Motor
Vehicle Point ReductionHow do I get points removed from my driver's license?
Getting points on your driving record hurts you in two important ways. First, you get
closer to reaching the point limit where you may lose your license (see
DMV Points). Second, your automobile insurance may increase
dramatically (see Insurance Surcharges). Having an experienced attorney on your
side is important when you receive a traffic violation. An attorney is your best route to
receive the minimum number of Motor Vehicle points and to mitigate the amount of
fines that result from many traffic tickets.
*** If you receive a Notice of Suspension from Motor Vehicles, Call the Law
Office of Kalas and Jannarone Immediately to find out what can be done to prevent and / or
reduce the suspension of your driving privileges.
Three ways points can be reduced and/or deducted:
1. For every year of safe driving (no
violations or suspensions), up to three points may be subtracted from your point total.
This reduction of points occurs one year after:
a. your last point violation; or
b. your license was restored; or
c. the last time annual safe driving points were
subtracted from your record (whichever is later).
2. After completion of a Motor Vehicle
Services (MVS) offered driver improvement program, up to three points may be
subtracted from your point total. These programs are only offered to problem drivers
selected by MVS. Credit is given for one program maximum every two years.
3. After completion of a MVS approved defensive
driving course up to two points may be subtracted from your point total. Credit is
given for one program maximum every five years.
* These above courses are separate from the NJDMV course for violators who
have accumulated 12 or more points.
NOTE: Your point total will never be reduced below
zero
N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.9 - Reduction of
Points
Points recorded against a licensee shall be reduced at the rate of three
points for each 12 consecutive months in which the licensee has not
committed any violation either resulting in the assessment of points or in
the suspension of driving privileges. Points recorded against a licensee
shall also be reduced by three points, where the licensee attends and
satisfactorily completes an approved license improvement course; provided
however, that no licensee may receive point reduction credits for completion
of the same or similar course within two years of having completed the
original course. Points recorded against a licensee shall also be reduced by
two points if the licensee attends and satisfactorily completes an approved
motor vehicle defensive driving course pursuant to section 55 of P.L.1990,
c.8 (C.17:33B-45), except that no licensee may receive point reduction
credits for completion of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course
within five years of having completed a previous approved motor vehicle
defensive driving course. No point totals shall be reduced below zero.
Computation of the time periods used in granting point reduction credits
shall in all cases be based upon the respective dates of commission of the
offenses for which the licensee was convicted and assessed points. (Chgd.
by L.1990, c.8(54), eff. 3/12/90.)
What about my Insurance?
Under present New Jersey law, completion of a certified course of instruction in defensive
driving not only results in a two point reduction in the driver's MVS abstract (as
above), but it also can significantly reduce the amount he or she pays for their
private passenger automobile insurance coverage. See Insurance Surcharges and
N.J.S.A. 17:33B-45.
In addition, under Department of Insurance Bulletin No. 96-07, anyone who presents a
Course Completion Certificate to their auto insurance carrier upon renewal of their policy
is eligible for a minimum five percent (5%) premium discount on the base rate for bodily
injury, property damage, personal injury protection and collision coverage for the vehicle
principally operated by the person who has successfully completed the course.
The insurance discount lasts for three (3) years provided the person has not
accumulated four or more additional points after completion of the course and has not had
his or her license suspended for any reason.
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