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New Jersey traffic tickets

Points, traffic school, deadlines and what a ticket does to your insurance in New Jersey.

Speeding ticket$86–$261state schedule
License at risk12 ptsin 24 months
Defensive Driving ProgramYesavailable, with limits
Insurance after 1 ticket+29%on $2,988 a year

What will my ticket really cost? Check my points

What kind of ticket did you get?

Which court is on your ticket?

One statewide schedule sets most fines. Pick the court named on your ticket.

New Jersey county courts

Phone, pay-online link and traffic school steps for 5 courts. Tap a county to open it.

Bergen County(201) 646-3971Pays online

Hackensack Municipal Court. Fines follow the New Jersey statewide schedule.

Phone
(201) 646-3971
Hours
Office 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Violations Bureau window opens at 8:30 a.m. and does not close for lunch.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ hackensack.org ↗

Essex County973-733-6520Pays online

Newark Municipal Court. Fines follow the New Jersey statewide schedule.

Address
31 Green Street, Newark, NJ
Phone
973-733-6520
Hours
Payment and bail window Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Customer service window (Room 105) Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ newarknj.gov ↗

Hudson County201-209-6700Pays online

Jersey City Municipal Court. Fines follow the New Jersey statewide schedule.

Address
Lewis S. McRae Justice Complex, 365 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone
201-209-6700
Hours
Payment and information windows Monday and Wednesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ jerseycitynj.gov ↗

Middlesex County732-287-0900Pays online

Edison Municipal Court. Fines follow the New Jersey statewide schedule.

Address
100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ 08817
Phone
732-287-0900
Hours
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cashiers weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ edisonnj.org ↗

Ocean County732-364-2500 ext 5988Pays online

Lakewood Township Municipal Court. Fines follow the New Jersey statewide schedule.

Address
Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone
732-364-2500 ext 5988
Hours
Window 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phones 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ lakewoodnj.gov ↗

What are your options with a New Jersey ticket?

Paying is the fastest route, and it usually puts the ticket on your record. Defensive Driving Program is the main way to avoid that.

  1. Pay the ticket

    Pay the amount on the ticket at NJMCdirect, by mail or at the court window before the court date. This only works if the ticket is payable and is not marked court appearance required.

    What it does: Paying is a guilty plea. The conviction and its points go on your MVC record and can count toward a surcharge.[6][20][21]

  2. Ask the prosecutor for a plea agreement

    Use the Dispute Case option on NJMCdirect where your court offers it, or talk to the municipal prosecutor before or at your court date. The judge must approve any deal.

    What it does: The points follow whatever charge you plead to. For example, unsafe driving (39:4-97.2) carries no points on a first or second offense but adds a $250 surcharge.[21][11]

    Cost: $50-$150 fine plus $250 surcharge for a first unsafe driving plea, plus court costs

  3. Plead not guilty and go to trial

    Ask the court for a hearing date online, by phone, in person or with the plea by mail form. The case is heard by the municipal court judge, in person or by video.

    What it does: If found not guilty, no fine and no points. If found guilty, the judge sets the fine within the law and points apply.[21][20]

  4. Plead by mail

    Send the court the Judiciary's plea by mail form, pleading guilty or not guilty, with any supporting papers. Drivers who live out of state can ask to defend a minor case by notarized affidavit.

    What it does: The judge decides on the papers. A guilty result carries the usual fine and points.[21][20]

  5. Take a defensive driving course afterward

    Finish an MVC-approved defensive driving course. The provider reports completion to the MVC in 7 to 10 business days.

    What it does: Removes 2 points once every five years. The ticket and conviction stay on your record and the surcharge point count does not change.[5][4]

  6. Ask for a time payment plan

    Ask the judge for installments when the fine is set. Time payment orders can be paid on NJMCdirect.

    What it does: Same conviction and points. Missing payments can lead to more penalties and a license suspension.[20][21]

What does the New Jersey state schedule charge for speeding?

1–9 mph over$86[6]
10–14 mph over$96[6]
15–19 mph over$106[6]
20–24 mph over$201[6][10]
25–29 mph over$221[6][10]
30–34 mph over$241[6][10]
35–39 mph over$261[6][10]
40+ mph overOn your notice[6]

Separate from the court fine, the MVC bills a yearly surcharge for three years when you have 6 or more points within three years: $150 plus $25 for each point over six.[4][11][22]

