New Jersey
New Jersey Reckless Driving: Fines, Jail and License Points (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 25, 2026). · 28 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
New Jersey makes reckless driving a motor vehicle offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96: driving "heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property" is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of $50 to $200, or both, and a second or later conviction by up to three months, a fine of $100 to $500, or both. Its reckless driving and speed statutes set no speed at which driving becomes reckless by itself; a reckless driving conviction carries 5 motor vehicle points, and careless driving (39:4-97) is a separate 2-point offense.
Information last verified on 2026-10-25. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers New Jersey statutes on reckless and careless driving in Title 39, racing, the Motor Vehicle Commission point and suspension rules, eluding police, and driving without a valid license or while suspended. It does not cover DWI penalties (see New Jersey DUI laws), vehicular homicide (see New Jersey manslaughter laws), leaving the scene of a crash (see New Jersey hit-and-run laws), municipal ordinances, or commercial-driver and federal rules beyond a short note. For other states, see reckless driving laws by state.
What is reckless driving in New Jersey?
Reckless driving is one sentence in Title 39, the motor vehicle title of the New Jersey Statutes:
"39:4-96. A person who drives a vehicle heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of reckless driving and be punished by imprisonment in the county or municipal jail for a period of not more than 60 days, or by a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $200.00, or both." N.J.S.A. 39:4-96
The offense has three parts: driving heedlessly, doing so in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, and driving in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger a person or property. The statute does not list specific acts, and it reaches driving that is "likely to endanger" a person or property as well as driving that does endanger one. Separately, N.J.S.A. 39:5A-1 provides that, on the property owner's written request, the provisions of subtitle 1 of Title 39 "shall, in the discretion of the municipal authorities" be made applicable to semipublic or private roads, driveways, parking areas and other roadways "open to or used by the public."
Is reckless driving a crime in New Jersey? Penalties
Section 39:4-96 does not call reckless driving a crime or a disorderly persons offense. It is a Title 39 motor vehicle offense that carries its own jail term and fine, and both have a floor as well as a ceiling:
- First conviction: up to 60 days in the county or municipal jail, a fine of $50 to $200, or both.
- Second or subsequent conviction: "imprisonment for not more than three months, or by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500, or both."
The section has no injury or felony tier. When reckless driving hurts or kills someone, the Code of Criminal Justice takes over:
- Assault by auto. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c)(1), a person who "drives a vehicle or vessel recklessly and causes either serious bodily injury or bodily injury to another" commits assault by auto, "a crime of the fourth degree if serious bodily injury results" and "a disorderly persons offense if bodily injury results."
- A death. Reckless vehicular homicide is a separate offense, noted below.
How fast is reckless driving in New Jersey?
New Jersey's reckless driving and speed statutes set no speed at which driving becomes reckless by itself. The speed statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-98, works the other way: "Subject to the provisions of R.S.39:4-96 and R.S.39:4-97," it makes listed speeds "prima facie lawful," so driving within a limit can still be reckless or careless driving. Neither 39:4-96 nor 39:4-97 names a speed.
Speed changes the points instead. Under the Motor Vehicle Commission point schedule (N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1), exceeding the maximum speed carries 2 points at 1 to 14 mph over the limit, 4 points at 15 to 29 mph over, and 5 points at 30 mph or more over.
Careless driving and unsafe driving in New Jersey
Careless driving. Section 39:4-97 provides: "A person who drives a vehicle carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of careless driving." The difference from reckless driving is the mental element: carelessness or a lack of "due caution and circumspection," rather than willful or wanton disregard. Careless driving carries 2 points.
Section 39:4-97 states no penalty of its own. It sits in the article of Chapter 4 that opens with Section 39:4-95, and that article's penalty section, 39:4-104, provides that a person "violating a section of this article shall, for each violation, be subject to a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $200.00, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 days, or both, except as herein otherwise provided." So careless driving carries a fine of $50 to $200, up to 15 days, or both. The chapter-wide penalty in Section 39:4-203 covers only violations "for which no specific penalty is provided."
