Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
Yes, the New Jersey MVC allows drivers to request a certified drivers record through the DMV s online service. To obtain a copy of your driving record online, follow these steps:
  1. Register for an NJ MVC online User ID
  2. Visit the My MVC website
  3. Follow the instructions provided

The NJ DMV also allows other persons to obtain a certified copy of your DMV driving record online by using the Customer Abstract Information Retrieval (CAIR) service. All you need to do is sign up for the CAIR program by completing the Application for Online Access to Motor Vehicle Records (Form OS/DS-19) in order to access multiple online driving records.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
Getting a speeding ticket in New Jersey will add 2 to 5 points on your driving record. It is up to the court s discretion whether or not you will be required to attend a defensive driving course if convicted of a traffic violation.

However, successful completion of a traffic school could remove up to three points from your NJ drivers record. Note that you cannot dismiss a traffic ticket by enrolling in defensive driving classes.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
When getting a traffic ticket in New Jersey, you have two options: pay the traffic ticket and thus plead guilty to the offense or contest the ticket and take your case to court.

To pay a traffic citation in New Jersey you can use one of the following methods:

  • Online- Use the NJMC direct to pay traffic tickets online. Before you begin the transaction, make sure you have your traffic ticket, your license plate number and valid credit or debit card to pay the cost of the traffic ticket, the convenience fee and any additional surcharges.
  • In person- Visit the appropriate municipal court to pay your traffic citation. Note that courts vary on the payment methods they accept so make sure to consult the court before making your visit.
  • By mail- New Jersey courts accept checks and money orders, which you can send to the address on your traffic ticket. Don t forget to also include the complaint number found on your traffic ticket.

Keep in mind that most traffic violations include the payment of surcharges and court fees in addition to the traffic ticket fine. Drivers can pay surcharges online, by phone at 888-651-9999 or by mail to the following address:

NJSVS P.O. Box 4850 Trenton, NJ 08650

Please note that you must pay your NJ traffic fine before the date printed on the traffic ticket to avoid further penalties.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
The information provided in your New Jersey driving record is confidential and cannot be accessed by anyone who is not covered by the “permitted use” category. If you believe that someone has obtained a copy of your NJ drivers record under false pretenses or has disclosed classified information from your driving record, you need to file an official complaint with the proper authorities. Contact the NJ DMV for more details on your specific case.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
There are three available methods for drivers to order their NJ drivers record: online, by mail or in person.

Online

In New Jersey, drivers can order a certified or non-certified driving record through the MVC online service. To obtain a copy of your driving record online, you must register for an NJ MVC online User ID. Once this is completed, visit the My MVC website and follow the instructions provided. Note that you will be charged a convince fee in addition to the drivers history fee. Also keep in mind that you cannot obtain a copy of the non-certified drivers record, this is for viewing purposes only.

By mail

To request a copy of a New Jersey driving record by mail, you are required to send the following documents to the NJ MVC:

In person

To obtain a New Jersey drivers record in person, visit a nearby DMV office and provide the following documents:

Make sure that you mark the permitted use number and describe the reason for your driver record request on the application form.

The NJ MVC needs seven days to process your application and payment and issue a copy of your drivers record.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
The only way to dismiss a traffic ticket in NJ is to contest the citation and take your case to court. It is a good idea to hire the services of a traffic attorney, who can help you prepare your case or negotiate a plea agreement with fewer penalties.

New Jersey state laws do not allow drivers to dismiss a traffic ticket by attending defensive driving classes. Enrolling in an NJ-approved traffic school can deduct points from your driving record and help you avoid a suspension on your drivers license caused by an accumulation of points.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
In order to obtain a copy of someone else s driving record in NJ either by mail or online, you must fall in the category of “permissible use”. Attorneys, insurance companies, members of a law enforcement agencies and persons who have obtained a notarized written permission from the driver on the record all fall under the category of “permissible use”.

The New Jersey MVC offers a Customer Abstract Information Retrieval (CAIR) service that allows users to access multiple driving records online by following these steps:

  1. Complete an Application for Online Access to Motor Vehicle Records (Form OS/DS-19)
  2. Submit required documents
  3. Pay a $500 deposit to use the MVC CAIR online service

To obtain someone else s driving record by mail, send the following to the NJ MVC:

Make sure that you mark the permitted use number and describe the reason for your driver record request on the application form.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
In New Jersey, drivers who refuse to undergo a chemical test will be detained and brought to a hospital where they will have to submit a blood sample for analysis. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test will result in a suspension on your NJ drivers license ranging from seven to twelve months, as well as fines between $300 and $500.

