Surcharges are fines assessed by MVC on an annual basis for drivers who have earned excessive points or committed a specific violation such as DUI. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines/penalties. If you have received a notice in the mail or discovered there is a lien on your property because of a surcharge, please call (609) 292-7500 for more information.

Why do you get surcharges?
Your record is reviewed every time points are added to it. If you accumulate six or more points within three years from your last posted violation, you will receive a $150 surcharge plus $25 for each additional point.

Additional surcharges may also apply:
$100 for driving without a license
$250 for driving with a suspended license
$100 for failure to insure a moped
$250 for operating an uninsured vehicle
$1,000 for DUI, 3 years
$1,000 for Refusal to take breathalyzer test, 3 years

If you do not pay your surcharges, MVC will suspend your driving privileges indefinitely and take action in the State Superior Court. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other similar actions. Payment plans are available to MVC customers.

If you have surcharges that result from unpaid tickets or other unresolved legal issues, you will need to contact the court that is responsible for your case. For help determining which court you need to contact, call MVC Violations at (609) 292-7500.

Source: http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Violations/Surcharges.htm

Avoid Surcharges – Don’t drink underage, don’t drink and drive, don’t get caught in bad situations, resolve tickets in a timely manner, and insure your vehicle.

The best way to avoid getting a traffic ticket is avoid getting pulled over in the first place. In New Jersey there are a few tell tale ways to avoid getting pulled over and ticketed before a cop even spots a moving violation. Keep these in order and you may have a better chance of getting out of a ticket if you do get pulled over…

1. Keep your inspection sticker up to date. An out of date sticker is a big red flag waving “Pull me over and check me out”!

2. On that note, make sure your license is not expired and your car registration is up to date as well.

3. “Click it or Ticket” – Wear your seatbelt. Cops can see you and your passengers and can pull you over for it.

4. Get off the phone and drive. Talking on the cellphone is a first offense and can get you pulled over. Go hands-free or wait until you arrive at your destination. Same goes for texting, checking email, Facebook, etc…

5. Check your lights and cars exterior – you can get pulled over for a headlight or tail light out, driving with your headlights off at night or in the rain, etc.

Cell Phone Safety

Effective March 1, 2008 New Jersey law makes using a hand-held communications device a primary offense. Authorities will issue a $100 fine to any driver caught violating this law, although no points will be issued to the license. Although it is discouraged, drivers may use a hands-free device if it does not interfere with standard safety equipment. “Use” of a wireless phone and any other hand-held communication device includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person, texting, or sending and receiving electronic messages.

A hand-held phone may be used for an emergency only and the driver must keep one hand on the wheel at all times. In an effort to increase safety on the roads, this law will be enforced. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is estimated that 25% of all police-reported traffic accidents are accountable to driving distraction from all sources, including cell phones.

Cell Phone Safety Tips:

1. Turn your phone off or put ring on silent to avoid the urge to answer.
2. Put your phone in a secure location that is easy to reach, in case of emergency.
3. Never dial while driving, move to a safe area off of the road.
4. Prior to driving, store important contact information in your phone.
5. Use a hands-free unit so that both of your hands are on the steering wheel at all times.
6. Become familiar with your phone’s speed dialing and voice-activation features to minimize dialing.
7. Prior to driving, set up your voice-mail to take messages.