Unsafe driving. Section 39:4-97.2(a) makes it unlawful "to drive or operate a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner likely to endanger a person or property." A first offense carries a fine of $50 to $150 and a second offense a fine of $100 to $250, and neither "shall be assessed any motor vehicle penalty points." A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $200 to $500 and "shall be assessed motor vehicle penalty points" (39:4-97.2(b)-(d)); the Motor Vehicle Commission schedule sets 4 points. An offense "that occurs more than five years after the prior offense shall not be considered a subsequent offense for the purpose of assessing motor vehicle penalty points" (39:4-97.2(e)).
Title 39 has no separate aggressive driving offense. The assault-by-auto statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c)(4), makes it a third-degree crime if a person "purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and serious bodily injury results," and a fourth-degree crime if bodily injury results. It provides that "driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner" includes, "but is not limited to, unexpectedly altering the speed of the vehicle, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield the right of way, or following another vehicle too closely."
Reckless driving points and license suspension in New Jersey
Points come from rules adopted under N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.5, which provides for rules "to determine the motor vehicle offenses for which penalty points may be assessed ... and the amount of points." The point schedule in N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1 includes:
| Offense | Statute | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Reckless driving | 39:4-96 | 5 |
| Careless driving | 39:4-97 | 2 |
| Racing on highway | 39:4-52 and 39:5C-1 | 5 |
| Speeding, 1 to 14 mph over | 39:4-98 and 39:4-99 | 2 |
| Speeding, 15 to 29 mph over | 39:4-98 and 39:4-99 | 4 |
| Speeding, 30 mph or more over | 39:4-98 and 39:4-99 | 5 |
Point suspensions. Under N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.2(a), the Chief Administrator "shall, except for good cause," suspend a license on this schedule: 12 to 15 points in a period of two years or less, 30 days; 16 to 18 points, 60 days; 19 to 21 points, 90 days; and longer periods for higher totals.
Discretionary suspension and revocation. Under N.J.S.A. 39:5-30(a), a license "may be suspended or revoked ... by the director for a violation of any of the provisions of this Title or on any other reasonable grounds," after written notice. Section 39:5-31 allows the director "or any magistrate" to revoke a license when the person "shall have been guilty of such willful violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle as shall, in the discretion of the magistrate, justify such revocation."
Death or serious injury. Section 39:5-30(e)(3) covers an alleged violation of 39:4-96 or 39:4-97 "which has resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another." In that situation the director "for good cause may, without hearing, immediately issue a preliminary suspension," along with a notice of proposed final suspension, revocation or other final agency action.
Habitual offender. Section 39:5-30a defines a "Habitual offender" as "a person who has his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended three times for violations occurring within a 3-year period," and Section 39:5-30b allows the director to suspend that person's license "for a period of no more than 3 years." The count is of suspensions, not of reckless driving convictions as such.
Commercial driver's licenses
New Jersey's commercial-license law lists "Reckless driving, as defined by state or local law or regulation," including violations of 39:4-96, as a serious traffic violation (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.11). Under federal rule 49 C.F.R. 383.51 (Table 2), a first serious traffic violation carries no federal disqualification, and a conviction in a non-commercial vehicle counts only if it results in the revocation, cancellation or suspension of the license or non-commercial driving privileges; the reckless driving laws by state hub covers the federal layer.
Street racing in New Jersey
Two Title 39 sections cover racing on a public highway.
Section 39:4-52 provides: "No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway for a wager or in a race or for the purpose of making a speed record." A violation carries a fine of $25 to $100 for a first offense and $100 to $200 for a subsequent offense.
Section 39:5C-1 reaches both drivers and organizers. It applies to a person who operates, or attempts or agrees to operate, a motor vehicle on a public highway in a race or to make a speed record, and to a person who "shall arrange for, manage, encourage, or assist in, the holding of, or the attempting to hold, any such race or speed race event." That person "is a disorderly person, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $100.00 for the first offense and for each subsequent offense a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $200.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both."
