CHAPTER 1: NEW JERSEY LICENSING REGULATIONS

One of the mistakes that beginning drivers often make is assuming that obtaining a license is the same as being a qualified driver. These drivers believe that once they have passed their road skills test, their responsibilities under the license have ended. Actually, they have just begun. You, as a licensed driver, have many responsibilities other than keeping your driving record clean. You have a responsibility to abide by any restrictionssuch as vision correction requirementsthat are stipulated at the time you are issued the license. You have a responsibility to financially secure your vehicle in case of a collision. You are also required to stop at the scene of any collision in which you are involved, and to aid the injured when possible. In the next few pages, we will take a more detailed look at these legal responsibilities.

Actual Vanity Plates

On a bakery truck:

The reason for these ongoing responsibilities is that, when you accept a driver's license from the State of New Jersey, you are receiving permission from the State to drive. That's rightpermission. You are not being given a gift. You do not possess the right to drive. You are being extended a privilegeand that privilege is extended only for as long as you prove yourself to be a safe and responsible driver. Since the State, by issuing you permission, establishes its own interest in the driving environment, the State further establishes whatever ongoing responsibilities it believes are necessary to secure the safety of the driving community. You must become familiar with the laws and responsibilities and abide by them.

Driver Licensing

The first legal responsibility is also the most obvious: Drivers need a valid driver license (or permit), and they must carry that license (or permit) with them at all times when driving. Changes of address must be reported to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

within one week (including moves out-of-state); a change of name must be reported within two weeks. A motorist with a valid out-of-state license who moves to New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days (commercial drivers within 30 days) or before the out-of-state license expires, whichever is sooner. All applicants for a New Jersey driver license must provide a full name, current address, Social Security number, and 6 points of identity verification (possibly including documentation of legal presence in the United States). Applicants under age of 18 must also present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Finally, all applicants must pass a vision screening, a written exam, and a test of their on-the-road skills in order to be qualified for a license.

The Learner's Driver's License The State of New Jersey issues a variety of driver licenses:
License Type Age Expires After

Basic Automobile License: For all types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles. Probationary Automobile License: Issued to those drivers who will graduate to a basic automobile license. Allows drivers to practice driving (unsupervised, but with restrictions) for at least one year before receiving a basic license. Motorcycle License: For most vehicles with fewer than four wheels (Class E). Issued as a separate license, or as an endorsement (M) if the operator already holds a basic automobile license. Probationary Motorcycle License (similar to probationary automobile license, but for Class E vehicles) Moped License: For operators 15 years of age and older who do not have a basic automobile license. Agriculture License: For farming purposes only, for operators who are aged 16 or 17.

18

4 years

17

4 years

17

4 years

17

4 years

15

4 years

16

4 years

Note: Endorsements added to existing licenses expire with the license. The fee for an endorsement added to an existing license is prorated to cover the period remaining until that license expires.

The State of New Jersey also issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) to drivers over the age of 18 who operate large trucks, buses, and vehicles that transport hazardous materials. These operators must possess a valid, basic New Jersey driver license before applying for a CDL, but face further, more stringent testing. For details about obtaining a CDL and the various endorsements available to commercial drivers, contact the MVC. Note: Altering a driver license or showing an altered driver license may result in loss of a motorist's driving privilege, a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. Obtaining a driver license illegally may result in a fine of $200 to $500 and/or imprisonment of 30 to 90 days.

Actual Collision Reports

The other car collided with mine without giving me any warning of its intentions.

Driver Training and the Graduated License New Jersey employs a multi-stage licensing process known as the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program. The system limits the times and conditions under which new drivers may operate a motor vehicle, and gradually introduces privileges as those drivers gain more experience and become more comfortable behind the wheel. Drivers are eligible for a learner's permit at age 16, and may receive an unrestricted license at the age of 18. Failure to adhere to GDL restrictions may result in a fine of $100 and/or the suspension of the motorist's driving privilege. Huntsville, Alabama, is nicknamed "The Rocket City" because of its connection to the U.S. space program. Further details about driver licenses and the licensing process are contained in the New Jersey Driver Manual, available online or as a booklet from any MVC agency. Note: If a student driver commits a traffic violation, responsibility lies with both the student and the instructor or supervising adult driver.