Every fine on the New Jersey schedule (27)
TicketYou pay
Speeding, 1–9 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 1-9 miles per hour (39:4-98)$86[6]
Speeding, 10–14 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 10-14 miles per hour (39:4-98)$96[6]
Speeding, 15–19 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 15-19 miles per hour (39:4-98)Not payable for commercial driver license holders.$106[6]
Speeding, 20–24 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 20-24 miles per hour (39:4-98), fine doubledFines double at 20 mph or more over (39:4-98.7).$201[6][10]
Speeding, 25–29 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 25-29 miles per hour (39:4-98), fine doubled$221[6][10]
Speeding, 30–34 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 30-34 miles per hour (39:4-98), fine doubled$241[6][10]
Speeding, 35–39 mph overPrinted as: Speeding, exceeding limit by 35-39 miles per hour (39:4-98), fine doubled$261[6][10]
Speeding, 40+ mph overPrinted as: Speeding 40 miles per hour or more over the limitNot payable.On your notice[6]
Work zone speeding, 1–9 mph overPrinted as: Safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area: speeding 1-9 mph over$141[6][10]
Work zone speeding, 10–14 mph overPrinted as: Safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area: speeding 10-14 mph over$161[6][10]
Work zone speeding, 15–19 mph overPrinted as: Safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area: speeding 15-19 mph overNot payable for CDL holders.$181[6][10]
Speeding in a school zone (25 mph limit when children are present)The schedule has no separate school-zone line.On your notice[16][6]
Failure to observe traffic signal (39:4-81)$141 in a safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area.$86[6]
Failure to obey stop or yield right-of-way signs (39:4-144)$141 in a safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area.$86[6]
Failure to yield right-of-way at intersection (39:4-90)$141 in a safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area.$86[6]
Failure to obey regulations in marked lanes (39:4-88)$291 in a safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area.$186[6]
Following another vehicle too closely (39:4-89)$141 in a safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area.$86[6]
U-turn on curve or grade, where view obstructed or at a No U-Turn sign (39:4-125)$86[6]
Careless driving, no accident with personal injury (39:4-97)$141 in a safe corridor, construction zone or 65 mph area.$86[6]
Failure to wear seat belt (39:3-76.2f)$47[6]
Driving or parking unregistered motor vehicle (39:3-4)$55[6]
Driving with an expired license (39:3-10)When paying, attach a photocopy of a valid license to the summons.$55[6]
Failure to have inspection (39:8-1)$131[6]
Hand-held cell phone use while driving (39:4-97.3)Not on the violations bureau schedule.$200–$400[7][6]
Passing a stopped school bus (39:4-128.1)Not on the violations bureau schedule.At least $100[8][6]
Driving without liability insurance (39:6B-2)Not on the violations bureau schedule.$300–$1,000[9][4]
Driving in an unsafe manner (39:4-97.2)First offense $50-$150, second $100-$250, third or later $200-$500, plus a $250 surcharge collected by the court.$50–$150[11]

How many points is a speeding ticket in New Jersey?

All 21 point values
  • Following too closely5 pts[3]
  • Illegal U-turn3 pts[3]
  • Passing a stopped school bus5 pts[3]
  • Reckless driving5 pts[3]
  • Careless driving2 pts[3]
  • Driving in an unsafe manner4 pts[3][11]
  • Handheld phone use3 pts[3][7]
  • Improper right or left turn3 pts[3]
  • Failure to give proper signal2 pts[3]
  • Failure to yield to emergency vehicles2 pts[3]
  • Racing on highway5 pts[3]
  • Leaving the scene of an accident2 pts[3]
  • Moving violation committed out of state2 pts[3][2]
How points work in New Jersey

The MVC adds points when you are convicted of a moving violation. Six or more points within three years brings a yearly MVC surcharge. Twelve or more points leads to a notice of scheduled suspension. A moving violation committed in another state adds 2 points. You lose 3 points for every 12 months with no violations or suspensions, 2 points for a state-approved defensive driving course (once every five years), and 3 points for a Driver Improvement or Probationary Driver Program. Points never go below zero.[2][3][12]

Commercial driver? Points and disqualifications work differently. How tickets affect a CDL →

When can you lose your license?

