerit points will lead to increased insurance rates.

Non-moving violations are traffic infractions committed while the vehicle is stationary or unrelated to driving behavior. Examples of non-moving traffic violations in New Jersey are:

• Parking violations
• Broken or missing vehicle equipment, such as brake lights and headlights
• Failure to display a license plate properly
• Expired registration or inspection sticker

The penalties for non-moving violations in New Jersey are less severe when compared to moving violations. Typically, non-moving violations are punished with fines, warnings, or an instruction to fix the issue (such as brake lights and headlights). However, failure to address these violations may lead to further penalties, such as late fees or vehicle impoundment.

How Long Does DWI Stay on Your Record in New Jersey?

​Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in New Jersey. Hence, if you are convicted for a DWI in the state, your conviction remains on your driving record permanently. The harsh penalties attached to DWI have contributed to the low rate of drunk-driving-related deaths in the state. New Jersey is in the top 10 states in the United States for the lowest rates of drunk-driving deaths. The state records about 193 DWI arrests per 100,000 drivers and 2.6 DWI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

In New Jersey, the penalties for DUI offenses vary depending on the number of previous convictions. For a first offense, drivers face fines ranging from $250 to $500, a license suspension lasting from three months to one year, and mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driving Program.

A second DUI conviction increases the severity of consequences, with fines reaching up to $1,000, a two-year license suspension, and potential jail time ranging from 48 hours to 90 days. The penalties for a third offense are even more stringent, including a mandatory fine of $1,000, a 10-year license suspension, and a required jail term of 180 days.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in New Jersey?

N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 is the primary statute addressing speed laws in the state. The state sets the following prima facie speed limits:

• School zones, residential districts, and business districts: 25 mph
• Suburban areas: 35 mph
• Low-density business and residential districts: 35 mph
• Rural freeways: 65 mph
• Urban freeways, divided roads, and undivided roads: 55 mph
• All other roadways except where otherwise specified: 50 mph

Note that local municipalities may adjust these limits under approval from the NJDOT (New Jersey Department of Transportation).

The penalties for speeding in New Jersey include the following:

• 1-9 mph over the limit: $85 fine and 2 points.
• 10-14 mph over the limit: $95 fine and 2 points.
• 15-19 mph over the limit: $105 fine and 4 points.
• 20-24 mph over the limit: $200 fine and 4 points.
• 25-29 mph over the limit: $220 fine and 4 points.
• 30-34 mph over the limit: $240 fine and 5 points.
• 35-39+ mph over the limit: $260 fine and 5 points

Accumulating 12 or more demerit points may lead to license suspension. Note that New Jersey judges have the discretion to impose license suspensions for severe speeding violations, particularly when exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph or more. Such suspensions typically range from 10 to 45 days. Factors like reckless driving or involvement in an accident may influence the length of suspension. For instance, reckless driving may result in up to 60 days of imprisonment for a first offense and up to 90 days for subsequent offenses.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in New Jersey?

Accumulated points from the violation remain on your three years, but traffic convictions remain permanently in your driving records.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may fight a traffic ticket in New Jersey with the following defenses:

• Challenge the Officer's Observations: If the ticket is based on the officer's judgment (such as improper lane change or failing to yield), you may argue that their perspective was incorrect or that road conditions justified your actions.
• Question the Accuracy of Speed Detection Devices: If you were cited for speeding, you can request proof that the radar or laser device used was properly calibrated and maintained.
• Prove Necessity or Emergency: If you can demonstrate that you violated a traffic law due to an emergency (such as avoiding an accident or responding to a medical issue), the court may dismiss the ticket.
• Identify Errors on the Ticket: Mistakes such as an incorrect license plate number, time, or location may be grounds for dismissal if they impact the validity of the citation.
• Argue That Road Signs Were Unclear: If speed limits or traffic control signs were missing, obstructed, or unclear, you may be able to argue that you could not reasonably comply with the law.

Note that due to courtroom procedures and the complex knowledge required to handle New Jersey traffic laws, representing yourself in court may be a risk. Hence, you should consider hiring an experienced traffic attorney to represent you in court, especially if you are facing multiple violations, huge fines, or potential jail time. Hiring an attorney may help reduce your speeding ticket to a lower-point violation or penalties.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

New Jersey, being a member of the Driver's License Compact (DLC) and the Nonresident Violator Compact (NRVC), means the state shares and receives traffic violation information with other participating states in the driver reciprocity agreements.

The DLC ensures that traffic violations committed in another participating state are reported to the driver's home state. If you receive a traffic ticket outside of New Jersey, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will be notified, and the violation may be added to your driving record. Also, under the NRVC, drivers who receive a ticket in another participating state must either pay the fine or contest the ticket. If a driver fails to comply, their home state may suspend their driver's license until the ticket is resolved.

If you have been issued an out-of-state ticket, you may contest it in the following ways:

• Request a Court Date in the Issuing State: Most states allow drivers to challenge traffic tickets by requesting a court hearing.
• Hire a Local Traffic Attorney: If traveling back to the ticketing state is difficult, you may consider hiring a traffic attorney licensed in that state. An attorney can appear on your behalf and negotiate for a reduced fine or dismissal.
• Challenge the Evidence: You have the right to question the validity of the ticket, including the accuracy of radar readings, officer observations, or traffic camera footage. Gathering evidence, such as witness statements or dashcam footage, may strengthen your defense.
• Check for Procedural Errors: Errors on the ticket, such as incorrect vehicle details, location, or time of violation, may sometimes lead to dismissal.
• Consider a Plea Bargain: Some states offer plea agreements where drivers may plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for reduced penalties. This may help avoid points being added to your New Jersey driving record.

How Do New Jersey Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Traffic laws across states in the country share many regulations; however, the details of the laws may vary significantly from state to state. Some unique traffic laws in New Jersey include the following:

In New Jersey, some unique traffic laws set it apart:

• Self-Service Gasoline Prohibition: New Jersey is the only state where it is illegal to pump your own gas. Gas station attendants are required to dispense fuel, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• DUI Penalties and Personalized Plates: Drivers convicted of DUI offenses in New Jersey are prohibited from obtaining personalized license plates for a decade.
• Slow Driving Restrictions: Per 39:4-97.1 of the N.J.S.A, no motorists may drive a vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is required for safe operation or in compliance with law.
• Helmet Requirement for Motorcyclists: Unlike some states where helmet use is optional for adults, New Jersey mandates that all motorcyclists wear helmets.
• Ban on Watching Television While Driving: It is explicitly illegal to drive while watching television in New Jersey, a law aimed at reducing distracted driving.