Chapter 1. Laws Governing Driver Licenses
Laws governing driver licenses
The following list provides a summary of the New Jersey laws governing driver licenses:
* A motorist who operates a motor vehicle in the State of New Jersey must carry a valid driver license, a valid provisional license or a validated New Jersey permit. The motorist must also carry valid insurance and vehicle registration cards. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29)
* A motorist with a validated New Jersey driver permit must be accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-13, 39:3-13.2a)
* A motorist who is a legal resident of New Jersey must be licensed in this state. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10, 39:3-17.1)
* A motorist who changes addresses must report this change to the MVC within one week after moving. This includes individuals who are moving out of New Jersey. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-36)
* A motorist who legally changes his/her name (marriage, divorce, adoption) must report the change to the MVC within two weeks. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-9b)
* 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 driver license CDL - within 30 days) or before the current license expires, whichever is sooner. The out-of state license must be surrendered prior to receiving a New Jersey license. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-17.1, 39:3-10.17, 39:5D-5)
* A motorist who is a foreign national with a valid license from another country may be eligible for a New Jersey driver license. If the motorist receives a New Jersey license, he/she will not have to surrender the out-of-country license.
* Operators of commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, buses and vehicles that transport hazardous materials, must satisfy more stringent testing standards than the drivers of automobiles or motorcycles. These operators must still possess a valid, basic New Jersey driver license prior to applying for a CDL.
* Individuals who have never had a driver license must complete the MVCs Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, which introduces driving privileges in phases with a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10, 39:3-13 through 39:3-13.8)
* All applicants for a New Jersey driver license who are under 18 years of age must present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-13 and 39:3-13.3)
* GDL, special learner and examination permits are valid until all qualifications for a provisional license are met, or for two years, whichever occurs first. All others are valid for 90 days.
* All applicants for a New Jersey driver license must provide a full name, current address, Social Security number, 6 Points of ID Verification and other documentation that verifies that his/her legal presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Documents must be in English or have an approved translation. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-9a, 39:3-9b, 39:3-10 and N.J.A.C. 13:21-1.1, 13:21-1.2, 13:21-1.3, 13:21-8.2)
Digital driver license
In 2004, New Jersey ceased the issuance of laminated paper licenses and implemented the use of the digital driver license (DDL). The DDL, along with the MVCs 6 Point ID Verification requirement, helps to eliminate the prevalence of fraud and abuse. The DDL includes nearly two dozen security features, including digital photographs and signature. The DDL is issued at all MVC agencies. Motorists under 21 years of age are issued a distinctive vertical-format DDL. Most DDLs issued are valid for four years.
Altering a driver license or showing an altered driver license may result in loss of a motorists driving privilege, a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. In addition, getting a driver license illegally may result in a fine of up to $200 to $500 and/or imprisonment of 30 to 90 days.
License restrictions
If a motorist has a restriction on his/her license (such as the need to wear corrective lenses while driving), it will appear on the license in a coded form. Restrictions are as follows:
* 1- Corrective lenses required
* 2- Prosthetic device
* 3- Mechanical device
* 4- Hearing impaired
* 5- Attached restrictions*
*This category applies to special modifications to an applicants vehicle or limited driver privileges for a medical condition. The card detailing the attached restrictions must remain with the driver license.
Types of New Jersey licenses
The following chart shows age requirements, license fees and required tests for each type of license that the MVC offers. Testing for commercial, motorcycle and moped licenses will require the use of topic-specific manuals in addition to using this Driver Manual. Copies of the commercial, motorcycle or moped manuals may be obtained at any MVC agency or requested online at www.njmvc.gov.
Manuals may also be obtained by calling (888) 486-3339 toll-free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from out of state.
An endorsement added to a license will expire with the license. When an endorsement is added to an existing license, the charge for the endorsement is prorated to cover the period remaining until expiration.
Basic Automobile License
For all types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles.Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 18 (or 16 for permit)
Permit Fee: $10
Photo License Fee: $24
Tests Required: Knowledge, vision, road
Provisional Automobile License
For all types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles.Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 17
Permit Fee: $10
Photo License Fee: $62
Tests Required: Knowledge, vision, road
Commercial Driver License
For large trucks, buses and vehicles (Classes A, B and C). Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 18/213
Permit Fee: $354
Photo License Fee: $32
Tests Required: Commercial, knowledge, vision, road
Motorcycle License
For most vehicles with fewer than four wheels (Class E). Issued as a separate license or as an endorsement (M) if the individual already holds a basic New Jersey driver license.Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 17
Permit Fee: $5
Photo License Fee: $24 or $185
Tests Required: Knowledge, vision, road
Provisional Motorcycle License
For most vehicles with fewer than four wheels (Class E). Issued as a separate license or as an endorsement (M) if the individual already holds a basic New Jersey driver license.Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 17
Permit Fee: $10
Photo License Fee: $62
Tests Required: Knowledge, vision, road
Moped License
For unlicensed motorists 15 years of age and older. Not needed if operator has a Class A, B, C, D or E license. Expiration: 4 Years1
Minimum Age: 15
Permit Fee: $5
Photo License Fee: $6
Tests Required: Knowledge, vision, road
Agricultural License
For farming purposes only. May be granted to persons between 16 and 17 years old.
Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 16
Permit Fee: $10
Photo License Fee: $6
Tests Required: Knowledge, vision, road
Boat License
For individuals 16 years of age and older, who operate a motorboat on fresh, non-tidal waters, such as lakes, creeks or rivers, that are not affected by tidal conditions. As of June 1, 2007, persons born in 1959 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certificate. Persons born in 1949 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2008. By June 1, 2009, all persons who wish to operate a power vessel must possess a Boating Safety Certificate. For more information about New Jersey boating requirements, visit the State Police Marine Services Web site at www.state.nj.us/njsp/maritime/index.html (N.J.S.A. 12:7-61.1)
Expiration: 4 Years
Minimum Age: 16
Permit Fee: n/a
Photo License Fee: $18