What happens when a New Jersey driver gets an out-of-state ticket?

Our Traffic Ticket Lawyer Explains Out-of-State Ticket Consequences on a New Jersey License

Understanding the implications of receiving a traffic ticket in a state other than New Jersey can be confusing and often hinges on the specific state where the offense occurred. This is due to two primary interstate agreements facilitating communication and information sharing between states. As a New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer, I can help you understand how an out-of-state ticket might affect your New Jersey license and its potential consequences on your driving record.

Exchanging Violation Data via the Driver License Compact

Every state and the District of Columbia exchange information about traffic violations with New Jersey under the Driver License Compact, except Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Receiving a moving violation ticket (such as for speeding) in any of the compact-affiliated states will result in an additional two points being recorded on your license, in conjunction with the fines and penalties imposed by the traffic court of that particular state.

Nonresident Violator Compact

There is also the Nonresident Violator Compact, which New Jersey belongs to with 43 other states (and the District of Columbia), except Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

If you get a ticket in one of these Compact states, you cannot be detained out of state for the violation, but your license will be suspended in New Jersey if you do not comply with the terms of the citation.

What Will Happen With Your New Jersey License

If you are a New Jersey resident and receive a moving violation ticket in any neighboring or close states, excluding Massachusetts, it will result in a maximum of two points on your license. This is in addition to the respective state's fines and penalties. Additionally, failure to adhere to the sentencing conditions could lead to the suspension of your license. More detailed information about license suspensions is on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.

If you want more information on New Jersey's traffic laws, download my free book, A Guide to Driving Legally in NJ and Surviving Traffic Court If You Don't.