  1. 12 ptsin 24 monthsMandatory MVC suspension of 30 to 180 days[12][18][2]
  2. 15 ptson recordMandatory MVC suspension when 15 or more points build up over a period longer than two years[12][18]
  3. 12 ptson record12 to 14 points over a period longer than two years[12][18][5]
  4. 6 ptsin 36 monthsNot a suspension[4][2]
Full wording of each rule
  • 12 points in 24 months: Mandatory MVC suspension of 30 to 180 days. The regulation sets 30 days for 12-15 points, 60 days for 16-18, 90 days for 19-21, 120 days for 22-24, 150 days for 25-27 and at least 180 days for 28 or more points gathered within two years.
  • 15 points: Mandatory MVC suspension when 15 or more points build up over a period longer than two years. The regulation sets 30 days for 15-18 points, 60 days for 19-22, 90 days for 23-26, 120 days for 27-30, 150 days for 31-35 and at least 180 days for 36 points.
  • 12 points: 12 to 14 points over a period longer than two years: a 30-day suspension, which you can avoid by telling the MVC in writing within 10 days that you will take the Driver Improvement Program and then finishing it. The program removes up to 3 points and costs a $75 MVC fee plus the provider's fee.
  • A new violation within one year after a point suspension ends, or after you finish a Driver Improvement Program, brings another suspension of 45 to 90 days. A second such violation brings 90 to 180 days.
  • 6 points in 36 months: Not a suspension: an MVC surcharge of $150 plus $25 for each point over six, billed every year for three years. Unpaid surcharges lead to an indefinite license suspension and collection action.

Getting your license back after a suspension costs $100 in New Jersey, before any course or court costs.[2]

Drivers under 21

New drivers hold a probationary license for their first two years. A probationary driver convicted of two or more moving violations totaling four or more points must pay for and complete the four-hour Probationary Driver Program ($75 MVC fee plus the provider's fee), which removes up to 3 points. By statute, a second or later violation during the probationary period brings a three-month suspension and pushes back the basic license by the same length of time. Any violation within one year after finishing the program also brings a suspension. Under 21, driving with a BAC of 0.01% or higher brings a 30 to 90 day suspension.[5][13][2]

Can Defensive Driving Program keep a ticket off your record in New Jersey?

It can help. Removes 2 points from your MVC record. It does not dismiss the ticket or erase the conviction.[5][2][4][12][17]

How often: Point credit once every five years.

Official list of approved schools ↗

Is it worth it for your ticket? Get a yes or no →

Who qualifies, CDL drivers and cost

Removes 2 points from your MVC record. It does not dismiss the ticket or erase the conviction. It does not lower an MVC surcharge point total. Insurers must offer a premium reduction for finishing an approved course, good for three years or until a suspension or four or more points.[5][2][4][12][17]

Who can use it: Any licensed driver who has points on the record when the course is finished. The course must use the New Jersey state-approved curriculum. It is not a substitute for a Driver Improvement Program or Probationary Driver Program that the MVC orders.[5]

Cost: Not confirmed: Set by each provider. The state sets no course price. The MVC-ordered DIP and PDP each carry a $75 MVC administrative fee plus the provider's training fee.

Do school and work zones cost more?

School zones

No statewide doubling for ordinary speeding in a school zone. The speed limit drops to 25 mph in a school zone during recess, when children are visible from the road, or while they are going to or leaving school. The regular violations bureau amounts apply.[16][6][10]

Work zones

Doubled. Fines for speeding and most moving violations double in a posted highway construction or repair zone or a designated safe corridor, and doubling applies only once when the two overlap. Fines also double in 65 mph zones (speeding 10 or more over and many moving violations) and for any speeding 20 mph or more over the limit. A missing sign is no defense. Speeding 20 or more over in a safe corridor or construction zone requires a court appearance.[10][6]

When is your ticket due?

  1. Date on noticePay or respondset by the court[20][21]
    Details

    Pay or appear by the court date on your ticket. If you miss it: The court mails a failure to appear notice with a $10 penalty. Missing that date can lead to a warrant and a license suspension.

  2. 10daysAsk for a hearing on an MVC point suspensionfrom the notice date[12]
    Details

    Ask for a hearing on an MVC point suspension. If you miss it: Without a hearing request, the suspension starts 15 days after the notice was mailed.

  3. 10daysChoose the Driver Improvement Program instead of a 30-day suspension (12-14 points over more than two years)from the notice date[12][5]
    Details

    Choose the Driver Improvement Program instead of a 30-day suspension (12-14 points over more than two years). If you miss it: The suspension takes effect, and failing to finish the program also triggers it.

  4. 20daysLast day to appealfrom conviction[19]
    Details

    Appeal a municipal court conviction to the Superior Court. If you miss it: A late appeal is dismissed.

  5. 30daysLicense suspended if ignoredfrom the notice date[14]
    Details

    MVC delay before a court-ordered FTA suspension takes effect. If you miss it: Your license is suspended unless you contact the court and resolve the case within the 30 days.

What happens if you don't respond

If you miss the date on a payable ticket, the court mails a failure to appear notice and adds a $10 penalty. Each new notice raises the amount by at least $10. If you still don't respond, the judge or the MVC can suspend your license or registration. The MVC must give you 30 days' written notice first, and you can stop it by contacting the court and resolving the case. If the ticket required a court appearance, the judge can issue a warrant and set bail. Restoring a suspended license costs $100 once the court clears the case.[20][21][14][2]

Work out your exact dates → · Already missed it?

