The absolute last thing any driver wants to see in their rearview mirror is the flashing lights of a police car. Getting pulled over just plain sucks. The sight of those flashing lights creates a universal cringe in drivers from coast to coast.
For drivers in the Garden State, an encounter with law enforcement could go from uncomfortable to downright embarrassing very quickly if there are blemishes on their driving record. If you’ve never given a second thought to the content of your driving record, now is the time.
Your New Jersey driving record is a running tally of the incidents you’ve been involved in behind the wheel. Whether your record is long or short, law enforcement has the power to access your driving record. Knowing what is on that form can mean the difference between small fines or warnings, and more serious charges.
What Is A New Jersey Driver History Abstract?
In the state of New Jersey, the government doesn’t call it a “driving record”. Instead, they call it a New Jersey Driver History Abstract. So if you’re confused on why you can’t get your driving record on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, the reason is simply because that’s not what they call it!
What’s On My New Jersey Driving Record?
Driving records in the state of New Jersey contain information about accidents, traffic violations, driver’s license suspension, and fee payment history. A New Jersey driving record also contains detailed information about the type of violation and the date it occurred, as well as information about points on your license.
In New Jersey, the history of points you receive stemming from traffic violations and accidents remains on your record permanently. Points on your record can result in higher fines/fees from law enforcement, a suspended New Jersey driver’s license, and increased insurance rates. When you accumulate six or more points within a three-year period, you will be charged a fine of $150 (minimum). If you accumulate 12 or more points, your license will be suspended. You can learn more about the New Jersey driving point system here.
Who Can Access My New Jersey Driving Record?
Your New Jersey driving record can only be accessed by yourself, an attorney, an insurance company, the courts or other law enforcement agencies, or an employer. It is possible, with notarized, written permission, to allow another individual to view your driving record. The state of New Jersey maintains three different types of records for each individual.
You can view your non-certified driving record online anytime you wish. While it is possible to show the non-certified form to other entities, insurance companies, employers, and the courts will not accept them as official proof of driving history. A certified five-year driving record can be viewed by insurance companies and employers. Additionally, a certified complete driving record is available to the courts upon request.
Accessing your non-certified copy allows you to verify the personal information and driving history recording on your form. Certified copies are used by insurance companies to assess the risk involved in providing you with coverage. Employers use the certified copy as part of pre-employment background checks. The courts will use your complete record as part of any litigation stemming from automobile incidents.
How Can I Access My New Jersey Driving Record?
The state of New Jersey offers you three different ways to access your records: online, through the mail, or in person. If you wish to view your non-certified record or request a copy of your certified record online, you will first need to register with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. In order to register, simply provide your ZIP code, driver’s license number, and complete Social Security number to verify your identity and obtain a NJ MVC user ID.
After you’ve completed this step, you can log on to the MyMVC website to submit your request. When you log in, you’ll be asked for your user ID number (obtained earlier), driver’s license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. All that’s left to do at this point is select the type of record you want to request and provide a credit/debit card to pay the $15 processing fee. There is also a convenience fee that will be charged for online transactions.
If you’re in no particular rush to receive a copy of your New Jersey driving record, you can fill out the Driver History Abstract Request form and submit it in the mail to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. You should submit your completed form, along with a copy of your driver’s license and a check/money order for $15 (payable to NJ MVC), to the following address:
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
Abstract Unit
225 East State Street
P.O. Box 142
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0142
Finally, if patience is a virtue you possess then you can go to your nearest New Jersey DMV location and submit a request in person. You’ll need to complete the same request form mentioned above, provide officials with your driver’s license, and bring a form of payment along to cover the $15 fee. The New Jersey MVC accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards for in-person requests.
How To Remove Points From Your New Jersey Driving Record Abstract
Although your New Jersey driving record will always have a history of your point level, it is possible to reduce the number of points on your license at any one time. You can remove three points for maintaining a clean record for one year. Two points can be removed for completing defensive driving programs every five years. Three points can be deducted for completing driver improvement programs every two years. Lastly, three points can also be removed for completing any probationary driver program.
