Chapter 9Vehicle Information

Buying a Car

• If you buy a new or used car, you must– Title it– Register it– Insure it

• Before you get on the road

Registration

• Step One– Fill out application at any MVC agency

• Step Two– Show proof of vehicle ownership– Dealer’s Certificate of Sale, Title, Manufacturer’s

Certificate of Ownership• Step Three– Show proof that you paid the state tax on the vehicle

• Must be at least 17 years old to register

License Plate

• After Registering your vehicle you receive two license plates for the front and the back of the car

• Must have a light on the plate (visible 50 feet)• Cannot cover or obscure plate ($100 fine)• Replace lost or damaged plates to MVC within

24 hours• Forged or counterfeit plates (fine $500, 60 days

in jail or license suspended 6 months or both)

Vehicle Inspection

• If car is more than 5 model years old= pass state emissions test every 2 years

• Must pass first MVC inspection within 5 years of registration of car

Vehicle Inspection

• Step One– Have a valid driver’s license, a valid registration,

and insurance• Step Two– Take your car to a state inspection station or a

state-licensed private inspection facility (PIF)– If you are moving to NJ, must have inspection

within 14 days of registering

Insurance

• Motor Vehicle Insurance is mandatory in NJ• Type and cost vary• Must have in vehicle at all times• If driving an uninsured vehicle= fines,

community service, license suspension

Insurance

• Insurance Fraud– Providing false information to an insurance

company– Jail Time + up to $15,000 for each violation– Possible loss of license