The Point System

It has long been recognized by traffic safety experts that some drivers with histories of traffic offenses comprise a small pool of drivers who commit the majority of offenses. These drivers are considered a threat to re-offend, and are a special threat to the safety of the driving community. For this reason, the State of New Jersey has instituted a point system that tracks these "persistent violators" and penalizes them for continual re-offense. The purpose of the system is to remove these drivers from the road if they prove unable to control their driving behavior. However, through Defensive Driver and Driver Improvement Programs, drivers are also given the opportunity to learn and be rehabilitated into safer drivers.

Bumper Snickers
So much to do and so many other things to distract me.

Assessing Points The MVC adds points to a driver's record for each conviction for a moving violation. Below is a list of some common and serious moving violations and their associated point values. For a complete list of point violations, see the New Jersey Driver Manual or visit the MVC website.
Offense Points

failure to yield to a pedestrian racing on a highway failure to obey the direction of an officer failure to observe traffic controls or lanes improper operation on divided highway or divider failure to pass to the right of a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction improper passing on the right or off of a roadway wrong way on a one-way street improper passing in a no-passing zone failure to yield to an overtaking vehicle tailgating failure to yield at an intersection failure to use proper entrances to limited access highways failure to yield to emergency vehicles reckless driving careless driving slow speed blocking traffic exceeding maximum speed, 1 - 14 mph over limit exceeding maximum speed, 15 - 29 mph over limit

2 5 2 2 2 5 4 2 4 2 5 2 2 2 5 2 2 2 4

exceeding maximum speed, 30+ mph over limit improper turn improper passing of a school bus improper passing of a frozen dessert truck leaving the scene of an accident - no personal injury leaving the scene of an accident w/personal injury moving violation committed out-of-state

5 3 5 4 2 8 2

While a single violation is not necessarily serious enough to warrant action against your license, an accumulation of points on your record is. Drivers who amass six or more points within three years are assessed a "surcharge" by the State (and may face an increase in their insurance rates). There is a $150 surcharge for accumulating six points, and a $25 surcharge for each additional point. These surcharges are levied in addition to any court-imposed fines and penalties. Drivers who accrue 12 or more points on their record will have their license suspended. Three points will be subtracted from a motorist's record for every year that the driver goes without a violation or suspension. Drivers may also reduce their point totals by taking driving courses approved by the MVC (the Driver Improvement Program subtracts three points and may be used every two years; the Defensive Driver Program subtracts two points and may be used every five years). Completion of these programs cannot prevent mandatory suspensions or revocations, and a driver's point total can never be reduced below zero. Note: New Jersey is party to several interstate compacts whose member states share information regarding traffic citations. Just because you commit a moving violation in another state doesn't mean that you won't face penalties here at home. Alaska is known as "America's Last Frontier."

License Suspension/Revocation Driving is a privilege, not a right. A right is something that is due a person by their very nature, and is irrevocable. A privilege, on the other

hand, is an opportunity that is granted, subject to the fulfillment of certain requirements and stipulations. Avoid the habit of thinking that the State of New Jersey owes you a driver license. The fact of the matter is that the license belongs to the State, and you are simply borrowing it. The privileges that come with the license can be taken away. Your license is suspended when it is taken away from you for a certain period of time and then returned. If a judge did not take your suspended license in court, you must surrender it at any MVC Regional Service Center or mail it to the MVC Driver Management Bureau. Drivers who have had their license suspended will need to pay a Restoration Fee of $100 in order to reclaim their license.

Jokes
A man is driving with his wife at his side and his mother-in-law in the backseat. The two women will not leave him alone. His mother-in-law says, "You're driving too fast!" His wife says, "Stay more to the left." After ten mixed orders, the man turns to his wife and demands, "Who's driving this car, you or your mother?"

