How Many Points is a Speeding in NJ?

If you’ve been pulled over for speeding in New Jersey, you’re probably wondering: how many points is a speeding ticket in NJ? The short answer: it depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit.

This guide will cover how many points speeding tickets add to your license, how the New Jersey point system works, and what it means for your driving record and insurance rates.

How Many Points for Speeding in NJ?

In New Jersey, the number of points you get for speeding depends on how much over the posted speed limit you were driving:

MPH Over the Limit	Points Added
1 – 14 MPH	2 points
15 – 29 MPH	4 points
30+ MPH	5 points

So, if you were going 42 in a 25 mph zone, that’s 17 mph over the limit and that’s a 4-point violation.

Penalties for Speeding Tickets in NJ

Getting a speeding ticket in New Jersey doesn’t just mean points—it can hit your wallet, your driving record, and even your insurance. Here’s a full breakdown of the penalties for speeding in NJ.

1. Fines

Speeding fines in NJ depend on how fast you were going over the limit:

Speed Over Limit	Base Fine
1–9 mph	$85
10–14 mph	$95
15–19 mph	$105
20–24 mph	$200
25–29 mph	$220
30–34 mph	$240
35–39 mph	$260+

Note: Fines are doubled if the violation occurs in a construction zone, safe corridor, or 65 mph zone.

2. State Surcharges

If you accumulate 6 or more points in a 3-year period, you’ll face annual surcharges from the NJ MVC:

$150 per year for 6 points
$25 for each additional point over 6

These surcharges are in addition to your fine and can continue for three years.

3. Court Costs & Fees

If you go to court (or are required to), expect to pay:

$33 court costs
Additional administrative fees, depending on the case

4. Insurance Premium Increas

Speeding tickets can significantly raise your car insurance rates. Insurers see speeding as a risk factor, and the more points you have, the higher the premium.

Estimated impact:

Minor speeding (2 points): ~10–15% increase
Moderate (4 points): ~20–30% increase
Major (5+ points): Up to 40% or more

The increase can stay with you for 3–5 years, depending on the insurance company.

5. License Suspension

Your license can be suspended in NJ if:

You reach 12 or more points
You get too many tickets in a short time
You’re a probationary driver with repeated violations

The MVC may require you to complete a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) before reinstating your license.

6. DMV Record Impact

Speeding tickets appear on your driving abstract, which employers, insurance companies, and even courts can view. A record full of points and violations can affect:

Job applications (especially driving-related roles)
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) eligibility
Your legal credibility in future traffic cases

Summary of NJ Speeding Penalties

Penalty Type	Details
Points	2–5 depending on speed
Fines	$85 to $260+
Surcharges	$150 + $25/point (if 6+ points in 3 years)
Insurance Rate Impact	10% to 40%+ increase
License Suspension	Possible at 12+ points
Court/Administrative Fees	$33+ if court appearance is required

Can I Get Points Removed?

Yes! Here’s how you can reduce points on your NJ driving record:

1 year with no violations = 3 points removed
Defensive Driving Course = 2 points removed (once every 5 years)
Driver Improvement Program (DIP) = 3 points removed (court or MVC ordered)
Probationary Driver Program (PDP) = 3 points removed (for new drivers)

Will a Speeding Ticket Raise My Insurance?

In most cases, yes. Insurance companies check your driving record, and points from speeding tickets can make your premiums go up. The more serious the speeding violation (especially 4 or 5-point tickets), the bigger the increase.

Some tips to keep your insurance from going up too much:

Fight the ticket in court (you might get it downgraded to a no-point violation).
Take a defensive driving course.
Shop around for better insurance rates.

Can I Fight a Speeding Ticket in NJ?

Absolutely. You can plead not guilty and go to court. Many drivers have success getting tickets reduced or downgraded sometimes even to a no-point offense like unsafe operation (which comes with a fine but no points).

It’s a good idea to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer who knows how to negotiate with the prosecutor, especially for higher-speed violations.

Know the Points Before You Pay

So, how many points is a speeding ticket in NJ?

2 points for 1–14 mph over
4 points for 15–29 mph over
5 points for 30+ mph over

Speeding might not seem like a big deal, but in New Jersey, those points can add up quickly and they come with fines, insurance hikes, and even license suspension if you’re not careful.

If you’re dealing with a ticket, take the time to understand your options. Sometimes it’s better to fight than to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many points is a 10 mph over speeding ticket in NJ?

A speeding ticket for going 1–14 mph over the limit in New Jersey results in 2 points on your driving record. So if you were caught going 10 mph over, you’ll get 2 points.

2. How long do points stay on your license in NJ?

Points don’t disappear immediately. In NJ:

Points stay on your record permanently, but they stop counting toward suspensions and surcharges after a while.
You can remove 3 points for every year you go without violations.
Taking a defensive driving course can remove 2 points (once every 5 years).

3. Can I avoid points from a speeding ticket in NJ?

Yes. Many drivers go to court and negotiate the ticket down to a no-point violation, like “unsafe operation.” You may also avoid points by taking a plea deal or working with a traffic lawyer.

4. How much is a speeding ticket in NJ?

The fine for a speeding ticket in NJ typically starts at around $85 to $260, depending on how fast you were going and where the violation occurred (e.g., construction zone or school zone fines are higher). You may also have to pay court costs and surcharges.

5. How many points can I have before my license is suspended in NJ?

If you accumulate 12 points or more, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) can suspend your license. If you get 6 or more points in a 3-year period, you’ll also face an annual surcharge.

6. What’s the best way to fight a speeding ticket in NJ?

The best approach is to plead not guilty and appear in court. You can:

Ask for a reduction to a lesser offense
Provide evidence (e.g., dashcam footage, radar inaccuracies)
Work with a traffic attorney who can negotiate with prosecutors

7. Do out-of-state drivers get points for NJ speeding tickets?

Yes, but it depends on your home state’s DMV rules. Some states like New York and Pennsylvania do transfer points for NJ violations. Others may just record the offense without assigning points.