Racing on a highway under either section carries 5 points. New Jersey's statutes contain no separate offense named drag racing, exhibition of speed or street takeover.
Eluding police in New Jersey
Eluding is a crime under the Code of Criminal Justice. N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2(b) provides that a person operating a motor vehicle on any street or highway who "knowingly flees or attempts to elude any police or law enforcement officer after having received any signal from such officer to bring the vehicle or vessel to a full stop commits a crime of the third degree; except that, a person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if the flight or attempt to elude creates a risk of death or injury to any person." The subsection provides "a permissive inference that the flight or attempt to elude creates a risk of death or injury to any person if the person's conduct involves a violation of chapter 4 of Title 39," the chapter that contains the reckless and careless driving sections. The court "shall order the suspension" of the driver's license "for a period of not less than six months or more than two years."
Is there a wet reckless in New Jersey?
New Jersey's DWI statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, contains no provision that mentions reckless driving, either as a reduced charge or as a prior offense, and 39:4-96 says nothing about alcohol. For DWI penalties, see New Jersey DUI laws.
Driving without a license or while suspended in New Jersey
New Jersey separates driving without a license, failing to have the license in possession, and driving while suspended or revoked.
No valid license. Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-10(u), a person violating the license requirement "shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 60 days." If the person "has never been licensed to drive in this State or any other jurisdiction," the fine is "not less than $200," and the court "shall issue an order to the commission requiring the commission to refuse to issue a license" to the person "for a period of not less than 180 days." Those penalties "shall not be applicable in cases where failure to have actual possession of the operator's license is due to an administrative or technical error by the commission."
License not in possession. Section 39:3-29 sets a fine of $150. It provides that if the person charged "can exhibit the person's driver's license, insurance identification card, and registration certificate, which were valid on the day the person was charged," to the municipal court judge, "such judge may dismiss the charge," although "the judge may impose court costs."
Suspended or revoked. Section 39:3-40 sets penalties for driving while the license is refused, suspended or revoked:
- first offense: a fine of $500;
- second offense: a fine of $750 and "imprisonment in the county jail for at least one but not more than five days";
- third or subsequent offense: a fine of $1,000 and 10 days in the county jail.
On conviction the court "shall impose or extend a period of suspension not to exceed six months," and "shall impose a period of imprisonment for not less than 45 days or more than 180 days" if the person was involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to another person (39:3-40(d)-(e)). When the suspension was issued under the DWI statute (39:4-50), the refusal statute (39:4-50.4a) or the habitual offender act, Section 39:3-40(f)(2) adds a $500 fine, an additional suspension of one to two years, and 10 to 90 days in the county jail. A first offense during a DWI or refusal suspension also brings revocation of the violator's registration privilege (39:3-40(a)). Driving on such a suspension on or within 1,000 feet of school property, or through a school crossing, carries 60 to 90 days for a first offense, 120 to 150 days for a second and 180 days for a third or subsequent offense (39:3-40(f)(3)). When a second or later offense under Section 39:3-40 involves a moving violation, the jail term "shall be 10 days longer than the term of imprisonment imposed for the previous offense" (39:3-40(j)).
A habitual offender who drives while suspended under that act "shall pay a fine of $1,000.00 and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment" of 30 days, and must be sentenced to at least 45 days if involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to another (39:5-30e). Under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22, a person driving while suspended under 39:3-40, or without ever having been issued a license, who is involved in an accident resulting in another person's death is guilty of a third-degree crime, and of a fourth-degree crime if the accident results in serious bodily injury.
