New Jersey. Easy Guide NEW. 5 th Edition. The Ultimate Resource For All Driver License Related Services. Licensed by: Drivers-Licenses.

Transcription

1 5 th Edition NEW Bonus Features Inside! New Jersey Easy Guide The Ultimate Resource For All Driver License Related Services Direct Links To Essential Forms Step-by-Step Guides Of All Driver Services Accurate Prices, Business Hours & Locations Time-Saving Checklists & Much More Licensed by:

2 Bonus Features Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance. When out on the road, you ll know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere. 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada. 24-Hour Towing Service Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per 7 days, 2 services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer. 24-Hour Mechanical First Aid Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available. 24-Hour Tire Change Service Customers may have their at tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire. 24-Hour Emergency Delivery A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil, or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies. 24-Hour Emergency Battery Service Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road. 24-Hour Lost Key Service If keys are locked inside a customer s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer s expense for labor and key making. Rental Car Discounts Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Map Routing Service We will, at no charge, provide customers with a 4-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify. Theft And Hit & Run Protection A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers vehicles. Whenever you travel, you ll like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection. Keeping You Safe Mile After Mile Once your purchase is processed, you ll receive an with the information you ll need to start your 60 days Road Assistance CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online Follow the link in your confirmation to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon. *PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership

3 EXCLUSIVE ORDERS Take advantage of these increible offers available exclusively to DriversLicense.org customers. Simply click on any of the logos below to get started. Save up to 50% on insurance Call Now! We know shopping for insurance isn t always the most pleasant experience. We re here to help. It s quick, easy and hassle free! Save up to $300 by calling QuotesHub: Take 30% off orders over $50 with code TRT30 at AdvanceAutoParts.com! Find the Best Deal on a new car on Cars.com Get up to 4 Loan Offers in minutes! MyAutoLoan. com is a leading online automotive finance marketplace where consumers with fair, good and great credit get Real Loans from Real Lenders, Real Time. 5% off Any Order + Free Shipping Available - Coupon Code SPRING5. Welcome to the easiest way to buy tires and wheels. 20% off first ride for new customers with code: Lyftaff49255

4 Table of Contents is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any government agency.

5 Starting the Journey Welcome to the world of driving in New Jersey! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver license in New Jersey is a smooth sailing process that only requires that you prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in, we are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly. This is a process that will only take a small amount of your time, in fact, this guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly and organized as possible. Jam packed with information regarding everything, from obtaining your learner permit, driver license, or ID card, all the way to how to renew, replace, or change these items. We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly New Jersey roads fast and easy. ALL DRIVERS You must remember that the roads aren t always safe; therefore it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety your passengers and all passengers in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, it is always wise to first obtain your learner s permit to be able to learn to drive properly. Vision Exam While driving, you are required to use all your senses to avoid getting in an accident. One of the most important of your senses is your eyesight, which is why all New Jersey drivers are required to comply with the state s vision standards. When you go get your learner s permit or a driver s license, you must pass a vision screening. After that, you need to have your vision tested at least once every ten years. 5

6 In order to comply with this requirement, you have to visit an office of the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) with the document requirements of your license class. To pass the test you must have 20/50 visual acuity in at least one of your eyes. You can wear corrective lenses during the test, if you need them, but your license will show a restriction meaning you will only be allowed to drive with corrective lenses. If later on you have eye surgery and no longer need to wear lenses, you must get a medical certification from a NJ licensed physician and pass a vision test again. If you fail your vision test, you cannot be allowed to get a license or permit. You will be given Form ST-14 for your doctor to fill out and submit to the MVC. Written Exam New drivers must also have their knowledge tested before getting a permit or license. The New Jersey MVC has a driver s manual available for you to prepare for your examination. The test consists of 50 questions about road signs and rules of the road. You have to score at least 80% to get a passing grade. Tests are administered on a walk-in basis at MVC locations. Remember to take with you all the documentation you need to get your permit or license, as well, since the test results will be given to you immediately. If you require taking your knowledge exam in a different language, you may ask the office manager. Tests are offered in: English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Japanese. You can also ask for oral tests in English and Spanish. Hearing impaired can have an MVC approved Department of State Interpreter translate the test. Road Test When you go get your license for the first time in New Jersey you will have to pass a driving test at the MVC office. Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the MVC to determine your driving skills level. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, will show the examiner that you have an acceptable level regarding your vehicle. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured, and passes the safety requirements. At the moment you are required to take your road test you must schedule an appointment in advance. You can do this by following this link and entering your license and permit information. On the day of the test, you will be accompanied by a safety specialist that will tell you the maneuvers you have to perform. The examiner must be able to reach the breaks 6

