new jersey driving manual 2009

Chapter 1

New Jersey Driver MaNual www.njmvc.gov

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Examination Permits for new Jersey Residents Examination Permits for Out-of-State DriversExamination Permits for Out-of-Country Drivers International Driving Permit (IDP)non-Driver IDHearing-Impaired DesignationCommercial Driver license (CDl)

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The New Jersey Driver license System

laws Governing Driver licensesDigital Driver licenseTypes of new Jersey licenses6 Point ID VerificationGraduated Driver license (GDl)Special learner Permits for new Jersey Residents

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lawS GOVERnInG DRIVER lICEnSES• A motorist who operates a motor vehicle in the State of New Jersey

must carry a valid driver license, a valid provisional license or a validatedNewJerseypermit.Themotoristmustalsocarryvalidinsuranceandvehicleregistrationcards.(N.J.S.A.39:3-29)

• AmotoristwithavalidatedNewJerseydriverpermitmustbeaccompaniedbyanappropriatelylicenseddriver.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13,39:3-13.2a)

• Amotoristwho is a legal resident ofNewJerseymust be licensed in thisstate.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10,39:3-17.1)

• A motorist who changes addresses must report this change to the MVCwithinoneweekaftermoving.ThisincludesindividualswhoaremovingoutofNewJersey.(N.J.S.A.39:3-36)

• Amotoristwho legally changeshis/her name (marriage, divorce, adoption)mustreportthechangetotheMVCwithintwoweeks.(N.J.S.A.39:3-9b)

• Amotoristwithavalidout-of-state licensewhomovestoNewJerseymustapply foraNewJersey licensewithin60days (commercialdriver license–CDL - within 30 days) or before the current license expires, whichever issooner.Theout-ofstatelicensemustbesurrenderedpriortoreceivingaNewJerseylicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-17.1,39:3-10.17,39:5D-5)

• AmotoristwhoisaforeignnationalwithavalidlicensefromanothercountrymaybeeligibleforaNewJerseydriverlicense.IfthemotoristreceivesaNewJerseylicense,he/shewillnothavetosurrendertheout-of-countrylicense.

• Operatorsofcommercialvehicles,suchas largetrucks,busesandvehiclesthat transport hazardous materials, must satisfy more stringent testingstandards than the drivers of automobiles or motorcycles. These operatorsmuststill possessavalid,basicNewJerseydriver licenseprior toapplyingforaCDL.


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• Individuals who have never had a driver license must complete theMVC’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, which introduces drivingprivilegesinphaseswithaperiodofsuperviseddrivingbeforegettingabasicdriverlicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10,39:3-13through39:3-13.8)

• AllapplicantsforaNewJerseydriverlicensewhoareunder18yearsofagemust present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13and39:3-13.3)

• GDL,special learnerandexaminationpermitsarevaliduntilallqualificationsforaprovisionallicensearemet,orfortwoyears,whicheveroccursfirst.Allothersarevalidfor90days.

• All applicants for a New Jersey driver license must provide a full name,currentaddress,SocialSecuritynumber,6PointsofIDVerificationandotherdocumentation that verifies that their legal presence in the United Statesis authorized under federal law.Documentsmust be inEnglish or have anapproved translation. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-9a, 39:3-9b, 39:3-10 and N.J.A.C.13:21-1.1,13:21-1.2,13:21-1.3,13:21-8.2)

DIGITal DRIVER lICEnSEIn2004,NewJerseyceasedthe issuanceof laminatedpaper licenses and implemented the use of the digitaldriverlicense(DDL).TheDDL,alongwiththeMVC’s6 Point ID Verification requirement (see page 11),helpstoeliminatetheprevalenceoffraudandabuse.TheDDLincludesnearlytwodozensecurityfeatures,includingdigitalphotographsandsignature.TheDDLis issued at all MVC agencies. Motorists under 21years of age are issued a distinctive vertical-formatDDL.MostDDLsissuedarevalidforfouryears.

Altering a driver license or showing an altered driver license mayresultinlossofamotorist’sdrivingprivilege,afineofupto$1,000and/orup tosixmonths imprisonment. Inaddition,gettingadriverlicense illegallymayresult inafineofupto$200to$500and/orimprisonmentof30to90days.

restrictionsIfamotoristhasarestrictiononhis/herlicense(suchastheneedtowearcorrectivelenseswhiledriving),itwillappearonthelicenseinacodedform.

Restrictionsareasfollows:•1-Correctivelensesrequired

•2-Prostheticdevice

•3-Mechanicaldevice

•4-Hearingimpaired

•5-Attachedrestrictions1

1Thiscategoryappliestospecialmodificationstoanapplicant’svehicleorlimiteddriverprivilegesforamedicalcondition.Thecarddetailingtheattachedrestrictionsmustremainwiththedriverlicense.

TyPES Of nEw JERSEy lICEnSESThefollowingchartshowsagerequirements,licensefeesandrequiredtestsforeachtypeoflicensethattheMVCoffers.Testingforcommercial,motorcycleandmopedlicenseswillrequiretheuseoftopic-specificmanualsinadditiontousingthisDriverManual.Copiesofthecommercial,motorcycleormopedmanualsmaybeobtainedatanyMVCagencyorrequestedonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.


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Manualsmayalsobeobtainedbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.

An endorsement added to a licensewill expirewith the license.When anendorsementisaddedtoanexistinglicense,thechargefortheendorsementisproratedtocovertheperiodremaininguntilexpiration.

Basic Automobile LicenseFor all types of Class D motor vehiclesregisteredbytheMVC,exceptmotorcycles.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years

18 (Permit: 16)

$10

$24

KVR 1

Provisional Automobile LicenseFor all types of Class D motor vehiclesregisteredbytheMVC,exceptmotorcycles.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

Commercial Driver LicenseFor large trucks,busesand vehicles (ClassesA,BandC).

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

Motorcycle LicenseFormostvehicleswithfewerthanfourwheels(ClassE).Issuedasaseparatelicenseorasanendorsement(M)iftheindividualalreadyholdsabasicNewJerseydriverlicense.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

Provisional Motorcycle LicenseFormostvehicleswithfewerthanfourwheels(ClassE).Issuedasaseparatelicenseorasanendorsement(M)iftheindividualalreadyholdsabasicNewJerseydriverlicense.

