By the Ticket Dismissal HQ editorial teamReviewed Oct 20, 2026Sources cited at the endNot legal advice
New Jersey assigns points to every moving-violation conviction, and the consequences start earlier than in most states: 6 points in three years brings an annual surcharge, and 12 points brings a suspension. Speeding alone is 2, 4 or 5 points depending on how far over. Here’s the full schedule, the thresholds, and how to bring points down.
Quick answer
- Speeding: 1–14 over = 2 points · 15–29 over = 4 · 30+ over = 5.
- Surcharge: 6+ points within 3 years = $150 plus $25 for each point over 6, billed every year for 3 years.
- Suspension: 12+ points; 12–14 usually means the Driver Improvement Program instead.
- Reduce: −3 per clean year, −2 for the defensive driving course (once per 5 years).
Points by violation (N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1)
| Violation | Statute | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–14 mph over | 39:4-98 | 2 |
| Speeding 15–29 mph over | 39:4-98 | 4 |
| Speeding 30+ mph over | 39:4-98 | 5 |
| Careless driving | 39:4-97 | 2 |
| Reckless driving | 39:4-96 | 5 |
| Failure to observe traffic signal (red light) | 39:4-81 | 2 |
| Failure to stop at stop sign / yield | 39:4-144 | 2 |
| Improper passing | 39:4-85 | 4 |
| Tailgating | 39:4-89 | 5 |
| Failure to yield to pedestrian | 39:4-36 | 2 |
| Improper turn / U-turn | 39:4-123 / 125 | 3 |
| Using a handheld phone | 39:4-97.3 | 3 (third+ offense) |
| Leaving the scene, no injury / with injury | 39:4-129 | 2 / 8 |
| Racing on a highway | 39:5C-1 | 5 |
| Unsafe driving (plea-down offense) | 39:4-97.2 | 0 (first two in 5 years); 4 thereafter |
| Any out-of-state moving violation | — | 2 |
What happens at each level
| Points | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 6 or more in 3 years | MVC surcharge: $150 + $25 per point above 6, per year for 3 years (e.g., 8 points = $200/yr, $600 total) |
| 12–14 | Notice of scheduled suspension; typically offered the Driver Improvement Program (one-day class, −3 points, 1-year probation) instead |
| 15 or more | Suspension proposed (typically 30 days for a first suspension, longer thereafter); may contest at a hearing |
Insurers use their own scale on top of this: most NJ carriers surcharge at conviction, and New Jersey’s “eligibility points” for the assigned-risk pool count separately. Two 4-point speeding convictions in three years is enough for many insurers to non-renew.
Bringing points down
- −3 points for every 12 months with no violations or suspensions (automatic).
- −2 points for the MVC-approved defensive driving course, once every 5 years.
- −3 points for the Driver Improvement Program when MVC assigns it.
Full detail: how to remove points from your NJ license.
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Frequently asked questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in NJ?
2 points for 1–14 mph over, 4 for 15–29 over, 5 for 30 or more over.
How many points to lose your license in NJ?
12. At 12–14 the MVC usually offers the Driver Improvement Program as the alternative.
What is the NJ points surcharge?
An MVC fee, separate from insurance, of $150 a year plus $25 for each point over 6, for three years, triggered by 6 or more points in three years.
How do I check my points?
Order a driver history abstract from NJ MVC online ($15).
Sources: N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1 (point schedule); N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.5 to 30.9, 17:29A-35; New Jersey MVC points and surcharge information. Points values change occasionally; the MVC schedule controls.