7 from the passenger seat. You will be asked to: Drive in reverse Stop at appropriate signs Approach corners or intersections Stop smoothly Sit properly Turn around Steer properly Park in a parallel space Yield to right-of-way If you pass your test, you will be given an authorization slip that you have to take with your permit to the MVC to get your license. If you fail, you must wait a minimum of two weeks before scheduling a re-test. If you fail your test again on your second chance, you will have to keep on practicing with your permit for six months before taking it again. The New Jersey Six Point ID Verification System The state of New Jersey has a Six Point ID Verification System in place as a security measure. Depending on the document s rank of importance, a certain number of points are allocated. When six points can be tallied in total, you are ready to present these documents to the NJ MVC to conduct your transactions. ONE primary proof of identification (four points) U.S. birth certificate Current NJ driver s license U.S. passport ONE secondary proof of identification and one verifiable proof of Social Security Number (three, two- and one-point forms of ID) Marriage certificate (three points) U.S. college ID (two points) 7

8 Social security card (one point) Bank statement (one point) Note: You may only combine two one-point documents Proof of address (must choose one) Utility or credit card bill There are many other types of documentation you can provide, and it is recommended you visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission s webpage Overview of the Six Point ID Verification System. You are only allowed to bring the original or certified copy with the state or municipal seal. If you cannot provide that, you will have to apply for replacement copies before visiting your MVC local office. TEEN DRIVERS If you re a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, then, chances are you re currently dreaming of obtaining your driver s license. Well, we are here to help you to make that dream a reality! In each step moving towards obtaining your license, we will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to be sure that you are well prepared to take on your responsibilities on the road. So let s begin the journey! Reflectorized Decals New Jersey requires all drivers under the age of 21 to display a reflectorized decal on the license plates of any vehicles they operate, including the vehicle used for the road test. You can get your decals at local motor vehicle agencies for $4 a pair. You will need to attach one decal to the upper left corner of both, front and rear, license plates. Restrictions During the time you hold your learner s permit or probationary license, you will have certain restrictions that will go away later on when you get your basic driver s license. In the meantime remember that you: Cannot drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. 8

9 You can only have one additional passenger, unless the other passengers are your parents or children. You are not allowed to use any wireless communication device. You have to always wear your seatbelt. If you have a learner s permit you must be accompanied in the front seat by a driver 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid NJ driver s license and has had at least three years of driving experience. The process of getting your driver license will be suspended if you get traffic tickets or convictions at any moment, and will only be resumed once you complete additional steps and training. 16-Year-Old Applicants The MVC has a three phase process that 16-year-old applicants must follow before getting a full unrestricted license. 1. Student learner s permit 2. Probationary license 3. Basic driver license Continue reading to find out more about each step. Applicants who are already 17 years old may skip to the next section. Student Learner s Permit In New Jersey, you can apply for a Learner s Permit as soon as you turn 16 years old. To be eligible, you must first be enrolled in an approved driver training course. The MVC provides a list of private licensed schools. Each school may have their own fees; choose the one that best fits your needs. Courses consist of minimum six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. After you get enrolled in Driver s Education, you have to go to an MVC agency that offers Driving Testing Services to get your learner s permit before you start practicing driving. At the MVC you must pass a knowledge exam and a vision test. You will receive the results immediately for both tests and will be asked to provide the following documentation: One primary form of identification, such as an unexpired passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate Proof of enrollment in a driver education course, which you can request from your provider A consent letter signed by your parents or guardians 9