New Jersey reckless driving and related offenses: penalty table
| Offense | Statute | What it prohibits | Class or grade | Statutory penalty range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless driving, first conviction | 39:4-96 | Driving heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | Up to 60 days, a fine of $50 to $200, or both; 5 points |
| Reckless driving, second or later conviction | 39:4-96 | Same | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | Up to three months, a fine of $100 to $500, or both |
| Careless driving | 39:4-97 | Driving carelessly or without due caution and circumspection so as to endanger or be likely to endanger | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | Fine $50 to $200, up to 15 days, or both (39:4-104); 2 points |
| Unsafe driving | 39:4-97.2 | Driving in an unsafe manner likely to endanger a person or property | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | First: fine $50 to $150; second: $100 to $250; no points for either; third or later: fine $200 to $500 and 4 points (an offense more than five years after the prior one is not subsequent for points) |
| Racing on a highway | 39:4-52 | Driving on a public highway for a wager, in a race or to make a speed record | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | Fine $25 to $100 (first); $100 to $200 (subsequent); 5 points |
| Racing, or arranging or assisting a race | 39:5C-1 | Racing or making a speed record on a public highway, or organizing or assisting a race event | Disorderly persons offense | Fine $25 to $100 (first), $100 to $200 (subsequent), "or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both" |
| Eluding police | 2C:29-2(b) | Knowingly fleeing or attempting to elude an officer after a signal to stop | Third-degree crime; second degree if it creates a risk of death or injury | Third degree: 3 to 5 years, fine up to $15,000; second degree: 5 to 10 years, fine up to $150,000; license suspension of 6 months to 2 years |
| Assault by auto | 2C:12-1(c)(1) | Driving recklessly and causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury | Fourth-degree crime (serious bodily injury); disorderly persons offense (bodily injury) | Fourth degree: up to 18 months, fine up to $10,000; disorderly persons: up to 6 months, fine up to $1,000 |
| Assault by auto, aggressive driving | 2C:12-1(c)(4) | Purposely driving in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle, causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury | Third-degree crime (serious bodily injury); fourth-degree crime (bodily injury) | Third degree: 3 to 5 years, fine up to $15,000; fourth degree: up to 18 months, fine up to $10,000 |
| Driving without a license | 39:3-10(u) | Driving without a valid license | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | Fine up to $500 or up to 60 days; never licensed: fine of at least $200 and a 180-day license refusal order |
| Driving while suspended or revoked | 39:3-40 | Driving while the license is refused, suspended or revoked | Title 39 motor vehicle offense | First: $500; second: $750 and 1 to 5 days; third: $1,000 and 10 days; added penalties for DWI-related suspensions (including school-zone terms), repeat moving violations and injury accidents |
The degree ranges come from the Code of Criminal Justice: N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6(a) sets prison terms of five to 10 years for a second-degree crime, three to five years for a third-degree crime, and up to 18 months for a fourth-degree crime, and N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 sets maximum fines of $150,000, $15,000 and $10,000 for those degrees. For a disorderly persons offense, 2C:43-8 caps jail at 6 months and 2C:43-3(c) caps the fine at $1,000; Section 39:5C-1 states its own racing penalty. For how New Jersey grades offenses generally, see New Jersey felony and misdemeanor classes.
Vehicular homicide in New Jersey
When reckless driving causes a death, the offense is reckless vehicular homicide under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, covered on the New Jersey manslaughter laws page.
Recent changes to New Jersey reckless driving law
The core sections are long-standing. The Legislature last amended the reckless driving section, 39:4-96, and the careless driving section, 39:4-97, in 1995 (P.L.1995, c.70), and the racing section 39:5C-1 dates from 1955 (P.L.1955, c.217). The unsafe driving offense in 39:4-97.2 was enacted in 2000 (P.L.2000, c.75).
Related New Jersey laws
- Reckless driving laws by state
- New Jersey DUI laws
- New Jersey manslaughter laws
- New Jersey felony and misdemeanor classes
- New Jersey hit-and-run laws
- New Jersey expungement laws
- Pennsylvania reckless driving laws
- New York reckless driving laws
This article is general legal information about New Jersey law, not legal advice. For a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in New Jersey, or the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for license and points questions.