Expira tion:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Tests Required:

4 Years

17

$10

$6 3

KVR 1

4 Years

17

$10

$6

KVR 1

4 Years

18/21 4

$35 5

$32

CKVR

4 Years

17

$5

$24 or $18 6

KVR 1

Boat LicenseFor individuals 16 years of age and older, whooperateamotorboatonfresh,non-tidalwaters,suchas lakes,creeksor rivers, thatarenotaffectedbytidalconditions.AsofJune1,2007,personsbornin 1959 or later must possess a Boating SafetyCertificate. Persons born in 1949 or later mustpossess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1,2008. By June 1, 2009, all persons who wish tooperate a power vessel must possess a BoatingSafetyCertificate.FormoreinformationaboutNewJersey boating requirements, visit the State PoliceMarine Services Web site at www.state.nj.us/njsp/maritime/index.html. (N.J.S.A.12:7-61.1)

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years

16

n/a

$18

n/a non-tidalwaters only

1 K-Knowledge, v-vision, r-road, C-Commercial2

Oruntilabasiclicenseisobtainedat18yearsofage.3Motoristmustreturntoagencyinoneyeartohavelicenseupgraded.Feeis$19.50.4

CDLapplicantsmustbeatleast18yearsold.Applicantsunder21maytravelonlyinNewJersey(intrastate,notinterstate)andmaynotreceiveHAZMATorpassengerendorsements.

5Out-of-stateCDLtransferfeesare$10.

6ClassEendorsementsare$24;ClassMendorsementsare$18.

Note:Feesinthismanualaresubjecttochange.Currentfeesareavailableonlineatwww.njmvc.govorbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.

Moped License Forunlicensedmotorists15yearsofageandolder.NotneededifoperatorhasaClassA,B,C,DorElicense.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years 2

15

$5

$6

KVR 1

Agricultural License For farming purposes only. May be granted topersonsbetween16and17yearsold.

Expiration:

Minimum Age:

Permit Fee:

Photo License Fee:

Test(s) Required:

4 Years 2

16

$10

$6

KVR 1


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6 POInT ID VERIfICaTIOnPerN.J.A.C.13:21-8.2,allNewJerseydriverlicenseapplicantsmustcomplete6Point IDVerificationbypresentingdocumentsthatprovetheirage, identity,and legal presence in the U.S. All applicants must prove identity through aprescribedcombinationofdocumentsthatincludes:

•Atleastoneprimarydocument

•Atleastonesecondarydocument

•AtleastsixpointsofID

•Proofofaddress

Usethechartonthefollowingpagestoselectyourdocuments,orusetheonlineDocumentSelectoratwww.njmvc.gov/6point.If discrepancies exist within or between documents presented to the MVC,theapplicantmayberequiredtoprovideadditionaldocumentation.Anypermitor licenseapplicationmaybe refused ifadocumentappearsaltered, falseorotherwiseinvalid.

A non-citizen must submit proof of continued legal presence in the UnitedStates.TheMVCmayacceptotherdocumentsprovingidentity,dateofbirthandcontinuedlegalpresence.DocumentsmustbeprovidedinEnglish.

A motorist referred to an MVC Regional Service Center due to identificationissueswillberequiredtoprovideanoriginalorcertifiedcopyofhis/hercivilbirthcertificate ifaU.S.citizen.Passportswillnotbeaccepted.Non-U.S.citizensmaybeaskedforadditionalidentificationdocuments.

For assistance with 6 Point ID Verification, visit www.njmvc.gov or call(888) 486-3339 toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500 fromoutofstate.

Ifyourcurrentlegalnameisdifferentfromthenameonyourcivilbirthcertificate(e.g.,yourmaidenname),thenyoumustshowlegalproofofthenamechange.Legalproof=Certifiedmarriageorcivilunioncertificate,divorcedecreeorcourtorderlinkingthenewnamewithapreviousname.U.S.passportisnotproofoflegalnamechange.Adivorcedecreemaybeusedasauthoritytoresumeusingapreviousnameonlyifitcontainsthenewnameandthepreviousnameandpermitsareturntouseofthepreviousname.

Certain documents may require proof of legal U.S. presence. Visitwww.njmvc.govforalistorcall(888)486-3339.

All documents must beoriginAlorCertified CopieSin english and have the required state and/or municipal seals. Certified copies of NewJerseyrecordsareavailablefromthemunicipalitythatoriginallyissuedthemandfromtheStateBureauofVitalStatisticsatwww.nj.gov/health/vitalor (609)292-4087.ForinformationaboutJerseyCity/HudsonCcountybirthcertificates,visitwww.nj.gov/health/vital/jerseycity.

imPOrtAnt inFOrmAtiOn

requirements:At LeAst one PrimAry DocumentAt LeAst one seconDAry DocumentDocuments must be worth 6 Points or moreProof of ADDress sociAL security number

us citizens4-point documents:

Civilbirthcertificateorcertifiedcopyfromoneofthe50states,DistrictofColumbiaoraUSterritory.Photocopiesorcertificatesfromhospitalsorreligiousentitiesarenotaccepted.PleasereadImportantInformationonpreviouspage.

USDepartmentofStatebirthcertificate(FormFS-545,FS240orDS-1350)

USpassport,currentorexpiredlessthan3years(maynotbeusedforproofoflegalnamechange)

CurrentNJdigitaldriverlicense

CurrentNJdigitalnon-driverIDcard

CurrentNJdigitalboatlicense

ValidactivedutyUSmilitaryphotoIDcard

USadoptionpapers

Certificateofnaturalization(FormN-550,N-570orN-578)

Certificateofcitizenship(FormN-560,N-561orN-645)

non-citizens4-point documents:

ForeignpassportwithINSorUSCISverificationandvalidrecordofarrival/departure(FormI-94)

ForeignpassportwithINSorUSCISverificationandvalidFormI-551stamp

Currentalienregistrationcard(newFormI-551)withexpirationdateandverificationfromINSorUSCIS

Refugeetraveldocument(FormI-571)

USre-entrypermit(FormI-327)

ValidI-94stamped“Refugee,”“Pa-rolee,”“Asylee”or“NoticeofAction”(FormI-797approvedpetition)byINSorUSCIS

ValidI-94withattachedphotostamped“ProcessedforI-551…”byINSorUSCIS

3-point document: Currentphotoemploymentauthori-

zationcard(FormI-688BorI-766).MustbepresentedwithvalidSocialSecuritycard.