Will an out-of-state ticket follow you home?

A New Jersey driver convicted of a moving violation in another state gets 2 points on the NJ record. A driver from another state who gets a New Jersey ticket and does not answer can be reported to the home state under the Nonresident Violator Compact. Out-of-state drivers can often ask the court for permission to defend a minor traffic case by notarized affidavit instead of coming to court.[2][3][15][20]

How out-of-state tickets work →

How much will it raise your insurance in New Jersey?

One speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium by about 29% on average in New Jersey[1], from a clean-record average of $2,988 a year.[1] If that increase stays for three years, that's about $2,600 on top of the fine.

Averages from ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026, not a quote. Insurers differ, and many look back three to five years.

Where are the official pages?

What else do people ask?

How do points work in New Jersey?

The MVC adds points when you are convicted of a moving violation. Six or more points within three years brings a yearly MVC surcharge. Twelve or more points leads to a notice of scheduled suspension. A moving violation committed in another state adds 2 points. You lose 3 points for every 12 months with no violations or suspensions, 2 points for a state-approved defensive driving course (once every five years), and 3 points for a Driver Improvement or Probationary Driver Program. Points never go below zero.

How many points before your license is at risk in New Jersey?

12 points in 24 months: Mandatory MVC suspension of 30 to 180 days. The regulation sets 30 days for 12-15 points, 60 days for 16-18, 90 days for 19-21, 120 days for 22-24, 150 days for 25-27 and at least 180 days for 28 or more points gathered within two years.

Can traffic school keep a ticket off my record in New Jersey?

Defensive Driving Program: Removes 2 points from your MVC record. It does not dismiss the ticket or erase the conviction. It does not lower an MVC surcharge point total. Insurers must offer a premium reduction for finishing an approved course, good for three years or until a suspension or four or more points. Limit: Point credit once every five years.

Will an out-of-state ticket follow me home to New Jersey?

New Jersey is a member of the Driver License Compact, so convictions in other member states are reported to New Jersey. A New Jersey driver convicted of a moving violation in another state gets 2 points on the NJ record. A driver from another state who gets a New Jersey ticket and does not answer can be reported to the home state under the Nonresident Violator Compact. Out-of-state drivers can often ask the court for permission to defend a minor traffic case by notarized affidavit instead of coming to court.

How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in New Jersey?

About 29% on average for full coverage, according to ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026. Your insurer's rate can differ a lot from the average.

Sources

New Jersey law and DMV sources (22)
  1. AAMVA DLC/NRVC Member Joinder Dates (rev. April 2026), AAMVA.
  2. NJ MVC: Suspensions and Restorations (point system, restoration fee), New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
  3. NJ MVC: NJ Points Schedule, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
  4. NJ MVC: Surcharges, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
  5. NJ MVC: Driver Programs (DIP, PDP, defensive driving providers), New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
  6. Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule (Updated on July 29, 2021), New Jersey Courts (Administrative Office of the Courts).
  7. N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3 (hand-held wireless telephone use while driving), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  8. N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.1 (school buses stopped for children), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  9. N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2 (operating without liability insurance, penalties), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  10. N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5, 39:4-98.6, 39:4-98.7 (doubled fines: construction zones, safe corridors, 65 mph zones, 20+ mph over), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  11. N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.2 (driving in an unsafe manner), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  12. N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8, 39:5-30.9, 39:5-30.10 (point suspensions, point reductions, violations after restoration), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  13. N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4 (probationary driver's license), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  14. N.J.S.A. 39:4-139.10 (failure to respond to a failure to appear notice, suspension), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  15. N.J.S.A. 39:5D (Driver License Compact) and 39:5F (Nonresident Violator Compact), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  16. N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 (rates of speed, school zones), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  17. N.J.S.A. 17:33B-45.1 (insurance rate reduction after approved defensive driving course), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
  18. N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.2 (point accumulation, period of suspension), Legal Information Institute (New Jersey Administrative Code).
  19. How to Appeal a Decision of a Municipal Court (CN 10559, rev. 11/2014), New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts (copy hosted by Cape May City).
  20. Lakewood Township Municipal Court: FAQs, Township of Lakewood.
  21. Jersey City Municipal Court (payments, plea by mail, online case review), City of Jersey City.
  22. N.J.S.A. 52:9S-3.1 (end of motor vehicle surcharges once pledged debts are repaid), New Jersey Legislature (statutes updated through P.L.2026, c.70).
Insurance sources (4)
  1. State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  2. Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  3. How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  4. How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).