10 Fees Your driving instructor must purchase a permit, which will be valid for two years. The fee for the student learner s permit is $10. After completing your behind-the-wheel training, you can return to the MVC to get your permit validated and get an appointment for a road test. You must practice driving for at least six months with a valid permit before taking your road test. Probationary License Once you turn 17 years old, you can apply for a probationary license. To be eligible you must: Have completed driver education and driven with a permit for at least six months. Scheduled and passed a road test. You have to go in person to an MVC agency with your learner s permit and the authorization slip that you will get once you pass the road test. Also, you have to comply with the Six Point ID Verification System and provide: Proof of identification Proof of date of birth Proof of Social Security Proof of NJ residency There are many types of documentation you can provide, and it is recommended you visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission s webpage Overview of the Six Point ID Verification System. Your probationary license will be good for a year, and then, you must go back to the MVC to get your Basic Driver License. Basic Driver License To obtain your basic driver license in New Jersey, you have to: Be at least 18 years old. Have held your probationary license for one year from its date of issue. 10

11 You will then have to go to an MVC agency with your probationary license and the documents required for the Six Point ID Verification System. There is a $24 fee to get your basic driver s license. The basic driver license does not have many of the restrictions applied to the learner s and probationary licenses, but you should still follow safety driving practices to avoid getting in an accident. 17 to 21-Year-Old Applicants If you are 17 to 21 years of age, you will have to follow a slightly different process than if you were 16. The process also has three stages: Examination Permit Examination permit Probationary license Basic driver license In order to get your examination permit you have to visit an MVC agency in person and must: Be at least 17 years old. Pass the knowledge and vision exams. Provide documents for the Six point ID verification. There is also a $10 fee that you must pay to get your examination permit. Your permit will be valid for two years, and you must use it to practice supervised driving for a minimum of six months before continuing to the next phase. Probationary License Getting a probationary license is very simple once you have followed the procedure described above. You just need to go to the MVC with your examination permit after practicing for at least six months, and then take a road test. When you pass your road test, you will get an authorization slip that you must show at the MVC to get your probationary license. 11

12 Get a basic driver license The basic driver license is the last step of the process. You just need to be 18 years old and have practiced driving with a probationary license for at least one year before applying. Then, you can go to an MVC agency with: Your provisional license. Documents to pass the Six point ID verification. Fees There is a $24 fee to get your basic driver s license. 12

13 Getting Your First New Jersey License Congratulations! You are now only one step closer to obtaining your driver license. And we re sure you are more than ready to finish the process. Well no need to worry because the process is almost over! Now it s only a matter of mastering the art of driving to get your license. All that is required now is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially hold that brand new license. ADULT DRIVERS: NEVER HAD A DRIVER LICENSE If you are 21 years old or older, have never had a license, and are now looking to obtaining one, then, you have come to the right place. Getting a license for first-time drivers is a very simple process through the state of New Jersey by first following the steps on how to apply. There are three main phases to getting your license: Examination permit Probationary license Basic driver license Examination permit To get an examination permit, you have to go to an MVC office in person and: Pass the knowledge and vision exams. Provide documents for the Six point ID verification. There is also a $10 fee that you must pay to get your examination permit. Your permit will be valid for two years, and you must use it to practice supervised driving for a minimum of three months before continuing to the next phase. During the time you hold your examination permit, you will have certain restrictions that will go away later on when you get your basic driver s license. In the meantime remember that you: Must be accompanied in the front seat by a driver 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid NJ driver s license and has had at least three years of driving experience. You are not allowed to use any wireless communication device. You have to always wear your seatbelt. 13

