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Traffic Schools
Defensive Driving Info When you enroll in an approved defensive driving class, you:
1. Refresh your driving knowledge.
2. Can be eligible to reduce as many as 2 points off your New Jersey driving record.
3. Receive up to 10% reduction in the base rate of your auto and motorcycle insurance premiums.Take your course online: Find an approved New Jersey
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Find an approved New Jersey
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New Jersey gives you several options to improve or refresh your driving skills, reduce points on your driving record, or lower your auto insurance premiums through one of the many driving programs available.
Top Note about Traffic Tickets
The state doesn't allow traffic tickets to be dismissed because you attend defensive driving school or other driver education program.
Top Defensive Driving Program
The state offers a defensive driving program for drivers of all ages. This course, through state-approved traffic schools, teaches basic techniques to improve your driving skills. It may even reduce your auto insurance premiums. Check with your own insurance company though; some may offer discounts only for certain ages, or may not offer discounts based on your driving record.
This program also allows you to have two points deducted from your driving record. You can take this course once every five years for points reduction.
Top Senior Drivers
For drivers 50 and older, the AARP offers a "55 Alive" driving course as a refresher. This Mature Driver's Program provides a minimum 5% discount on your auto insurance premiums, and is offered in many cities and towns state-wide. Check its Web site for a schedule and location near you.
Top Required Programs
When you're convicted of certain traffic violations within New Jersey, part of your sentencing includes a mandatory training offered by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Driving Under the Influence
If you've been convicted of any alcohol- or drug-related violation, you will be required to attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program at one of the numerous center locations state-wide. The program includes mandatory classes in Alcohol and Highway Safety Education, evaluation of your drug or alcohol problem and if needed, treatment for the problem. You can also supplement your treatment with self-help programs, if you wish.
Successful completion of an IDRC program will help you get your license reinstated, but if you refuse to participate, you could face jail time and a longer suspension of your license. You'll pay a minimum of $350-$400 in fees for this course, and other costs may be involved.
Driver Improvement Program
You can take the Driver Improvement Program for a fee of $100, instead of the 30-day required suspension of your driver's license, when you've racked up 12-14 points on your driving record. When you pass this course, up to three points will be reduced from your record and your license will not be suspended. The state will mail you information if you're required to participate.
Even if you're not required to participate, you can take it once every two years to subtract three points from your record.
Probationary Driver School Program
New drivers―those having their license two years or less―will be assigned to a Probationary Driver School if they are convicted of two or more violations that total more than four points in that two-year period. The cost of this program, for teens or adults, is $100, and information about it will be mailed to you if you're required to take the course.
After you've passed the program, up to three points can be reduced from your record, but you still face a one-year probation period. If you have more violations during that year, your driving privileges will be suspended.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
How can I reduce my speeding ticket cost?
Methods vary by state, but some common ways to reduce speeding ticket cost include: Being a first-time offender. Not speeding more than a certain number of miles over the speed limit. Contesting the ticket in court. Depending on the nature of the traffic ticket, you might want to bring a traffic ticket attorney along with you. However, one of the most popular ways to reduce speeding ticket cost or dismiss a traffic ticket altogether is traffic school attendance. The grid below outlines which states consider dismissing traffic tickets or reducing speeding ticket costs if the driver attends traffic school. The bad news is that not every state does; the good news is that most states offer at least point reduction to your driving record. Once you check your state, be sure to talk with your local court and driver license agency for details.
Read more >>What is the cell phone law in my state?
Before trying to contact a friend or family member while driving, know the cell phone law of the state you're in. Otherwise you may receive a traffic ticket with a hefty fine. This also applies to text messaging, which many states, over the last year, have enacted laws banning this practice.If you need to know your state's cell phone traffic law, contact your DMV or state police. Or, if you need to know now, consult the grid below.
Read more >>Where are the violation codes so I can decipher my citation?
Violation codes, or traffic codes, are generally found on the state or local government Web sites. They may be called “Vehicle Code,” “Revised Statutes,” or “Traffic Laws.” The easiest way to find yours would be to perform a search for your specific citation number along with your state name. You can sometimes get a citation dismissed or the points removed from your record by attending traffic school. Rules vary by state on options to clear traffic tickets. If you don’t think you are in the wrong regarding your citation, consider consulting a traffic ticket attorney for advice on how to proceed.
Read more >>How long does it take to check a drivers license status?
How fast is your computer? If you check drivers license status via an online service, you should receive a driving record, with all of your driving information (points, citations, suspensions...), within seconds of ordering. If you order by mail, it obviously will take days to receive. Fortunately, you have plenty of online services to choose from. There are many private companies specializing in driving records, requiring nothing more than your name and a credit card. Most DMV sites also offer driving records, with many providing a list of different records to choose from. In Texas, for example, the Department of Public Safety offers driving records based on the following categories: Status Record, Three-Year History, List of All Accidents and Violations, Certified Three-Year History, Certified List of All Accidents and Violations and Certified Abstract of Driving Record. If you're uncertain of the current status of your license, a driving record could save you money and preserve y...
Read more >>According to the rules of the road, do pedestrians always have the right of way?
To be a safe driver, you must understand the rules of the road. This includes knowing how to share the road with pedestrians. One in six traffic fatalities is a pedestrian, so it's extremely important to be safe whenever you encounter someone traveling on foot. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Crosswalks are typically marked with white lines and located at corners, but they can sometimes be in the middle of the block. Yellow crosswalk lines may be used to indicate school crossings and some crosswalks may have flashing lights. Pedestrians who are crossing the road at a point other than a marked crosswalk must yield the right of way to all vehicles. People sometimes use the term "jaywalking" to describe pedestrians walking outside of crosswalks. This is generally not a legal term. Most states allow pedestrians to cross outside of designated crosswalks if they yield to oncoming traffic. The only absolute exception to the standard right of way rules involves blind pedest...
Read more >>
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