To reinstate your license, follow these steps:

  1. Pay all the DUI fees, fines and surcharges.
  2. Wait for your suspension period to end.
  3. Enroll in an alcohol awareness class at a Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.
  4. Pay the $100 restoration fee.

Once the restoration fee has been paid, visit a local NJ DMV office and present documents that satisfy the 6 Point ID requirements. Your NJ driving license will be restored on the same day.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
Successful completion of traffic school could remove up to three points from your NJ drivers record depending on the driver s program you enroll in. In addition, taking traffic classes could improve your auto insurance rates. NJ drivers can take a defensive driving course in person or they can enroll in an online traffic school.

However, keep in mind that you must complete a state-approved traffic course. Drivers can only enroll to a defensive driving course once every five years. Drivers cannot dismiss a traffic ticket by enrolling in defensive driving classes.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
The NJ MVC point system adds points to your drivers record for various traffic violations you have received. Once the points are added to your DMV driving record, the history of your points cannot be removed. If you accumulate 12 points or more, your NJ drivers license will be suspended and you will be required to pay a fine.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
Unfortunately, you cannot remove points from your NJ driving record. However, you can deduce points from your driving record by successfully completing a traffic course . The number of points deduced from your record varies depending on the driver s program you enroll in. NJ drivers can take a defensive driving course in person or they can enroll in an online traffic school.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
If you have lost your traffic ticket, it is very important to retrieve this information as soon as possible. Luckily, NJ courts offer an easy-to-use online traffic ticket search system. All you need to do is enter your license plate number, court identification number and traffic ticket number, and follow the instructions provided.

If you are missing any of the aforementioned information, contact the relevant court and ask the clerk to provide you with any traffic or parking ticket information you need.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
Confiscating a drivers license during a DUI/DWI arrest is not common practice in New Jersey, however, in such an event, your license will be returned to the NJ MVC. In order to restore your drivers license after a DUI conviction, you must wait for your suspension period to expire and pay the reinstatement fees.

Drivers will also be required to take part in an alcohol awareness class at one of the Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers across the state. Once all DWI fines and surcharges have been paid and all the reinstatement requirements have been met, drivers will receive a restored New Jersey drivers license.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

What are the different types of driving records?
The following types of drivers records are available at the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission:
  • Non-certified driving records
  • Certified 5-year driver records
  • Certified driving records

Non-certified driving records are only available to view online. Certified driving records can be obtained online, by mail or in person at a NJ DMV location.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
DUI convictions in New Jersey are considered to be a serious offence and the state implements sanctions accordingly. Some of the penalties you might face when caught driving under the influence include, but are not limited to:
  • Fines, fees and DUI surcharges
  • Drives license suspension
  • Jail time
  • Taking part in an alcohol awareness class at a Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • Court-ordered community service

Note that DUI penalties and fines vary according to several factors, such as your BAC level, the number of your previous DUI/DWI convictions and the severity of your offense.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

What happens if I don’t pay for my traffic ticket from another state?
Failure to pay an out-of-state traffic fine has the same consequences as failing to pay a traffic ticket in your home state. This implies a possible suspension on your NJ drivers license and higher costs to reinstate your diving privileges.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
NJ CDL holders face stricter fines if convicted of a traffic violation. The penalties imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) depend on the severity of the offense and the number of times the drivers has been convicted of it. Penalties range from a drivers license suspension for one year to lifetime disqualification of your CDL driving privileges. In addition, all CMV drivers must notify their employer within 30 days of being convicted of a traffic offense.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

What information does a driving record contain?
A NJ driving record includes personal information, as well as information about your New Jersey drivers license. It also contains details about your traffic convictions, past accidents, violations, points assigned to your record, as well as any previous drivers license suspensions and restoration fees you may have paid to the NJ DMV.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
DUI fines depend on several factors, such as the driver s BAC level, the number of previous DUI/DWI convictions and the severity of the offense in question. Fines for DWI convictions can move between $500, for a first offense, to a $1,000 for a second offense within 10 years.

