Surcharges are additional costs that the state imposes when you’ve committed certain traffic violations. If you get multiple tickets or specific serious violations like speeding or driving under the influence, you could be required to pay these fees.
How Do Surcharges Work?
Once you accumulate enough points from violations, or commit a serious traffic offense, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will notify you about the surcharge. This fee is charged annually for three years and must be paid to keep your driving privileges.
Why Am I Being Charged with a Surcharge?
Surcharges are applied to encourage safe driving and to penalize those who repeatedly break traffic laws. They are used to fund court and police services as well as other state resources.
How Can I Pay My Surcharges?
You can pay your surcharges online through NJMCDirect. The process is simple:
- Visit the NJMCDirect website.
- Enter your information as prompted.
- Follow the instructions to pay your surcharge.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Surcharges?
Failing to pay your surcharges can lead to additional penalties, including the suspension of your driving license. It’s important to pay these fees on time to avoid further complications.
Common Reasons for Surcharges
Accumulation of Points: Drivers who accumulate six or more points within three years are subject to a surcharge.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):
- First Offense: Surcharge for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10% or more.
- Subsequent Offenses: Higher surcharge for each additional DWI offense.
Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test: Failing to comply with a breath test when suspected of DWI.
Driving Without Insurance: Surcharge for driving a vehicle without the required insurance coverage.
Driving With a Suspended License: Surcharge for operating a vehicle when your driver’s license is suspended.
Point-based Surcharges:
- 6 to 14 Points on Your License: Annual surcharge for three years.
- 15 or More Points: Higher annual surcharge for three years.
Specific Surcharge Amounts
The specific amounts for these surcharges can vary based on the nature of the violation and the number of offenses. For example, a first-time DWI can lead to a surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years. More severe or repeated offenses may lead to higher surcharges.
Additional Penalties
Failing to pay these surcharges can result in further penalties, including additional fines, suspension of driving privileges, and other legal consequences.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on surcharges, including the exact amounts and conditions, it’s advisable to consult the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or check through the NJMCDirect portal.
Standard Surcharges
Accumulation of Points:
- 6 to 14 Points on Your License: $150 for the first 6 points and $25 for each additional point.
- 15 or More Points: Costs increase with additional points beyond 14.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):
- First and Second DWI Offense (BAC below 0.15%): $1,000 per year for three years.
- Third DWI Offense (within three years): $1,500 per year for three years.
- DWI with BAC of 0.15% or higher: Additional surcharges may apply.
Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test:
- First Offense: $1,000 per year for three years.
- Subsequent Offenses: $1,500 per year for three years.
Driving Without Insurance:
- First Offense: $250 per year for three years.
- Subsequent Offenses: $500 per year for three years.
Driving With a Suspended License:
- Each Offense: $250 per year for three years.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing your surcharges is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges in New Jersey. Use NJMCDirect not just for paying regular traffic tickets but also for handling these additional surcharge payments efficiently.