2-point documents: Currentalienregistrationcard(old

FormI-551)withoutexpirationdateandwithINSorUSCISverification

Phototemporaryresidentcard(FormI-688)

choose PRIMARY Documents Youmustshowatleastoneofthese

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1

3-point documents:

Civilmarriage,domesticpartnershiporcivilunioncertificateissuedbythemunicipalityinwhichtheceremonyoccurred.Pleasenote:Photocopiesorcertificatesissuedbyreligiousentitiesarenotacceptable

Orderordecreeofdivorce,dissolutionortermination(see“Impor-tantInformation”p.12)

Courtorderforalegalnamechange,signedbyajudgeorcourtclerk

CurrentUSmilitarydependentcard

USmilitaryphotoretireecard

ValidNJfirearmpurchasercard

2-point documents: USschoolphotoIDcardwithtranscriptorschoolrecords

UScollegephotoIDcardwithtranscript

Validfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentemployeedriverlicense

Validfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentemployeephotoIDcard

USmilitarydischargepapers(DD214)

FAApilotlicense

1-point documents: You cannot use more than tWo of these

CurrentNJPHOTOdriverlicense(non-digital)

CurrentPHOTOdriverlicensefromanyotherstateortheDistrictofColumbia

SocialSecuritycard

Bankstatementorrecord

ATMcardwithpreprintednameandapplicant’ssignature.(Pleasenote:AnATMcardandbankstatementcannotbesubmittedtogether.)

Currenthealthinsurancecard,pre-scriptioncardoremployeeIDcardwithprintedpaystub

Stateprofessionallicense

NJpublicassistancecardwithphoto(alsoknownasaNJSocialServicesIDcard)

Highschooldiploma,GEDorcollegediploma

Propertytaxstatement,billorreceiptissuedbyaNewJerseymunicipality

ForNJhighschoolstudents:awaivercertificateforthewrittenportionofthedriver’stest

VeteransAffairsuniversalaccessphotoIDcard

2 choose seConDARY Documents Youmustshowatleastoneofthese

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You must also present proof of residental address, which may be, but is not limited to, one of these

Utilityorcreditcardbillissuedinthepast90daysthatshowsyournameatyourcurrentaddress.

Note:MailaddressedtoP.O.boxesnotacceptedasproofofaddress(39:3-9a)

Checkingorsavingsaccountstatementfromabankorcreditunion,issuedinthepast60days

Highschoolorcollegereportcardortranscriptcontainingyouraddress,issuedwithinthepasttwoyears

Originalleaseorrentalagreementshowingyournameasthelesseeorrenter

Propertytaxbill,statementorreceiptfromthepastyear

Anyletterorcorrespondence(includingtaxbills)receivedfromtheIRSorstatetaxofficeinthepastyear

First-classmailreceivedfromanyfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentagencyinthepastsixmonths

Ifyouareunder18,thenwewillacceptaParentorGuardianCertificationthatverifiesyouarelivingwithaparentorguardian

Tocomplete6PointIDVerification,MVCwillverifythatyourSocialSecuritynumbermatchesyournameandbirthdateonrecordwiththeSocialSecurityAdministrationdatabase.

IfyouarenoteligibleforaSocialSecuritynumber,youmustprovideanexemptionletterfromtheSocialSecurityAdministration.

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ADD uP PointsPrimAry

seconDAry

totAL

+

Mustequal6ormorepoints

3 chooseProofofAddress 4 sociAL

SecurityNumber

GRaDuaTED DRIVER lICEnSE (GDl)In 2001, New Jersey sought to enhance driver preparation and safety byimplementing a multi-stage driver licensing system. Known as the GraduatedDriverLicense(GDL)Program,thesystemgraduallyintroducesdrivingprivilegestofirst-timedrivers,extends theirpracticedriving timeand requiresaminimumageof18inordertoreceiveanunrestricted,basicdriverlicense.GDLrestrictionsplaceduponfirst-timedriversmustbestrictlyadhered to.Failure todosomayresultinafineof$100orapossiblesuspensionofamotorist’sdrivingprivilege.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10and39:3-13through39:13.8)


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OPtiOn

MVCwillvalidateSpecialLearnerPermitsONLYaftertrainingcoursecompletion.

GET a SPECIal lEaRnER PERMIT•Mustbeatleast16yearsold

•Musthavesignedparentorguardianconsent

•Mustbeenrolledinapprovedbehind-the-wheeldrivertrainingcoursethroughtheN.J.DepartmentofEducationorcommercialdrivingschool

•Anapprovedinstructormustpurchasethepermit

•MustpassMVC’sknowledgeandvisiontests

•Mustpayrequiredfee

steP 1

GRaDuaTED

DRIVER

lICEnSE The early Bird road OPtiOn

PRaCTICE wITH an aDulT SuPERVISInG DRIVER•Mustobservespeciallearnerpermitdrivingrestrictions

•Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths

GET a PROVISIOnal lICEnSE•Musthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddriving

withoutanysuspensionsorpostponements

•MustpassMVC’sroadtest

•Mustbeatleast17yearsold

steP 3

wITH a PROVISIOnal DRIVER lICEnSE•Mustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear

•Mustobserveprovisionaldriverlicenserestrictions

steP 4

GET THE BaSIC DRIVER lICEnSE•Mustbeatleast18yearsold

•Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddrivingwithprovisionaldriverlicenserestrictions


steP 5

Note:PermitmaynotbeusedforpracticedrivinguntilvalidatedatanMVCDriverTestingCenter.

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steP 2

GRaDuaTED

DRIVER

lICEnSE The young adulT road OPtiOn

GET an ExaMInaTIOn PERMIT•MustpassMVC’sknowledgeandvisiontest



•Mustobtainparentorguardianconsentifyouareunder18yearsofage

steP 1

PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVInG•Mustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver

•Mustpracticeatleastsixmonths

•Mustobserveexamination-permitdrivingrestrictions

steP 2

GET a PROVISIOnal lICEnSE•Musthavecompletedsixmonthsofsuperviseddrivingwithoutanysuspensionsorpostponements


steP 3

PRaCTICE unSuPERVISED DRIVInG•Mustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear

•Mustfollowprovisionaldriverlicenserestrictions

steP 4


•Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddriving


steP 5

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GRaDuaTED

DRIVER

lICEnSE The adulT road OPtiOn CGET an ExaMInaTIOn PERMIT


•MustpassMVC’sknowledgeandvisiontests


steP 1

PRaCTICE SuPERVISED DRIVInG•Mustpracticewithanadultsupervisingdriver

•Mustpracticeatleastthreemonths

•Mustobserveexaminationpermitdrivingrestrictions

steP 2

GET a PROVISIOnal lICEnSE•Musthavecompletedthreemonthsofsuperviseddriving

withoutanysuspensionsorpostponements


steP 3

PRaCTICE unSuPERVISED DRIVInG•Mustpracticeunsuperviseddrivingforatleastoneyear

•Mustfollowprovisionaldriverlicenserestrictions

steP 4


•Musthavecompletedoneyearofunsuperviseddriving


steP 5

sPeciAL LeArner Permit restrictions •Nodrivingbetween11:01p.m.and5:00a.m.1

•Nousingcellphones,hand-heldvideogamesoranyotherhand-heldelectronicdevices.

