A learner’s permit and a probationary license in New Jersey are important milestones for drivers who are at least 16-17 years old. However, these licenses come with specific restrictions that young drivers should adhere to. 

For example, drivers under 18 years of age can only drive during certain hours and take a limited number of passengers. These laws are important for reducing risks and accidents involving inexperienced drivers.

Violations of the laws associated with a permit or probationary license can result in severe consequences, including fines, points on a driving record, license suspensions, and skyrocketing insurance rates. 

If you or your child have been issued a ticket while driving with a learner’s permit, hire expert legal assistance to limit the consequences of the citation. At Rosenblum Law, our traffic ticket attorneys have years of experience handling learner’s permit tickets in NJ. Contact us to handle your case.  

This article provides an overview of the rules and restrictions for permit-holding and probationary drivers, the potential consequences of related traffic violations, and what to do if you or your child is issued a ticket.

Understanding New Jersey’s Junior License: The Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)

Unlike New York, New Jersey doesn’t call a driver’s license for minors a junior learner’s permit or junior driver’s license. Instead, New Jersey has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which includes a series of phased steps: 

1. Special learner’s permit: This is a young driver's first opportunity to practice driving in NJ. They are eligible for this permit when they turn 16 years old. To obtain a special learner's permit, drivers must have their guardian’s consent, complete a driver training course, pass a knowledge and vision test, and pay the required fee.
2. Probationary driver’s license: To obtain this license, the driver must be at least 17 years old, and they must have completed the supervised driving period with the special learner’s permit for at least six months. The driver will also have to pass a road test before they are issued a probationary license. 
3. Basic Driver’s License: This is the final license issued to a driver at least 18 years old in NJ. It does not entail any of the restrictions that a driver with a permit or probationary license faces. To receive the basic driver’s license, the driver must have completed 12 months on the probationary license and pay the required fee.

Restrictions for Special Learner’s Permit Drivers 

For drivers in New Jersey with a special learner’s permit who are under 21 years old, there are legal restrictions they must strictly adhere to:

• The driver must be accompanied by a supervising driver in the front seat who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid license for at least three years.
• Only one additional passenger is allowed.
• The driver is not allowed to drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• The use of handheld or hands-free electronic devices is prohibited.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
• Display of a special decal on license plates is required.

Restrictions for Probationary License Drivers 

Drivers under 21 years old in New Jersey with a probationary license are required to follow these legal guidelines: 

• Only one additional passenger outside the driver’s household is allowed.
• The driver is not allowed to drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• The use of handheld or hands-free electronic devices is prohibited.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
• Display of a special decal on license plates is required. 

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The Consequences of a Traffic Ticket for a Junior Driver 

Violating the conditions of a permit or disobeying general traffic laws can be costly and consequential for young drivers. If a driver violates any of the restrictions outlined above while under a special learner’s permit or a probationary license, NJ Rev Stat § 39:3-13.8 states the driver will face a fine of $100. Depending on the nature of the violation, the driver may also receive points on their license, which could increase their insurance premiums.

If a driver under a learner’s permit or probationary license commits a moving violation such as speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, or running a red light, they will face the consequences associated with that ticket, such as fines, points on their license, increased insurance premiums, criminal or civil liability for injuries or damages, and a possible license suspension. 

The probationary period is the period of driving before being issued a basic driver’s license. If a driver accumulates four or more points during the probationary period with two or more moving violations, they will have to enroll in and pay for the Probationary Driver Program to correct their driving practices. Up to three points can be removed from the driver’s license after completing the program. Failure to attend the program or repeated offenses may result in a license suspension. 

If a driver’s Special Learner’s Permit is suspended, they will not be able to obtain a probationary license until after their license is reinstated. If the driver’s probationary license is suspended, it will delay the process of getting the basic drivers license.

Contact Rosenblum Law Today

Receiving a traffic ticket with a junior license can have significant and lasting consequences, but you don’t have to face the ticket alone. If you or your child has been issued a traffic ticket while driving with a special learner’s permit or probationary license, call Rosenblum Law. We understand the unique challenges these drivers encounter and have extensive experience in fighting traffic tickets issued to permit holders and probationary drivers. 

One of our attorneys will work tirelessly to minimize the impact on your child’s driving record and avoid costly fines, points, and license suspensions. Don’t let one mistake ruin the path to responsible driving. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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