Keep in mind that in addition to the basic DUI fine, you will be required to pay other fees and surcharges, such as the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee or the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund fee. DUI surcharges can range from $1,000 a year to $1,500 a year for the duration of three years and can be paid online, by phone at 888 651-9999 or by mail to the following address:

NJSVS P.O. Box 4850 Trenton, NJ 08650

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
The cost of New Jersey traffic tickets is the same throughout the state; however, it depends on the offense you have committed. Different fines apply to different violations. Also keep in mind that in addition to the traffic ticket price, you might be required to pay various surcharges and court fees, which vary, based on the offense you are pleading guilty to.

Check your traffic ticket for the exact amount you are required to pay and the method of payment you can use.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

What is the cost to get a driver record?
The cost to check your driving record with the New Jersey DMV is $15. You can pay the fee by check, money order, credit/debit card or cash. The method of payment depends on the approach you choose to request a copy of your or someone else s driving record. Also keep in mind that if you apply for a drivers record online, you will be charged an additional convenience fee.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
NJ CDL holders face stricter fines if convicted of DUI/DWI. The penalties imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) depend on the severity of the offense and the number of times the drivers has been convicted of it. These range from a drivers license suspension of one year to a lifetime disqualification of your CDL driving privileges. In addition, all CMV drivers must notify their employer within 30 days of being convicted of a traffic offense.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
The NJ penalties that apply for underage drivers with a DWI conviction are as follows:
  • Drivers license suspension ranging from 30 to 90 days
  • Mandatory community service
  • Taking part in alcohol education and highway safety programs at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center

These penalties can be combined with the fines and penalties that apply to adult drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
DUI convictions in New Jersey are a serious offence and the state will suspend your driving privileges if you are caught driving while intoxicated. To reinstate your license, follow these steps:
  1. Pay all the DUI fees, fines and surcharges.
  2. Wait for your suspension period to end.
  3. Enroll in an alcohol awareness class at a Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.
  4. Pay the $100 restoration fee.

Once the restoration fee has been paid, visit a local NJ DMV office and present documents that satisfy the 6 Point ID requirements. Your NJ driving license will be restored on the same day.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
If convicted of driving under the influence in New Jersey, the court might order you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle as part of your drivers license reinstatement requirements. The length of time during which you must keep the IID in your vehicle depends on the number of times you have been convicted of DUI.

If the court orders you to install an IID, you will receive instructions on how to obtain and install the device on your vehicle in your MVC suspension notice, including a list of state-approved IID vendors. Also, you must present proof of IID installation when reinstating your driving privileges with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. Please note that failure to get a court-ordered IID could add another year to your drivers license suspension.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
New Jersey courts offer an easy-to-use online traffic ticket search system. All you need to do is enter your license plate number, court identification number and traffic ticket number, and follow the instructions provided.

If you are missing any of the aforementioned information, contact the relevant court and ask the clerk to provide you with any traffic or parking ticket information you need.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
Your DMV driving record may not always contain the most recent information concerning a recently received NJ traffic ticket. If you need to address the traffic citation immediately, use the online traffic ticket search system of the New Jersey courts to get all your traffic ticket information. Alternatively, you can contact your local New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office.

For more information: Your New Jersey Driving Record

Will I get any points on my record if I received a traffic ticket from another state?
Yes, if you receive a ticket outside of New Jersey, it will be treated as if received in your home state. This means that points will be added to your driving record if convicted of a moving violation in another state. However, you have two options: pay the fine or contest the ticket in court.

For more information: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Point System

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
Yes, New Jersey has a point system in place to track traffic violations and convictions. The amount of points added to your drivers record depends on the violation you have committed. For instance, two points are assigned to your record for getting a speeding ticket, while reckless driving can result with up to five points being added to your DMV record.

To remove points from your NJ driving record, you can enroll in a state-approved defensive driving course. Successful completion of a traffic school could remove up to three points from your NJ drivers record depending on the driver s program you enroll in.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
All drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs must take part in alcohol education and highway safety programs at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. NJ has IRDCs in each county, which offer alcohol awareness training for drivers.

Since the IRDC reports your progress in the programs to the NJ MVC, successful completion of the alcohol awareness program may speed up your drivers license reinstatement process. On the other hand, failure to comply with this requirement will lead to an increase in your license suspension and possible jail time.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New Jersey