•Permitholdermustbeaccompaniedinthefrontseatbyanadult supervisingdriverwhoisatleast21yearsofageandwhopossessesa validNewJerseydriverlicenseandhasaminimumofthreeyears’ drivingexperience.

•Passengersmustbefromtheprovisionallicenseholder’shousehold,andup tooneadditionalperson.

•Permitholderandallpassengersmustallwearaseatbelt.

exAminAtion Permit restrictions •Nodrivingbetween12:01a.m.and5:00a.m.1

•Nousingcellphones,hand-heldvideogamesoranyotherhand-held electronicdevices.

•Permitholdermustbeaccompaniedinthefrontseatbyanadult

supervisingdriverwhoisatleast21yearsofageandwhopossesses avalidNewJerseydriverlicenseandhasaminimumofthreeyears’ drivingexperience.1

•Passengersmustbefromtheprovisionallicenseholder’shousehold, anduptooneadditionalperson.

•Permitholderandallpassengersmustwearaseatbelt.

ProvisionAL Driver License restrictions •Nodrivingbetween12:01a.m.and5:00a.m.1

•Nousingcellphones,hand-heldvideogamesoranyotherhand-held electronicdevices.

•Passengersmustbefromtheprovisionallicenseholder’shousehold, plusoneadditionalperson.

•Provisionallicenseholderandallpassengersmustwearaseatbelt.

1IftheExaminationPermitorProvisionalLicenseholderis21yearsofageorolder,hourandpassengerrestrictionsdonotapply.


GDL Driver exemPtionsExemptions to thehours rule forpermitandprovisionaldriversunder21years:Proofofaneedtodriveduringtheprohibitedhoursforemploymentand/orreligion.Foranexemption,themotoristmustcarryalegiblecertificationtoindicatethisneedfromhis/heremployerorreligiousofficialontheofficialletterheadofthebusiness,organizationorreligiousinstitution,withthesignatureofthecertifyingofficialandhis/hername,title,addressandphonenumber.(N.J.A.C.39:21-8.18)

Note:Ifthestudentdrivercommitsatrafficoffense,responsibilitywillbewithboththestudentandinstructororadultsupervisingdriver.Allmotoristswhopossessaprovisionaldriverlicense,whoseprovisionallicensingperiodisnotextendedbytheMVCbeyondthestandard12months,mustvisitanMVCagencytoupgradetoabasicdriverlicenseaftertheendofthose12months.Motoristswhofailtodosowillremainsubjecttotheprovisionaldriverlicenserestrictionsandcouldbecitedbylawenforcementforviolatingtherestrictions.

SPECIal lEaRnER PERMITS fOR nEw JERSEy RESIDEnTS AnyNewJerseyresidentwhoisatleast16yearsoldandisnotinsuspensionstatus can obtain a special learner permit at anyMVCagency. The applicantmusthavethesignedconsentofhis/herparentorguardian,mustbeenrolledinabehind-the-wheeldrivertrainingcourseapprovedbytheNewJerseyDepartmentofEducationorconductedbyacommercialdrivingschool,andmustpasstheMVC’sknowledgetestandvisionscreening.Anapprovedcourseissixfullhoursof behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-controlled vehicle. These hours areexclusiveoftimespentattheMVCforpermitpurchasingortesting.Theinstructormustpurchasethepermit,whichisvalidfortwoyears.(N.J.S.A.39:3-13.1)

Afteranapplicantfillsouttheformwithhis/herpersonalinformationandprovides6 Points of ID Verification and, if applicable, proof that the U.S. governmentauthorizeshis/herpresenceinthiscountry,theinstructorcanpurchaseapermitatanyMVCagency.Basicautomobile licenseapplicantsmustsupplyaSocialSecuritynumberoranexemptionfromtheSocialSecurityAdministration.

Upon completion of the approved driver training course and before practicedriving, the permit holder must have the permit validated at any MVC DriverTestingCenter.

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ExaMInaTIOn PERMITS fOR nEw JERSEy RESIDEnTS AnyNewJerseyresidentwhoisatleast17yearsoldandisnotinsuspensionstatuscanobtainadriverexaminationpermitatanyMVCagency.Theexaminationpermitisdifferentfromastudentlearnerpermitbecausetheapplicantdoesnothavetobeastudentandaninstructorisnotnecessary.

Note:Adriverexaminationpermitisrequiredevenifthemotoristpossessesavalidlicensefromanotherstate.SeeExaminationPermitsforOut-of-StateDrivers.

Afteranapplicantfillsouttheformwithhis/herpersonalinformationandprovides6PointsofIDVerificationandproofthattheU.S.governmentauthorizeshis/herpresenceinthiscountry,he/shecanpurchaseapermittotaketothenearestDriverTestingCenter.BasicautomobilelicenseapplicantsmustsupplyaSocialSecuritynumberoranexemptionfromtheSocialSecurityAdministration.

Note: Most agencies conduct knowledge testing and vision screening. Tofind out which MVC agencies offer driver testing services, check online at www.njmvc.gov or call (888) 486-3339 toll-free in New Jersey or(609) 292-6500 fromoutofstate.

TheMVCwillvalidatethepermitforpracticedrivingaftertheapplicantpassestherequiredknowledgetestandvisionscreening.Resultsarevalidfortwoyears(seeChapter2).

ExaMInaTIOn PERMITS fOR OuT-Of-STaTE DRIVERSAllout-of-statedriversarerequiredtopurchaseanexaminationpermitwithin60daysofbecomingapermanentNewJerseyresidentorwhenhis/herout-of-statelicenseexpires,whichevercomesfirst.

Out-of-statedriverswhoareunder18yearsofageandmove toNewJerseyaresubjecttothisstate’sGDLProgram(seepp.3-6).IftheywishtoapplyforaNewJersey license,he/sheshould followthestepsoutlinedforspecialandexaminationpermitholders.PermitsmaybepurchasedatanyMVCagencyuponpresentingtherequiredproofofageand6PointIDVerification.Applicantsmayberequiredtopassaknowledgetest,visionscreeningandroadtest.

