Some drivers who have their license suspended may believe that they can continue to drive without consequence, because they have nothing else to lose. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. The State of New Jersey imposes a system of punishments for driving with a suspended license that can include incarceration, fines and revocation of the violator’s motor vehicle registration. These consequences increase in severity with each subsequent violation. There are also variations depending upon the type of suspension and type of violation.
The general rule, without aggravating circumstances, provides as follows:
- For the first offense, a $500 fine and up to six months suspension
- For the second offense, a $750 fine, up to six months suspension, and up to five days in jail
- For the third or subsequent offenses, a $1,000 fine, up to six months suspension and 10 days in jail
- If the second or third offenses happen within five years of the first, then the driver’s registration will also be revoked so long as the license remains suspended.
The penalties may be even more severe depending upon the circumstances of suspension. For example, a driver losing his or her license for driving without insurance, the first offense carries a $1,000 fine, longer suspension, and a possible jail sentence of up to 90 days. If one’s license is suspended for driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test, or for being a habitual offender, the first offense of driving while suspended carries a $1,000 fine, mandatory jail time of 10 to 90 days, and revocation of the registration certificate. Second, third and subsequent offenses are also much higher for all of these examples and can include incarceration for up to 90 days. Suspensions relating to a school zones are even more severe.
If you have had your license suspended, do not drive. While this may cause great inconvenience and difficulty, it is better in the end to abide by the law than face large fines and jail time. Contact our experienced law firm to help you get your license active again as quickly as possible.