Do not drive until you restore your license and receive a written notice of restoration. Drivers who drive on a suspended license could face fines, further suspension, and up to five years in jail! Note: New Jersey does not allow conditional or special work licenses. If a motorist loses his/her license for any reason, driving is not permitted under any circumstances until the period of suspension ends and the motorist receives a notice of restoration. For extremely serious offenses or continual re-offense, you may have your license revoked. At one time camels were used to transport goods across Arizona. This amounts to the State canceling your license. In order to obtain another, you must reapply for a license after the revocation period has ended. New Jersey licensed drivers may lose their driving privilege for

accumulating 12 or more points on their driving record. failing to appear in court or to pay fines. failing to pay motor vehicle surcharges. driving with a suspended license.

failing to provide proof of financial responsibility. physical or mental disqualification. using alcohol or other drugs while driving. being at-fault in a fatal collision. failing to respond to an MVC notice.

Silly Signs
Outside of a car dealership: The best way to get back on your feet? Miss a car payment.

Responsibilities Following a Collision

Unfortunately, statistics suggest that you will be involved in a collision at some point during your driving career. Often, what you and/or the other driver(s) do during the first few minutes after the collision can determine the course of the future for those involved. As a matter of New Jersey law, you must stop if you are involved in the collision. It is a traffic violation to leave the scene of an incident involving property damage; it is a criminal violation to leave the scene of an incident involving personal injury or a fatality. Arkansas's Mount Ida is known as the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World." As a matter of care and concern for others, when you are first on the scene of a collision, you should stop to see whether you can render assistance. A court may also order that your license be revoked for certain other traffic offenses. Your license will be revoked for at least three years if you kill someone because of reckless driving. In the Event of a Collision

The first thing to do when stopping at the scene of a collisionwhether you are stopping as a Good Samaritan or as an involved partyis to secure the scene. Whenever you can safely do so, you should:

Move injured victims away from areas that present an imminent danger. It is very easy to worsen the condition of injured persons by moving them, and we do not recommend that you do so unless it is deemed absolutely necessary. Imminent danger means that the person is in a vehicle that may catch fire, or is in a position to be struck by following traffic, etc. Move the injured away from vehicles that are smoking, or which exhibit a strong smell of gasoline. Move them away from vehicles that might shift into a more dangerous position.

Provide first aid to the injured to the extent that you feel competent to do so. Some medical conditions require immediate attention. If you find a victim who is bleeding profusely, for instance, it is critical that the bleeding be stopped as quickly as possible. Other injuries, such as broken bones or soft tissue injuries, can be left to medical personnel. If your inaction will likely lead to the death of an injured party, you should do what you can. Unless you are a trained medical (para-)professional, however, there is obviously a limit to how much you can do.

Bleeding may be stopped by elevating the bleeding body part and applying direct pressure to the wound. If elevation and pressure do not stop the bleeding, you can try to tightly wrap the wound. If you do this, be careful not to entirely cut off circulation to the extremity, as this may result in tissue death.

Try to keep the victims from going into shock. Keep them warm using whatever blankets or clothing are at hand. Also, it may be helpful to elevate certain portions of the victim's body. Remember the saying, "If the face is red, lift the head. If the face is pale, lift the tail (feet)."

If someone has been seriously injured in the collision, call for emergency services. If you are unable to do so, ask a bystander to call for you. (See below a list of the information that you will be expected to provide to the emergency services operator.)

Clear the roadway of any obstructions. Obviously, there is a limit to what you can do in such a situation, and the rule of thumb for making the decision rests on whether the obstruction presents a real hazard to other drivers. If a vehicle is blocking the roadway but is drivable, drive it off of the roadway. If a vehicle is blocking the roadway but not drivable, push it off of the roadway if you can do so safely. Attempt to remove any debris that could cause a collision or damage to following vehiclesbut, again, only if you can do so safely. At a minimum, you can place safety devices such as flares, cones, or warning triangles to alert approaching drivers to potential hazards.