Out-of-statedriverlicensesmustbesurrenderedwhentheMVCissuesaNewJerseydriverlicense.


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ExaMInaTIOn PERMITS fOR OuT-Of-COunTRy DRIVERS Anon-citizenmustshowformalproofthatU.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationServices(USCIS)hasauthorizedhis/herpresenceinthiscountryunderfederallaw.

Students and their families on visas must show INS Form I-20, studentidentificationcardsorcertificationonschoolletterheadindicatingstatus.

Note: Foreign drivers may use their native driver licenses as proof of drivingexperienceiftheircountriesaremembersoftheUnitedNationsConventiononRoadTrafficandiftheapplicantshavetheirlicensestranslatedintoEnglishbyaconsulateoranMVC-approvedtranslator.

Note:LicensesfromUSPossessionsandTerritoriesareconsideredout-of-country.

InTERnaTIOnal DRIVInG PERMIT (IDP)VisitorswithaforeigndriverlicensewhotraveltotheUnitedStatesshouldcarryanIDPorattachanacceptableEnglishtranslationtotheirnationaldriverlicenses.TheIDPistranslatedintotheofficiallanguagesoftheUnitedNations(includingEnglish)andisusefulintrafficemergencies.Non-citizensmustobtaintheIDPintheirnativecountrybeforetravelingtotheUnitedStates.

NewJerseymotoristswhotraveltoforeigncountriesmayobtainanIDPapplicationthroughtheirlocalAAAclub.Visitwww.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html formoreinformation.

Note:Amotoristmustcarryavaliddriverlicense.Althoughitisanofficialdocument,theIDPcannotreplaceadriverlicense,butitcanbeusedinconjunctionwiththelicensetoprovideanadditionalsourceofmotoristidentificationandspanforeignlanguagebarriers.

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nOn-DRIVER IDAnindividual,17yearsofageorolder,whodoesnotpossessavaliddriverlicensemayapply foranon-driver identificationcard.Toobtainan identificationcard,theindividualmustshowproofofageandprovide6PointsofIDVerificationandproofthathis/herpresenceinthiscountryisauthorizedunderfederallaw.Thecostis$24.Thenon-driverIDmustbesurrenderediftheindividualappliesforandreceivesaNewJerseydriverlicense.(N.J.S.A.39:3-29.2to39:3-29.8)

HEaRInG-IMPaIRED DESIGnaTIOnA special driver license for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB loss ormore)isprovidedbytheMVC.Toobtainthislicense,whichisdesignatedwiththeinternationalsymbolofthedeaforanumericalcode,amotoristmustcompleteanapplication,availableatanyMVCagency.Verificationbyaphysicianoraudiologistisrequired.(N.J.S.A.39:3-11a)

COMMERCIal DRIVER lICEnSE (CDl)Therearethreeclassesofacommerciallicense;A,B,andC.However,noonecanapplyfortheselicensesuntilhe/sheisinpossessionofavalidbasicClassDNewJerseydriverlicenseorhe/shepossessesavalidout-of-stateCDL.

Class A:Licenseisnecessaryfortheoperationoftractortrailersoranytruckortrailerwithagrosscombinationweightrating(GCWR)of26,001poundsormore, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle beingtowedismorethan10,000pounds.TheClassAlicensealsoallowsthemotoristtooperateallvehiclesintheclassB,CandDcategories,providedthemotoristhasqualifiedforalltheproperextraendorsements.Seethechartonpage25.

Class B:LicenseisnecessaryfortheoperationofanyvehiclewithaGVWRof26,001poundsormore:

•Avehiclewithagrossvehicleweightratingof26,001poundsormoretowingatrailerwithagrossvehicleweightratingoflessthan10,000pounds

•Abuswithagrossvehicleweightratingof26,001poundsormoredesigned totransport16ormorepassengers,includingthedriver

A Class B license allows the motorist to operate all vehicles in the Class Cand D categories, provided the motorist has qualified for all the proper extraendorsements.


Class C:LicenseisnecessaryforanyvehiclewithaGVWRoflessthan26,001pounds,usedandplacardedtotransporthazardousmaterial:

•Anybus,includingschoolbuses,designedtocarry16passengersormore,includingthemotorist,andwithaGVWRoflessthan26,001poundsandallschoolvehiclesdesignedfor15passengersorfewer,includingthemotorist

•Anybusorothervehicledesignedtotransport8to15passengers,includingthemotorist,whichisusedforhire

commerciAL Driver exemPtionsTaxi drivers, ride-sharing van drivers, funeral procession drivers, operators ofrescue,first-aidsquadorfirefighterapparatus,farmershaulingtheirownproductsandequipmentwithin150milesof their farms,non-civilianoperatorsofmilitaryequipment and operators of construction equipment not designed for operationonpublic roadsareexemptandneednotapply foracommercialdriver license.Operatorsof recreationalvehiclesarealsoexempt,providedthevehicle isbeingoperatedonlyforpersonaluse.(N.J.S.A.39:3-10k,39:3-10.11)

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commerciAL License restrictionsNumbered restrictions, such as corrective lenses, are noted on all commerciallicenses. An example of a special restriction on a commercial license is “L” forairbrakes.Thismeansthemotoristmaynotoperateavehicleequippedwithairbrakes,ifdesignatedonthelicense.

commerciAL Driver mAnuALFormore informationoncommercialmotor vehicle licensing, refer to theMVC’sCommercialDriverManual.AllCDLtestsarebasedon informationcontained inthe manual. To get a copy, visit any MVC agency or regional service center orview/requestitonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.Manualsmayalsobeobtainedbycalling(888) 486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate.

commerciAL License enDorsementsMostcommercialdriverswillneedtoobtainatleastonespecialendorsement.Anexampleofanendorsementonacommerciallicenseis“H”forhazardousmaterials,whichmeansthatthemotoristmaylegallytransporthazardousmaterials.

CoDe VehICLe enDoRseMent sPeCIAL RequIReMent

T DoubleandTripleTrailer

Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclespullingtwoorthreetrailers

Requiresaknowledgetest.ClassAlicenserequiredtooperatethistypeofvehicle

P Passenger Neededbyoperatorsofbusesorsimilarvehiclesusedtotransportpassengers

Requiresaroadtest.Otherspecialrequirementsarenecessary(seeCDLManual)

S SchoolBus Neededbyallschoolbusdrivers

Requiresaknowledgeandroadtest.Motoristswhoholdan“S”endorsementwillalsohavetotestfora“P”endorsement.Botharerequiredtooperateaschoolbus

N TankerVehicle

Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclesusedtotransportliquidsorgasinbulk

Requiresaknowledgetest.