14 Probationary License Getting a probationary license is very simple once you have followed the procedure described above. You just need to go to the MVC with your examination permit after practicing for at least three months, and then take a road test. When you pass your road test, you will get an authorization slip that you must show at the MVC to get your probationary license. Get a basic driver license The basic driver license is the last step of the process. You just need to have practiced driving with a probationary license for at least one year before applying. Then, you can go to an MVC agency with: Your provisional license. Documents to pass the Six point ID verification. Fees There is a $24 fee to get your basic driver s license. ADULT DRIVERS: NEW RESIDENT If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of New Jersey, you will need to obtain a New Jersey license within 60 days. It is very important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver s license within this term; so let s begin so you can obtain your New Jersey license as soon as possible! You must be over 18 years of age to apply for a basic driver s license. If not, you must follow the procedure described in the Teen Drivers section. The good news is that if you come from any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories of American Samoa and Guam, Puerto Rico or The U.S. Virgin Islands, and have a valid license from your other state, you will not have to take the knowledge and road tests. The only things you need to do are visit an MVC agency and apply by showing: Your current valid out-of-state driver s license. Documents to pass the Six point ID verification. You have to purchase a driving permit at the MVC that will cost you $10. 14

15 If you come from any of the U.S. territories you have to submit a certified driver abstract to get the knowledge test requirement waived. Once you finish the process, you will be issued a four-year basic driver s license, and will have to surrender your out-of-state license, as well. Tip At the MVC you can pay all your fees with debit or credit cards, checks, money orders and cash. 15

16 Renewing Your License Oh no, my license has expired! That is something no one ever wants to have to say, as it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive. This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date creeping up on you. But before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any error or issues that may occur. In New Jersey you can renew your license by mail or in person. RENEWING BY MAIL Thanks to the Skip the Trip program, you may be eligible to renew your license by mail. You cannot use the system if you meet any of the following conditions: You have a Graduated Driver License (learner s permit, examination permit, probationary license). You have an active suspension. You have a Temporary Visa Restriction (TVR). You have a boat license or boat endorsement. You are required to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. You require a new photo to be taken. You need to register a new signature. Your license expires in less than 20 days. If you qualify to renew by mail, you will be mailed a package with all the materials you need. You must mail back all the contents according to the instructions provided. Fees Make sure to include a $24 fee in the form of a check or money order. 16

17 Your license should arrive ten days after your payment is received. If you haven t received your license 20 days after mailing the package, call the MVC at (609) RENEWING IN PERSON To renew your license in person, visit an MVC office with the following documents to pass the Six Point ID Verification System: Proof of identification Proof of date of birth Proof of Social Security Proof of NJ residency There are many types of documentation you can provide, and it is recommended you visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission s webpage Overview of the Six Point ID Verification System. Fees There is a renewal fee of $24. MVC accepts American Express card, MasterCard card, Visa card, checks, money orders and cash. RENEWING OUT-OF-STATE If for any reason you find yourself out of the state or the country at the moment you have to renew your license, you will be allowed to get a temporary license by mail. To be eligible, though, you will have to meet the following criteria: You must be a permanent New Jersey resident. You have to be out of the tri-state area for an extended period of time. Your current license must not have a digital photo. You must be a U.S. citizen. You must not have a temporary visa status. Your current license has been expired for less than three years. 17

18 If you meet all these requirements you will have to send a letter to the MVC explaining why you can t go to a licensing agency, and when you plan to return. You also have to get a BA208 - NJ MVC Application for Drivers License which is currently not available on web. Enclosed within the package, mail photocopies or certified copies of your identification documents to comply with the Six Point ID Verification. Never send the original files because, most likely, you won t get them back. When you have everything ready, send it with the appropriate fee, in a prepaid tracking envelope, to: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Government/Out-of-State Unit 225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey Tip When you renew your license by mail, you don t have to pass the Six Point ID Verification, unless you are out-of-state. 18

19 Updating Your License Information Now, your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean changes both as big as changing your name to a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods. Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver licenses. So, how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver license should you ever need them to be made? Well, you only need to inform the New Jersey MVC of these changes. To better understand the process and steps you have to take, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below. CHANGING YOUR NAME Making the decision to change your name is not only a big personal decision. But it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, you will surely be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver license. To change your name on your driver s license, you have to go to an MVC office in person and provide all the legal documents necessary to pass the the Six Point ID Verification. But, since your name changed, you will also be required to present proof linking your old name with your new name. The most common situation in which you need to change your name is if you got married, so you can take to the MVC your civil marriage certificate. This certificate must be: An original document; photocopies are not accepted. Issued by the municipality in which you were married, not by a religious institution. If you have been married more than once and changed your name each time, you are required to provide your previous civil marriage certificates, as well. If you have changed your name due to any other legal reason, you must provide an official court order stating the change. Fees You will be charged an $11 fee that you can pay with debit or credit cards, checks, money orders or cash. 19