Once the scene of the collision is secure and any victims have received the necessary first aid, call 911 to report the collision (if you have not already done so because of a serious injury). The 911 operator will contact all relevant assistance once the needs have been assessed. Information the 911 operator will expect from you includes:

the location of the collision, including street name, street numbers, and/or cross streets and landmarks your name and telephone number a brief description of any injuries, and the names and telephone numbers of injured parties (if possible)

One-Liners
My friend is a careful driver. He always looks both ways before hitting somebody.

Any time you are involved in a collision with another vehicle, you are required to stop and remain on the scene until the information which will allow law enforcement and insurance personnel to act has been exchanged. Information that you must exchange with other drivers and law enforcement includes:

names and driver license numbers of any and all involved parties vehicle registration information of all involved vehicles insurance companies' names and phone numbers, relevant policy numbers, and effective dates

New Jersey statutes require that law enforcement be notified of any collision involving injury, death, or property damage in excess of $500.

In such cases, drivers must also file a written report with the MVC within 10 days of the incident, unless a report has been filed by law enforcement. If the driver is physically incapable of filing a report, a passenger or the owner of the vehicle may do so instead. Vehicle collision reports are public information, and copies may be obtained from the police. Insurance Requirements New Jersey residents who buy a new or used vehicle must title, register, and insure it before driving it on public roads. The type and cost of insurance coverage varies widely. Drivers may consult the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) website or contact an insurance provider to review their options.

Insurance providers will furnish a New Jersey Insurance Identification Card for each vehicle covered by a policy. This card must remain in the vehicle with the driver at all times. It must be shown prior to a vehicle inspection, if the driver is involved in a collision, and when requested by law enforcement. Driving an uninsured vehicle can result in fines, community service, license and registration suspension, and insurance surcharges. Insurance fraud is aggressively investigated and prosecuted. Drivers who provide false information to an insurance company while submitting a claim or an application may be subject to civil fines (up to $15,000 per violation) and criminal charges that can result in loss of driver license and even incarceration. (Motorists can help to reduce the cost of insurance to all New Jerseyans by reporting fraud. Visit www.njinsurancefraud.org and click on "Report Fraud," or call

(877) 55-FRAUD (877-553-7283). All tips are kept strictly anonymous and confidential.

Actual Collision Reports

Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree that I don't have.

Organ Donation

In the history of medical technology, one of the great successes has been the widespread transplanting of healthy organs from the recently deceased into the living as a way to prolong life. Now, most major organs as well as soft tissues, such as skin, can be transplanted. The bad news is that motor vehicle collisions are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year. The good news is that organ donation is an excellent way to translate the senseless tragedy of a motor vehicle related death into a life-saving opportunity. Because organs must be harvested almost immediately after death in order to remain viable for transplant, organ donation registration is a natural companion to the driver licensing process. The first motion picture theater opened in Los Angeles, California, on April 2, 1902.

When applying for a driver license for the first time and each time it is renewed, MVC staff will ask if the applicant would like the Organ Donor designation to appear on the license. If the individual is 18 years or older and agrees by saying yes, he or she is legally consenting to the donation of organs and tissue. The decision to donate will not affect the quality of the medical treatment that the donor receives, and there is no cost to the donor's family. You may want to inform your family that you have registered as a donor, however, to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. For more information about organ and tissue donation, visit www.donatelifenj.org.

Miscellaneous Regulations
Littering Litter is a safety hazard and an eyesore, and throwing trash or debris from a moving or parked vehicle is illegal. Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 for throwing dangerous objects from a vehicle onto a roadway in New Jersey. If the vehicle is moving when litter is thrown, the driver's license could be suspended. All trash or debrisor any other cargo must be properly secured so that it does not end up littering the roadway. Idling New Jersey law requires all motorists to restrict vehicle idling to three minutes or less. Idling for more than three minutes is unnecessary and harmful to your vehicle, your health, and the environment. (Vehicles may idle for an extended period of time under specific situations, such as when stuck in traffic, or at drive-thru establishments. See www.StopTheSoot.org for a complete list of exemptions.) Vehicle and property owners face fines of $250 to $1,000 for each violation of this law.