Traffic violations in New Jersey don’t just come with fines; they can also add points to your license that remain on your driving record indefinitely. Even a minor infraction, such as not fully stopping at a stop sign or failing to keep right, can result in points that impact your driving record. Many drivers don’t realize that these points can lead to significant increases in their auto insurance premiums. Plus, if you accumulate enough points, you could be at risk of a license suspicion. Understanding how this system works is crucial to protecting your driving record and finances.

At Rosenblum Law, we have extensive experience fighting all types of traffic tickets, and we can fight to keep your driving record clean. In the meantime, keep reading for more information on the New Jersey point system, how much your insurance could increase from a two-point violation, how insurance companies determine increased premiums, how to mitigate the impact of two points on your license, and the role of an attorney in fighting a ticket.

What Are Points on a New Jersey Driver’s License? 

New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission assigns points to traffic violations that are moving violations. The point system outlines how many points are assigned for each traffic violation and tracks how many points accumulate on a driver’s record. When a driver is convicted of a traffic violation, points are added to their record. The more serious the violation, the more points are assessed. Thus, the point system encourages safe driving by discouraging drivers from acting unlawfully on the road.

A common two-point violation in NJ is a speeding ticket for driving one to 14 mph over the speed limit. Many other traffic violations can add two points to a driver’s license in NJ, some of which include: 

• Moving against traffic 
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk 
• Wrong way on a one-way street
• Failure to observe traffic lanes
• Failure to stop for a traffic light 
• Failure to observe stop or yield signs 

Aside from increased insurance premiums, if a driver accrues 12 or more points on their driving record, their license will be suspended.   

How do Insurance Companies Assess Points?

Insurance companies periodically check driving records to assess risk, using points as a key metric. When a driver has more points, they are perceived as a higher-risk driver, and their insurer is likely to increase their insurance premiums. 

A single violation of two points may not raise a driver’s insurance rates at all, but when these points are combined with existing points on their record, it can lead to increases. Therefore, even small infractions contribute to a driver’s overall risk profile.

Factors that Influence Insurance Increases After Two Additional Points 

There are numerous factors that insurers will review to determine whether a driver is high risk and how much their premiums should increase: 

• Driving history: An otherwise clean record might lessen the impact of 2 points. By contrast, previous violations can amplify the rate hike.
• Type of violation: Some violations are considered to be a greater risk to public safety than others.
• Insurance provider policies: Some insurers are stricter than others regarding minor points. 
• Other risk factors: Driver age, vehicle type, and location of the infraction also play a role.

Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Two Points on Insurance Rates

Although points can raise insurance premiums, there are many ways drivers can ameliorate this effect:

• Point Reduction Programs: New Jersey offers defensive driving courses that can remove up to two points from a driving record. 
• Shop for Competitive Rates: Insurance companies assess risk differently, meaning some insurers may be more lenient with minor infractions. 
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding additional violations prevents further rate increases and improves eligibility for lower premiums over time. Going a year without violations will also deduct three points from one’s license.

Contact Rosenblum Law

Although a two-point violation can raise your insurance rates and stay on your driving record, an experienced traffic ticket attorney can help fight the ticket. At Rosenblum Law, we understand the complexities of traffic laws and know how to challenge tickets effectively. 

One of our attorneys will review your case, identify possible defenses, and appear in court on your behalf. By fighting to get your ticket reduced or dismissed, we can help prevent points from being added to your record, keeping your insurance premiums the same. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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