Knowing New Jersey’s traffic laws helps drivers to stay safe, avoid penalties, and improve traffic flow. This guide covers laws for speed limits, right-of-way, distracted driving, violation penalties, licensing, and defensive driving tips. It provides actionable information for visitors and residents about NJ’s traffic regulations and rules.
Quick Guide to Top Violations & Fines in New Jersey
| Violation | Fine/Penalty |
| Speeding (varies by amount over limit) | Points & doubled fines in construction zones |
| No seat belt | $46 fine |
| Handheld cell phone usage | Up to $400 fine |
| Texting while driving | $200 to $400 fine for first offense, points |
| Failure to stop for pedestrians | Up to $200 fine, 2 points on license |
| DUI | $300 to $1000 fine, license suspension, ignition interlock device |
General Driving Rules in New Jersey Traffic Laws
New Jersey has vehicle laws to keep all people safe. Drivers must know and follow rules on distraction and protection. These matter when at the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, obeying these fundamental rules prevented over 30,000 injuries in the state in 2020 alone.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws
- Adult seat belt use is required by law for all passengers in New Jersey. The driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring safety restraint usage for all occupants under 18.
- Failing to wear a seat belt or use proper child safety seats leads to fines. For example, unbuckled adults face a base fine of $46. Meanwhile, the penalty for unrestrained children is up to $100.
- Young passengers must remain in appropriate restraint systems until at least age 8. Specifically, this includes approved rear-facing car seats for infants, convertible or high-back booster seats as children grow, etc. Children must continue using boosters until reaching 4’9” in height.
Distracted Driving Regulations in New Jersey
As per NJ Assembly Bill A4757, distracted driving laws aim to curb dangerous behaviours and reduce related crashes through penalties.
- Handheld cell phone usage is prohibited for drivers in New Jersey, excluding emergencies. Hands-free systems enable compliance and safe navigation. Violations lead to fines ranging from $200 to $400 for subsequent offences. These fines can be paid via NJdirect online portal.
- Entering data or texting while operating a vehicle is a noted traffic violation. Texting behind the wheel is considered a primary offence, meaning officers can stop motorists solely for this reason. Beyond base fines, points accumulate on licenses, with insurance hikes and surcharges imposed over time.
By internalizing fundamental driving rules around restraint device usage and limited device interactions, motorists optimize safety outcomes for road travellers throughout New Jersey. Adhering to these core traffic regulations also enables the avoidance of monetary fines and driving record penalties.
Speed Limits and Enforcement in New Jersey
Speed regulations in New Jersey factor prominently into overall traffic safety and infrastructure management aims statewide. By obeying designated limits and understanding enforcement policies, drivers contribute to loss prevention.
Speed Limit Guidelines Across New Jersey
- School zones impose 25 mph limits during active hours to enable reaction time for children near roadways. These zones apply unless signage states otherwise.
- Urban residential districts set standard speed limits of 35 mph for neighbourhood safety. However, some cities use lower 30 mph baselines too.
- Marked speed limits ranging from 50 to 65 mph are typical on multi-lane New Jersey highways and rural roads, depending on federal versus local jurisdiction. State traffic engineers determine limits by aligning posted speeds with realistic operating capabilities.
Monetary Fines and Penalties for Speed Violations
As per New Jersey Title 39 traffic laws, surcharges accompany some moving violations like speeding. Fines grow exponentially beyond 10-15 mph over posted limits up to $2000 totals. Additional consequences include:
- Points accumulation on driving records, elevating insurance costs
- License suspensions for excessive violations
- Vehicle impound after 40+ mph overages
Strategic Safe Corridors and construction zones levy double monetary fines per New Jersey Senate Bill 1900 for speed infractions. These designated high-crash areas warrant extra precautions. Adhering to lower limits enhances reaction times for workers or pedestrians near roadways under N.J.A.C 19:9-1.6. Avoid speeding fines in New Jersey using mobile apps with alerts upon zone entry.
Right-of-Way and Intersection Rules
Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws
- Drivers must entirely stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Failure to yield results in fines up to $200 and 2 points on your license.
Turning Regulations at Intersections
- Right turn on red is allowed unless signage states otherwise; drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning
- Left turns: Must yield to oncoming traffic before turning; dedicate attention here to prevent crashes
Penalties for Common Traffic Violations
For deeper insights on frequent offences like speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving, see our guide on Common Traffic Law Violations in NJ.
DUI Laws and Penalties
- Blood alcohol limits: 0.08% for drivers over 21; harsher limits apply for younger drivers. Penalties include fines up to $1,000, license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock devices.
Distracted Driving Consequences
- Fines escalate with repeat offences, from $200 to $600, by the third violation. Points may be assessed on driving records as well.
Licensing Requirements and Restrictions
To promote public safety on New Jersey roadways, the state implements a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program overseen by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) that manages requirements and restrictions for newly licensed drivers under age 21. As per the NJ Driver Manual, all novices must display noticeable GDL decals under “Kyleigh’s Law”, indicating permit-holder or probationary status after completing mandatory written exams and vision screenings.
Additionally, nighttime driving curfews prohibit young motorists from operating vehicles between 11:01 pm and 5 am without supervision from a licensed driver guardian over 21 years old except for documented work commutes; offenders may face fines, license suspension, or additional driving hours. By enforcing limited permissions and monitoring new drivers through multi-stage skill-building, this program aims to save lives by preventing avoidable crashes linked to inexperience. The MVC suggests additional defensive driver training courses and parental involvement, including monitoring passenger obedience constraints to support safe habits over the initial probation period.
Sticking to New Jersey traffic laws or regulations ensures safety while smoothing traffic flow. Motorists can avoid penalties by learning key laws, avoiding violations, and driving defensively. Checking the MVC website and taking driving courses also promotes safe behaviour. Following the rules makes the roads safer for everyone.