H HazardousMaterials

Neededbyoperatorsofvehiclesusedtotransporthazardousmaterials

Requiresaknowledgetestandmayrequirearoadtest.Mustbetrainedandretestedeverytwoyears.SeetheFederalMotorCarrierSafetyAdministrationforrequirements(www.fmcsa.dot.gov)


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Requirements for Basic Driver licenseRoad TestsReasons for Rejection

303234

New Jersey Driver Testing

REquIREMEnTS fOR a BaSIC DRIVER lICEnSE6 Point iD verificAtionApplicantsforaNewJerseydriverlicensemusthaveallrequireddocumentstosatisfythe6PointIDVerificationatalltimes.

vision testAvisionscreening isrequiredforallmotorists.TheMVCmayreferapplicantswithimpairedvisiontoaphysician.

KnowLeDGe testTheknowledge testconsistsof50questions,plusasurveyquestionaboutorgandonation.TheMVCofferstheknowledgetestinEnglishandtheseforeignlanguages:Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian andSpanish.Iftheapplicantcannotreadinanylanguage,anoraltestthatisconductedinEnglishorSpanishmaybearranged.Iftheapplicantisunabletotakeanoralorwrittentestinthelanguagesprovidedorifhe/sheishearingimpaired,he/shemayuseanMVC-approvedinterpreter,accordingtothefollowingguidelines.

interPretersAnapprovedforeignlanguageinterpreteris:

•Afull-timefacultymemberofacollegeoruniversityintheUnitedStates,whodisplaysacurrentidentificationcardissuedbythatcollegeoruniversity

•Apriest,minister,rabbiorotherreligiousleaderofarecognizedorganization,whodisplayscredentialsshowinghis/herassociationinsuchanorganization

•An individual listed on the N.J. Administrative Office of the Courts (Language ServicesSection)RegistryofInterpretersandAgencies

Anapprovedhearing-impairedinterpreteris:•AninterpretercertifiedbytheNationalRegistryofInterpretersfortheDeaf

andlistedwiththeNewJerseyDivisionoftheDeaf

•AninterpreterwhohasbeenevaluatedbytheDivisionoftheDeafandisontheapprovedlistofprofessionalinterpreters

TheMVCwillpaytheinterpreterfeesforhearing-impairedapplicants.ContactanyDriverTestingCenterformoreinformationaboutapprovedinterpretersorfeepayments.

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test requirements

out-of-stAte AnD out-of country APPLicAntsApplicantswhowishtotransferavalidout-of-statelicensemayberequiredtotakethe knowledge test, vision screening and/or road test. Out-of-state applicantsbetween17and18yearsofagewhopossessavalidout-of-statelicensewillbegivenaprovisional license foraperiodofoneyearandmustcomplywithGDLrequirementsandrestrictions.

Allout-of-countryapplicantsmustpasstheknowledgetestandavisionscreeningandmayberequiredtopassaroadtest.Testresultsarevalidfortwoyears.

Note:ApplicantsfromU.S.possessionsandterritoriesareconsideredoutofcountry.

vision rechecKPeriodically, the MVC may require a vision recheck of a New Jersey motorist.Licenserenewalwillbepermitteduponpassingthevisionscreening.

heALth questionsIf theapplicanthasahealthproblem,amedical reviewmaybenecessary.Theexaminerwilldiscussthiswiththeapplicant.

sCReenIng tests MInIMuM RequIReMents

EyEsight Basic license applicants: 20/50 vision with orwithoutcorrectivelenses.Forsightinoneeyeonly,thateyemustmeetthe20/50ruleandtheapplicantmusthavedocumentationsignedbyalicensedphysician.Cdl license applicants: 20/40 vision with orwithoutcorrectivelensesinbotheyes.Mustbeabletodistinguishamongred,greenandamberlights.

WrittEn 80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions, must have correctanswers.

hEalth Informexaminerofhealthproblems.Underfederallaw,commercial drivers must carry a medical examiner’sfitnessstatementandhaveitrenewedeverytwoyears.

ROaD TESTAfter an applicant passes the knowledge test and vision screening and, ifapplicable,anapprovedbehind-the-wheelcourse, theMVCwillvalidatehis/herpermitso thathe/shecanpractice.GDLpermitholdersunder21yearsofagemusthaveaminimumofsixmonthssupervisedpracticedrivingpriortoaroadtestappointment.GDLpermitholders,21yearsoldandover,musthaveaminimumofthreemonthssupervisedpracticedrivingpriortoaroadtestappointment.Tomakeanappointmentforaninitialroadtestoraretest,visitanyDriverTestingCenterorscheduleonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.Appointmentsmaynotbemadebyphone.

test vehicLe requirementsFortheroadtest,anapplicantmusthaveavehiclewithavalidinspectionsticker,a valid registration document and a valid insurance ID card for that vehicle(unlesscoveredbyBPUor federalDOTregulations).Thevehiclemaynothaveanyobstructionsorconsolesthatpreventtheexaminerfromreachingthefootorparkingbrakes.Theapplicantmustalsohaveavalidpermitandbeaccompaniedbyalicenseddriver.Theaccompanyingdrivermustholdalicensetooperatethetypeofvehicleforwhichtheapplicanthasapermit(exceptforamoped).

Vehiclesregisteredoutofstatemustcomplywithmotorist’shomestate’slawswithregardtoinsuranceidentification

AccomPAnyinG Driver requirementsAnapplicantmaydriveaproperlyregisteredvehicletotheroadtestarea.However,alicenseddrivermustremaininthevehiclewiththeapplicantatalltimes.Avehiclemay not be moved, even in the road test line, without a licensed driver in thevehicle.IftheaccompanyingmotoristislicensedinastateotherthanNewJersey,orhaslessthanthreeyearsofdrivingexperience,he/shemustdrivethevehicletotheroadtestarea.TheMVCdoesnotsupplyvehiclesforroadtests.

eLements of the roAD testOntheactualroadtest,anMVCexaminerwillridewiththeapplicantwhenhe/shedrivesinanoff-roadtestareaoronapublicroadcourse.Thepurposeoftheroadtestistomakesurethattheapplicantunderstandstherulesoftheroadandcandrivesafely.Iftheapplicant’svehiclehasastandardtransmission,theexaminerwillasktheapplicanttodemonstratehis/herabilitytocorrectlyshiftgears.

