Surcharges are fines assessed by New Jersey Surcharge Violation System (NJSVS). Drivers who have excessive points for traffic violations or have been convicted in court for specific offenses such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) are liable for Surcharge. Surcharges are in addition to any court fines and/or penalties and are billed yearly for three years.
All point violations will show up on your permanent driver history, which is why you should contact an attorney before paying any traffic citations. Also, keep in mind that if you receive twelve (12) or more points on your current driving record, your license will be suspended.
Some ways to receive points include things such as:
- Driving with a suspended license
- Failure to provide proof of insurance
- Reckless/Careless Driving
- Speeding: (Points vary depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving)
- Improper Passing
Point removal is possible. For example, for each year you go without committing a moving traffic violation, three (3) points will be deducted from your total points. In addition, you can enroll in driver-improvement programs and complete a defensive driving course to remove to two (2) points every five (5) years.
