New Jersey Senate Bill No. S654 has been introduced, and if passed, drivers who have lost their license due to unpaid motor vehicle surcharges or points resulting from violations would be eligible for a restricted license. However, drivers convicted of driving under the influence would not be eligible.

Bill Proposed in New Jersey Senate

New Jersey Senate Bill No. S654 proposes to amend N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 and would create a restricted use driver's license endorsement to a basic driver's license. This endorsement would permit drivers who have unpaid surcharges or points only to drive to and from work, an accredited educational institution, a mandated treatment program, a health care facility or a child care facility. Drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving or refusing to take a breathalyzer test or who have surcharges due to drunken driving convictions would not be eligible for the proposed New Jersey restricted license.

Eligible drivers would be required to take a driver improvement course and would be able to apply for a payment plan for their unpaid surcharges.  A $25 fee would be charged for the NJ restrict use license.  A driver would regain their basic driver's license once the mandatory driver education is completed and all of the surcharges are paid.

Violation Penalties for Proposed Restricted NJ Licenses

Driving outside of the restrictions imposed by the license endorsement would include loss of the endorsement to the license and a fine of $500 to $1,000, 30 days of community service, and loss of a driver's license for one year.

If a driver holding a restrict use license violated the restricted use and  was convicted of causing an accident where there were injuries or fatalities the driver would face fines from $1,000 to $5,000, 30 days of community service and loss of a driver's license for 2 years.

Drivers with restricted use licenses who were convicted of drunk driving or refusing a breathalyzer test would face fines from $1,000 to $5,000 and a loss of their driver's license for 5 years.

The proposed NJ Senate Bill has valuable benefits for drivers who drive within the limitations of the proposed restricted license. It helps drivers meet their financial and other essential obligations by allowing drivers to drive to and from work, daycare, school and medical care.  However, serious consequences would result from any violation of the restrictions.

Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer In Ocean County

If you are facing the possibility of having your driver's license suspended speak with a defense attorney to help fight any pending traffic violations in court. Villani & DeLuca, P.C., has been helping clients facing possible suspension of their driving privileges for over 20 years. Call 732-965-3999 today for a free consultation.