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During the basic road test, the examiner may test the applicant on thefollowingitems:

test IteM PAge

Drivinginreverse 49

Followingothervehicles 85,86

Nearingcorners,intersections 62

Parking(parallel) 52

Sittingproperly 38

Startingavehicle 44,45

Steeringproperly 46,47

Stoppingatsigns 71

Stoppingsmoothly 48

Turning 50,68,69

Turningaround 51

Usingthehorn 43

Yieldingright-of-way 61

Ifanapplicantpassestheroadtest,theexaminerwill issueanauthorizationforlicensing.Thepermit,authorizationand6PointsofIDVerificationmustbetakentoamotorvehicleagencytoobtainthedigitaldriverlicense(DDL).

TheMVCwilllicenseasuccessfulapplicantforaClassDbasicdriverlicenseorClassEmotorcyclelicenseasaprovisionaldriveriftheapplicanthasneverbeenlicensedtodriveamotorvehicleinthisoranyotherstate.TheMVCwillmonitorhis/herdrivinghabitsfortwoyears.

If anapplicant fails the road test, he/shemustwait at least twoweeksbeforetakingthetestagain.Toreschedulethetest,gotoanyDriverTestingCenterinpersonor schedule online atwww.njmvc.gov.After several failures, theMVCmayrequireanapplicanttowaitsixmonthsbeforeretakingtheroadtest.

REaSOnS fOR REJECTIOnMost applicants believe that their driving performance is the only criterion theexaminerusestogradetheirroadtest.However,thevehiclemaybethecauseoffailure.Somelicenseapplicantsmaynothavetheopportunitytotakeaninitialroadtestbecauseanexaminerconsidersthevehicleunsuitableorunsafeforthetest.

HerearesomeofthemorecommonreasonstheMVCrejectsroadtestvehicles:•Improper,expiredornoinspectionsticker

•Lackofexamineraccesstofootbrakeorparkingbrake

•Anydefectorconditionthataffectsthesafeoperationofthetestvehicle,suchasbutnotlimitedto:

–Poorbrakes(pedalmustnotfadeorgotothefloorboard)–Parkingbrakedoesn’twork–Unsafetires(smooth,cut,badlyworn)–Vehicleinteriorisnotinreasonablycleancondition–Vehiclefailedinspection,andmotoristdoesnotbringtheVehicle

InspectionReportissuedbytheinspectionstationtoroadtestarea–Vehiclenotequippedwithradialtiresorsnowtiresorchainswhenroad

issnowcovered–Fastengineidle(cannotjudgespeedcontrol)–Missingseatbelts(seatbeltsarerequiredonallvehiclesmanufactured

afterJuly1,1966)

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Additionalitemsformotorcycleandmopedtestsonly:•Lackofequipmentrequiredbystateregulations

•Nohelmet

•Unapprovedgogglesorfaceshield

•Nobellorhorn(butnotasirenorwhistle)thatcanbeheard100feetaway

Seemotorcycleormopedmanualsformorespecificinformation.

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SteeringSpeed ControlStopping DistancesProper BrakingDriving SignalsDriving in ReverseTurning Parking

4647474849495051

Driver safety & the Rules of the Road

Buckle up – new Jersey’s Seat Belt lawCar SeatsChild Restraint lawair BagsCar ConditionStarting a Parked Car

383940404244

Safe driving is the responsibility of all individuals who operate a vehicle on NewJerseyroads.Therulesoftheroadmustbeobeyedatalltimesandlawsmustbestrictlyfollowed.Amotoristmustensurethesafetyofallpassengerswhoareridinginhis/hervehicleandbemindfuloftheothermotoristswhosharetheroadeachday.

BuCklE uP – nEw JERSEy’S SEaT BElT lawTheNewJerseyseatbeltlawrequiresallfront-seatoccupantsofpassengervehiclesoperated in New Jersey to wear a seat belt. The motorist is responsible for allpassengersunder18yearsofage.Front-seatpassengers18yearsofageandoverareresponsibleforthemselves.MotoristswithGDLpermitsorprovisionallicensesmustuseseatbelts.Additionally,theymustrequireallpassengersseatedanywhereinthevehicletouseseatbelts.(N.J.S.A.39:3-76.2f,39:3-13.2a,39:3-13.4)

New Jersey’s seat belt law requires the motorist, front-seat passenger andchildrenunder18yearsoldtobebelted(N.J.S.A.39:3-76.2f).Non-complianceisaprimaryoffense.Apoliceofficercanstopamotoristsolelyforaviolationoftheseatbeltlaw.Thelawalsoexpandsthedefinitionofpassengervehicletoincludevans,pickuptrucksandutilityvehicles.Althoughrearseatbeltsarenotrequiredbylaw,passengersshouldalwaysusethem.

The exemptions are any passenger vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966, apassengervehiclethatisnotrequiredtobeequippedwithseatbeltsystemsunderfederallawandaphysicalormedicalreason,verifiedinwritingbya licensedphysician,thatmakesthemotoristorpassengerunabletowearaseatbelt.(N.J.S.A.39:3-76.2g)

Seatbeltscansavealifeandimproveamotorist’schancesofsurvivingacrashby60percent.Amotorist’schancesofsurvivingacollisionarethreetofourtimesbetterifhe/sheiswearingbothaseatbeltandashoulderstrap.Fasteningaseatbelttakesonlythreesecondsandreducesthechancesofdeathorseriousinjury.Seatbeltshelpinmanyways,forexample:

•Theykeepmotoristsandpassengersfrombeingthrownfromthevehicleinacollision.Ifamotorist/passengerisheldinplace,anyinjurymaybelesssevere.

•Theyslowabodydownwiththevehicle.Ifavehiclehitssomething,thevehiclestops,butthepersonkeepsgoingatthesamespeedthatthevehiclewasmoving.Hittingthedashboardorwindshieldat30mphislikefallingfromthetopofathree-storybuilding.

•Theykeepamotorist/passengerfromslidingontheseatduringsudden

stopsandturns.Beltsandstrapsalsokeepamotoristinpositionsohe/shecancontrolthevehicle.

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TIPS fOR SEAT BELT uSE•Buckleupwithbothlapandshoulderbeltsoneverytrip.(Airbagsare

supplementalprotectiondevices.)

•Wearthelapbeltundertheabdomenandlowacrossthehips.Theshoulderportionshouldcomeoverthecollarbone,awayfromtheneck,andcrossoverthebreastbone.Theshoulderbeltinmostnewvehiclescanbeadjustedonthesidepillartoimprovefit.