20 CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your driver license. All you must do is, follow the steps below that outline the process. In New Jersey, you can change your address online or in person. In Person You can go to an MVC office to change the address on your license. You should take with you all the documents necessary to pass the Six Point ID Verification, including proper proof of residence showing your new address. Online To skip the trip to the MVC, you can apply for a change of address online. Click here to access the official system. You will be asked to enter your zip code, your driver license number and your Social Security Number to verify your identity. Then you need to enter your new address. After you complete the process, you will receive a confirmation notice by regular mail, along with a sticker with your new address. You have to attach this sticker to the back of your license on top of your old address. Allow three to four weeks for your request to be processed. CHANGING YOUR GENDER If you changed, or are preparing to change your gender, you can update the information on your license to show your new gender. You must process your request in person at an MVC agency, and provide proper documents to pass the Six Point ID Verification. You will also have to fill out a gender change form. Tip The fee to update or amend your license information is $11 for all the services. 20

21 Replacing Your License Oh my, something s happened to your license! What can you do now? Well, the New Jersey MVC will help you in obtaining a new driver license as soon as possible in the case that your license may have been lost, stolen or destroyed. In any case, you will be able to effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license. All it requires of you is to do a few things. Firs of, remember that you cannot request a duplicate just to have a spare copy of your license. It is prohibited to have more than one license or permit. Now, if your license was stolen, you must report it to the police first, and then you can proceed to get a duplicate at an MVC agency. At the agency, you must fill out form BA-208, which is only available at physical locations. You will also have to provide documents to pass the Six Point ID Verification System. Fees To get a duplicate license in person, you will have to pay a fee of $11. MVC accepts American Express card, MasterCard card, Visa card, checks, money orders and cash. REPLACING YOUR LICENSE OUT-OF-STATE If for any reason you find yourself out of the state or the country at the moment your license gets lost, damaged, or stolen, you will be allowed to get a temporary license by mail. To be eligible, though, you must meet the following criteria: Be a permanent New Jersey resident Be out of the tri-state area for an extended period of time Must not have a digital photo in current license You must be a U.S. citizen You must not have a temporary visa status Your current license has been expired for less than three years 21

22 If you meet all these requirements you can send a letter to the MVC explaining why you can t go to a licensing agency, and when you plan to return. You will also have to get a BA208 - NJ MVC Application for Drivers License which is currently not available on web. Enclosed within the package, mail photocopies or certified copies of your identification documents to comply with the Six Point ID Verification. Never send the original files because, most likely, you won t get them back. When you have everything ready, mail it with the appropriate fee, in a prepaid tracking envelope, to: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Government/Out-of-State Unit 225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey Tip You can get form BA-208 at any of the New Jersey MVC locations. If you are out-of-state, you can ask a friend or family member in the state, to pick up the form and send it to your location. 22

23 Reinstating Your Driver s License In order to qualify to reinstate your license, you will have to have completed all of the required time for your restraining order. The MVC department will only reinstate your driver s license if you complete all of the necessary requirements to remove any restraining orders from your license. There are many reasons you might have a suspended driver s license which, therefore, means there are multiple ways to reinstate your driver s license, it all depends on the situation. If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license or under what condition it falls under please contact the MVC at (609) , during its regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. So, try to not stress yourself out about the little stuff because that s why we re here. Instead, just take your time going through the process and information necessary to begin reinstating your license! DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) Whenever you drink and drive, all your senses become affected, so the possibility of a fatal accident increases exponentially. You should never drink and drive. The state of New Jersey has a very strict law that prohibits anyone with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08% to drive motor vehicles. DUI convictions usually carry heavy penalties including jail time and the revocation of your driving privileges. Penalties are set by a judge in a court, and vary depending on the severity of the offense, and if it is a repeat offense or not. You will also have to pay high fines and surcharges. Read through the following information to find out about fines and penalties for DUI convictions. In the state of New Jersey, you always give implied consent to take a Breathalizer test. If you refuse to get tested, you will also be penalized for DUI. You can lose your license from seven months to a year for your first offense. Repeat offenders may lose their license for up to 10 years, or 20 years if caught in a school zone. BAC greater than 0.08% but less than 0.10% In this case, you will most likely lose your license for three months and will also have to attend the Intoxicated Driver Program. Fines range from $755 to $905, including the Intoxicated Driver Program fee. You will also have to pay a surcharge of $1000 per year during three years. A judge may send you to prison for up to 30 days. 23

