Driving on a Suspended License in New Jersey

The State of New Jersey can suspend or revoke your license for many reasons. The state takes suspensions and revocations seriously and may fine you, sentence you to jail, and suspend or revoke your license for an additional period of time if you drive after having lost your driving privileges.

Reasons for Suspension or Revocation

Some of the most common ways New Jersey drivers might face license suspension or revocation include:

• accumulating too many traffic violation demerit points
• being convicted of speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the limit or reckless driving where someone is killed or seriously injured
• driving while intoxicated, and
• certain drug-related convictions

However, there are many other reasons, including alcohol-related offenses, that your license may be suspended.

Reinstating your License

The length of time your license is suspended or revoked varies depending on the circumstances. After your period of suspension or revocation expires, you generally have to pay a reinstatement fee and might have to meet other conditions before you'll be able to lawfully drive again. The reinstatement fee is typically $100.

Criminal Charges for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

If you are charged with driving while your license is suspended or revoked, you could be fined or in some cases sentenced to jail. In general:

• for a first offense, you have to pay a fine of $500
• for a second offense, you have to pay a fine of $750 and serve a jail sentence of one to five days, and
• for a third offense, you'll be fined $1,000 and given a jail sentence of 10 days.

For offenses that involved certain aggravating factors, the penalties will be more severe. For example:

• if you are driving with a suspended or revoked license and you are involved in an accident that injures someone, you'll face 45 days to 180 days in jail
• if your license was suspended or revoked due to driving while intoxicated, you'll face ten to 90 days in jail, and
• if your license was suspended or revoked due to an insurance violation, you can be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail.

Also, for many convictions, your license may be suspended or revoked for an additional period of time.

Legal Help for Charges of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Because driving on a suspended or revoked license comes with serious consequences, it's a good idea to consult with an attorney if you've been arrested for one of these offenses. A qualified attorney can tell you how the law applies to your case and advise you on how best to handle your situation.