Last updated: 2026-10-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in New Jersey?
N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 does not label reckless driving a crime or a disorderly persons offense; it is a Title 39 motor vehicle offense with up to 60 days in jail, a $50 to $200 fine, or both for a first conviction.
What is the penalty for a second reckless driving conviction in New Jersey?
Under 39:4-96, a second or subsequent conviction carries up to three months in jail, a fine of $100 to $500, or both.
How many points is reckless driving in New Jersey?
Five points under N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1; careless driving is 2 points. Except for good cause, 12 to 15 points in two years or less brings a 30-day suspension under N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.2.
How fast is reckless driving in New Jersey?
The reckless driving and speed statutes set no speed that is reckless driving by itself. Section 39:4-98 makes listed speeds prima facie lawful subject to the reckless and careless driving sections, and speeding 30 mph or more over the limit carries 5 points.
What is the difference between reckless and careless driving in New Jersey?
Reckless driving (39:4-96) requires willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others. Careless driving (39:4-97) is driving carelessly or without due caution and circumspection; both require driving that endangers or is likely to endanger a person or property.
Does New Jersey have a wet reckless?
No. The DWI statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, contains no provision that mentions reckless driving, and the reckless driving section 39:4-96 says nothing about alcohol.
Is street racing illegal in New Jersey?
Yes. Section 39:4-52 bars racing, wagers and speed records on a public highway, and 39:5C-1 makes racing or organizing a race a disorderly persons offense punished by a fine of $25 to $100 for a first offense and, for each subsequent offense, a fine of $100 to $200 or up to 90 days in jail, or both.
Can reckless driving cost you your license in New Jersey?
Reckless driving adds 5 points toward the point-suspension schedule, and the director may suspend or revoke a license for a Title 39 violation under 39:5-30. When reckless or careless driving results in death or serious bodily injury, the director for good cause may issue a preliminary suspension without a hearing (39:5-30(e)).
What is the penalty for driving without a license in New Jersey?
Under 39:3-10(u), a fine up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail; a person who has never been licensed faces a fine of at least $200 and a court order barring a license for at least 180 days. Driving while suspended under 39:3-40 starts at a $500 fine for a first offense.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
New Jersey Statutes (Unannotated)
§ 39:4-96Reckless driving; punishmentIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
39:4-96. A person who drives a vehicle heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of reckless driving and be punished by imprisonment in the county or municipal jail for a period of not more than 60 days, or by a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $200.00, or both. On a second or subsequent conviction he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months, or by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500, or both.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Also relied on in: Is Lane Splitting Legal in New Jersey? (2026 Law)
§ 39:4-97Careless drivingIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
39:4-97. A person who drives a vehicle carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of careless driving.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:4-97.2Driving, operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner, offense created; fines; surcharges.In force
1. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, it shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner likely to endanger a person or property. b. A person convicted of a first offense under subsection a. of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $150.00 and shall not be assessed any motor vehicle penalty points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5). c. A person convicted of a second offense under subsection a. of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $250.00 and shall not be assessed any motor vehicle penalty points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5). d. A person convicted of a third or subsequent offense under subsection a. of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200.00 or more than $500.00 and shall be assessed motor vehicle penalty points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:4-98Rates of speedIn force
39:4-98. Rates of speed. Subject to the provisions of R.S.39:4-96 and R.S.39:4-97 and except in those instances where a lower speed is specified in this chapter, it shall be prima facie lawful for the driver of a vehicle to drive it at a speed not exceeding the following: a. (1) Twenty-five miles per hour, when passing through a school zone during recess, when the presence of children is clearly visible from the roadway, or while children are going to or leaving school, during opening or closing hours; (2) Twenty-five miles per hour on certain portions of Route 130 in Burlington City, Burlington County, as provided by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.2019, c.5 (C.39:4-98.12); (3) Thirty-five miles per hour on certain portions of Route 130 in Burlington City, Burlington County, as provided by paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection a.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:4-52Racing on highway prohibited; fineIn force
No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway for a wager or in a race or for the purpose of making a speed record. A person who violates this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars for the first offense, and, for a subsequent offense, not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:5C-1Racing or making of speed records; penaltyIn force