24 BAC of 0.10% or greater This is a greater offense, so your license gets suspended from seven months to one year. If your BAC was greater than 0.15% you will have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and keep it from six months to one year following the restoration of your driving privileges. You will also have to attend the Intoxicated Driver Program. Fines go from $805 to $1005, and you have to pay a surcharge of $1000 per year during three years. A judge may send you to prison for up to 30 days. Repeated DUI convictions Drivers who are found driving under the influence for more than one time will face more severe consequences. 2nd offense within 10 years You can lose your license for two years, and have to complete 30 days of community service. You will be required to attend the Intoxicated Driver Program and have an interlock device installed in your vehicle for one to three years after your get your license restored. You face fines that go from $1055 to $1555, plus a surcharge of $1000 per year during three years. You will also be sent to jail for a period of 48 hours to 90 days. 3rd offense within 10 years of 2nd offense Drivers found driving under the influence for a third time within ten years of a second offense will have their license suspended for ten years, serve up to 90 days of community service and attend the Intoxicated Driver Program. There are high fines adding up to $1555 and a surcharge of $1500 per year during three years. The prison term for this offense is 180 days. An ignition interlock device must also be used from one to three years after license restoration. Tip In New Jersey, there is a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. You cannot have more than.01% BAC to be allowed to legally drive or you will face severe penalties. 24

25 Getting a New Jersey ID Card If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver s license it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead. An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure such as the police or if you simply need to provide proof of your identity such as at the MVC office. If you are considering obtaining your first New Jersey ID card, then you need to know the proper procedures and steps to take, and that is where we come in! We will help guide you through the process in this section on how to obtain, replace, renew, and update your ID card so you will be well prepared for all situations. To get your ID card, all you need to do is: Complete the front page of the non driver-id application. You can get the form at an MVC agency. Provide documents to pass the Six Point ID Verification System. You will be charged $24 for your non-driver ID, and you will receive it immediately. PERSON WITH A DISABILITY IDENTIFICATION CARD If you have a disability and wish to get a special ID card for that matter, you will have to follow a similar procedure as described above, but also must have a physician complete the appropriate portion of the application form. The application form is available at MVC locations across the state. The fee to get a non-driver person with disability ID card is $6. When it comes time to replacing and updating your ID card the process is identical to that of a driver s license except you don t have to go through standard vision, hearing, knowledge and road tests. If you would like to take a look at the steps to take in order to replace or update your ID card, please take a look at the Replacing your License section or Updating your License Information section Tip You can request to have a non-driver ID application (BA-207 form) sent to your mailing address by calling (609)

26 Vehicle Safety Tips Before getting behind the wheel, it s important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion! 26

27 DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically or turning abruptly call and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car. USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don t text, use the internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic. Wasting Gas If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable 27

28 and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well-tuned, and that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent onroad aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver, or preventing another driver from merging or passing. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and continue moving. 28

29 MVC Hours and Locations There are MVC facilities located across the state. You may use the online locator tool to find an agency in a nearby location. You can also visit the official MVC website where you will be able to get lots of information about the driver licensing process, and you can also use the following online services: Change Your Address Pay Your Restoration Fee Pay Parking/Traffic Tickets Request Your Driver History Abstract Sample written test Schedule A Road Test If you wish to contact the MVC by , complete an online contact form here. You can also send your inquiries by regular mail to: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission 225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey For general inquiries you can call (609) , from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. 29

30