What Are Six-Point Violations on a New Jersey License?
New Jersey's motor vehicle violation system uses points to track driver safety records. Six-point violations represent serious infractions that significantly impact your driving record and insurance rates. Understanding what conduct results in six points is important for any driver operating a vehicle in New Jersey.
Get Your Free Real ID Appointment Guide for New Jersey →
Six-point violations are among the most serious traffic offenses, falling below only eight-point violations on New Jersey's severity scale. The state assigns points based on the nature and circumstances of the violation. These violations typically involve reckless driving, aggressive behavior, or circumstances that endangered other people on the road.
The specific violations that carry six points include operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, eluding or attempting to elude a police officer, driving 20-39 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, driving under the influence (first offense), leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, failure to maintain financial responsibility (insurance), and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test.
The impact of accumulating points extends beyond the abstract nature of a record. Once you reach 12 points within three years, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will suspend your driving privileges for a period determined by the commission. Reaching 18 points results in a longer suspension period. These thresholds create serious consequences for drivers who accumulate violations.
Practical Takeaway: Review your driving record with the New Jersey MVC to understand your current point total and identify which violations are on your record. You can request your record through the MVC website or visit a local office.
How New Jersey's Point System Works
New Jersey assigns points to moving violations based on severity, with the goal of encouraging safe driving behavior. The point system ranges from 2 points for minor infractions up to 8 points for the most serious violations. Six-point violations sit near the top of this scale, indicating behavior that poses significant risks to road safety.
Free Guide to Issaquah Driver License Office Services →
The point accumulation process is straightforward: whenever you receive a traffic citation that results in a conviction (including guilty pleas or conviction by default), the corresponding points are added to your driving record. These points remain on your record for a specific period. For most violations, points stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction.
The timing of point accumulation matters. The MVC counts points accumulated within a rolling three-year window. This means that if you received points three years and one month ago, those points fall off your record and no longer count toward suspension thresholds. However, if you continue to receive violations, your total can accumulate quickly.
The suspension thresholds in New Jersey are: 12 points results in a three-month suspension; 13-14 points results in a four-month suspension; 15-16 points results in a five-month suspension; 17-18 points results in a six-month suspension; and 19 or more points results in a seven-month suspension. These suspensions are mandatory and begin on a specific date set by the MVC.
New Jersey also distinguishes between "major" violations that appear on your record permanently for insurance purposes and "minor" violations. Six-point violations are always classified as major violations, meaning insurance companies will see them on your record indefinitely, even after the points expire.
Practical Takeaway: Track your own point total and the conviction dates of any violations. Calculate where your three-year window begins and ends to understand when points will fall off your record. If you're close to suspension thresholds, be especially cautious about your driving.
Common Six-Point Violations Explained
Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common six-point violations in New Jersey. A first offense DUI conviction results in six points. This includes driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, as well as driving with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.07% while showing signs of impairment. Even prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs can result in DUI charges if they impair your ability to drive safely.
Learn About Driver's License Course Requirements →
Eluding police officers is a serious violation that carries six points. This means attempting to flee from or evade a police officer who has signaled you to stop. Eluding is treated as a criminal offense in addition to the traffic violation, potentially resulting in jail time, fines, and license suspension. The severity increases if the eluding takes place at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour.
Speeding 20-39 miles per hour over the posted speed limit results in six points. For example, driving 45 mph in a 25 mph zone would trigger six points. The point structure for speeding increases with speed: 1-14 mph over carries 2 points, 15-29 mph over carries 4 points, and 20-39 mph over carries 6 points. This escalation reflects the increased danger created by significantly higher speeds.
Operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license is a six-point violation. Your license can be suspended for various reasons, including failure to pay fines, accumulating too many points, failure to maintain insurance, or driving under the influence. Driving during a suspension is strictly prohibited and creates additional legal consequences beyond the six-point penalty.
Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage (but no personal injury) is a six-point violation. If an accident involves personal injury, the points increase to eight. Drivers involved in accidents must remain at the scene, exchange information, and report the accident to police if required. Leaving the scene is a criminal matter as well as a traffic violation.
Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test during a DUI investigation results in six points and automatic license suspension for seven months to one year, depending on whether it's a first or subsequent offense. This penalty applies regardless of whether you were actually intoxicated, making the refusal itself a serious decision.
Practical Takeaway: If you receive a citation for any of these violations, understand that you will face serious consequences. Consult with a traffic attorney to understand your options before accepting any plea agreement.
License Suspension and What It Means for Your Driving Privileges
A license suspension in New Jersey means you are legally prohibited from operating any motor vehicle on public roads during the suspension period. Unlike a revocation, which is permanent or long-term, a suspension has a definite end date after which your privileges can be restored. However, the suspension period is mandatory and cannot be shortened, and driving during a suspension is a criminal offense.
Free Guide to Indiana Motorcycle Permit Test Preparation →
The suspension period is determined by your total points accumulated within three years. As mentioned earlier, 12 points triggers a three-month suspension, with longer periods for higher point totals. The MVC will send you a Notice of Suspension explaining the suspension period and the date your suspension begins. This notice provides important information about when your suspension ends and how to restore your license.
During a suspension, you cannot legally drive to work, school, medical appointments, or any other location. Some limited exceptions exist in rare circumstances through a special hardship license, but these are difficult to obtain and require demonstrating genuine hardship to the MVC. Having a suspended license and choosing to drive anyway results in additional criminal charges, including potential jail time, substantial fines, and extended license suspension.
The financial consequences of suspension extend beyond just the traffic violation. Insurance rates increase significantly when you have a suspension on your record. If you are insured when the suspension occurs, your insurer will likely cancel your policy. When you try to obtain insurance after your suspension ends, you will be classified as a high-risk driver and face substantially higher premiums for several years.
To restore your license after a suspension, you must contact the MVC after your suspension period ends. You will need to pay a restoration fee (currently $100) and may need to provide proof of insurance. In some cases, you must also complete a defensive driving course. Once these requirements are met, your license is restored and you can legally drive again.
Employment and professional consequences can also result from license suspension. Many jobs require a valid driver's license. Commercial drivers, delivery personnel, sales representatives, and others whose work involves driving will lose employment if suspended. Professional licenses (such as real estate licenses) may also be affected by a suspended driving license.
Practical Takeaway: If you are approaching 12 points, seriously evaluate your driving habits and consider whether any current violations can