A person who shall operate or attempt or agree to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway in a race with any other motor vehicle or for the purpose of making a speed record or who shall arrange for, manage, encourage, or assist in, the holding of, or the attempting to hold, any such race or speed race event, is a disorderly person, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $100.00 for the first offense and for each subsequent offense a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $200.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:4-104Violations of article; penaltyIn force
A person violating a section of this article shall, for each violation, be subject to a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $200.00, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 days, or both, except as herein otherwise provided.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:5-30.5Penalty points; rules and regulations; authority to adoptIn force
The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the authority, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), to continue to adopt rules and regulations to determine the motor vehicle offenses for which penalty points may be assessed under this act, and the amount of points to be assessed for each offense and to adopt rules and regulations to determine the motorized bicycle offenses for which penalty points may be assessed and the number of points to be assessed for each offense.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:5-30aHabitual offender definedIn force
As used in this act: "Habitual offender" means a person who has his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended three times for violations occurring within a 3-year period.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:3-40Penalties for driving while license suspended, etc.In force
39:3-40. No person to whom a driver's license has been refused or whose driver's license or reciprocity privilege has been suspended or revoked, or who has been prohibited from obtaining a driver's license, shall personally operate a motor vehicle during the period of refusal, suspension, revocation, or prohibition. No person whose motor vehicle registration has been revoked shall operate or permit the operation of such motor vehicle during the period of such revocation. Except as provided in subsections i. and j.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 39:3-10.11Definitions relative to commercial driver licenses.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
3. For purposes of this act, a term shall have the meaning set forth in R.S.39:1-1 unless another meaning for the term is set forth in this act, or unless another meaning is clearly apparent from the language or context of this act, or unless the meaning for the term set forth in R.S.39:1-1 is inconsistent with the manifest intent of the Legislature in this act. For purposes of this act: "Alcohol concentration" means: The number of grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or The number of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. "Commercial driver license" or "CDL" means a license issued in accordance with this act to a person authorizing the person to operate a certain class of commercial motor vehicle. "Commercial Driver License Information System" or "CDLIS" means the information system established pursuant to Pub.L.103-272 (49 U.S.C. s.31309) to serve as a clearinghouse for locating information related to the licensing and identification of commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2008
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Chun (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2008, 194 N.J. 54)“…centration” in terms of both blood and breath, see N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.11, our focus here will be on the more com…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Truck Accident Laws in New Jersey (2026): Deadlines & Liability
§ 2C:29-2Resisting arrest, eluding officerIn force
2C:29-2. Resisting Arrest; Eluding Officer. a. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), a person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if he purposely prevents or attempts to prevent a law enforcement officer from effecting an arrest. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), a person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he, by flight, purposely prevents or attempts to prevent a law enforcement officer from effecting an arrest. (3) An offense under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection a. is a crime of the third degree if the person: (a) Uses or threatens to use physical force or violence against the law enforcement officer or another; or (b) Uses any other means to create a substantial risk of causing physical injury to the public servant or another. It is not a defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the law enforcement officer was acting unlawfully in making the arrest, provided he was acting under color of his official authority and provided the law enforcement officer announces his intention to arrest prior to the resistance.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 2C:12-1Assault.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
2C:12-1. Assault. a. Simple assault. A person is guilty of assault if the person: (1) Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense unless committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a petty disorderly persons offense. b. Aggravated assault. A person is guilty of aggravated assault if the person: (1) Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury; or (2) Attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) Recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (4) Knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life points a firearm, as defined in subsection f.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Also relied on in: New Jersey Assault Laws: Simple vs Aggravated Assault and Penalties
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Sources and References
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