•Knowhowtoadjusttheseatbeltsandhowtoreleasethemifmotoristspassengershavetoquicklygetoutofthevehicle.

•Buckleupifridinginthebackseat;usecenterseatbeltsifthoseseatsareused.Seatbeltshelppreventridersfromfallingforward.

•Neverputmorethanonepersoninonebelt.

CaR SEaTSTrafficaccidentsarealeadingkillerofchildren.Whenridinginavehicle,childrenshouldbeheldinplacebyarestraintsystemthatmeetsallFederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandards.RefertotheparagraphonChildRestraintLaw.

AllchildrestraintsystemsbuiltsinceJanuary1,1981,mustbedesignedtopasstoughsafetytests.Theseseatscarryalabelthatgivesthedateofmanufactureandreads:“Thischild restraintsystemconformstoallapplicableFederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandards.”

Therearemany typesandstylesofcarseats.An infantcarseatwillprotectababyup to20poundsand26 inchesandmustbeplaced in thevehicle facingtherear.Aconvertiblecarseatisalargerseatthatcanbeusedforaninfantoratoddlerofupto40poundsand40inchesinheight.Theseatcanbeadjustedtoarecliningpositionandplacedinthevehiclefacingbackwardsforababy.Whenthebabyweighsatleast17poundsandcansitupwellwithouthelp,theseatcanbeadjustedtoanuprightpositionandplacedinthevehiclefacingforward.

Note: It ispreferredthatwheneverpossible,childcarsafetyseatsbeplacedinthebackseat.However, ifamotorist isridingwithanewinfantandthevehicledoesnothaveabackseat,movethefrontseatasfarbackaspossiblefromthedashboardandmakesurethechildisbuckledproperlyintheappropriaterestraintforhis/herheightandweight.Neverplacerear-facinginfantsafetyseatsinthefrontseatofavehiclewithafrontpassenger-sideairbag.

Whileaconvertibleseatisdesignedtobeusedfacingforwardonceachildhasreachedatleast17pounds,aninfantseatmustneverbefacedforward.Todosowouldbeverydangerous.Alwayscheckthelabelonacarseattofindoutthesizeandweightofthechildtheseatisdesignedtoprotect.

Usingthecarseateverytimeachildridesinthevehicle-andusingitcorrectlyeachtime-isveryimportantforthesafetyofthechild.Alwaysreadtheinstructionsthatcomewiththeseatandfollowthemverycarefully.Correctuseofthecarseatisthebestprotectionamotoristcanofferachild.Formoreinformationonchildcarseats,contacttheDivisionofHighwayTrafficSafetyat(800) 422-3750 orvisitwww.njsaferoads.com.

CHIlD RESTRaInT lawTheNewJerseychildpassengersafetylaw(N.J.S.A39:3-76.2a)states:

•Childrenuptoageeightoraweightof80poundsmustrideinafederallyapproved safety or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. If thereisno rear seat, thechildmust sit in the front seat securedbyasafetyorboosterseat.

•Childrenunderageeightandover80poundsmustbeinarearseatanduseaseatbelt.Ifthereisnorearseat,thechildmustbeproperlybeltedinthefrontseat.

•Failuretocomplywiththislawcouldmeana$54fineandcourtcosts.

aIR BaGSAirbagsarestandardequipmentinalmostallnewvehiclesandaredesignedtosupplementseatbeltsinfrontalcrashes.Federalsafetystandardsrequiredthatmanufacturers equip all new passenger cars and light trucks with air bags by1999.AccordingtotheNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration,statisticsshowthatbetween1986and2000,frontairbagssavedthelivesof5,303front-seatriders.

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Airbagsinflateatspeedsofupto200mphtoprotectadultsinafront-endcollision.Anaverage-sizedadultwhoiscorrectlybeltedisnotlikelytocomeincontactwiththeairbaguntilitisfullyinflated.

Whenairbagsarecombinedwithlap/shoulderseatbelts,theyhavesavedmanyadultlivesandpreventedmanyinjuriesinmotorvehiclecrashes.However,airbagscouldseriouslyinjureorkillchildrenwhoaresittinginthefrontseat.

In1995,theNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration(NHTSA)allowedcut-offswitchesinpickuptrucks,sportscarsandautoswithnobackseat.InJanuary1998,itallowedrepairshopsanddealerstoinstalltheswitchesinvehiclesaftertheappropriateapplicationwasmadeforpeopleinthesecategories:

•driver-and passenger-side air bags:Forindividualswithmedicalconditionswhentherisksofadeployingairbagexceedtherisksofimpactingthesteeringwheel,dashboardorwindshield.

•driver-side air bags only: Forindividualswhocannotproperlyoperatethevehicleandkeepatleast10inchesbetweenthecenterofthesteeringwheelandthecenterofthebreastbone.

•passenger-side air bags only:Forindividualswhomustplaceinfantsinthefrontseatbecausethevehiclehasnorearseat(e.g.,apickuptruck)ortherearseatistoosmalltoholdthechild’srear-facingseat,orthemotoristmustmonitorthechild’smedicalcondition;forindividualswhomustplacechildren,1to12yearsold,inthefrontseatbecausethevehiclehasnorearseat,orbecausetheindividualmusttransportmorechildrenthancanbeseatedintherearseat,orbecausethemotoristmustmonitorthechild’smedicalcondition.

Formoreinformationaboutanairbagon-offswitchorforanapplicationtorequestone,callNHTSA’stoll-freeAutoSafetyHotlineat(800) 424-9393.Informationisalsoavailableonlineat www.nhtsa.gov.

Childrenofanyagearesafestwhentheyarebeltedproperlyinthebackseatofavehicle,especiallywhenthevehicleisequippedwithapassenger-sideairbag.Othersafetypointsare:

•Alwaysputaninfantinarear-facinginfantchildsafetyseatinthebackseatofavehiclewithairbags.

•Alwaysbesurethatchildren12yearsoldandyoungerrideinthebackseatofthevehicle.

•Alwaysmakesureeveryoneisbuckledup.

Amotoristcantellifhis/hervehiclehasanairbagbythewords“airbag”ortheletters“SRS”(supplementalrestraintsystem)or“SIR”(supplementalinflatablerestraint)onthesteeringwheelanddashboardpanel.Manufacturersalsomaymarkthesunvisorsorthesidesoftheopendoorframewithwarninglabelsorenterawarninginthevehicleowner’smanual.

CaR COnDITIOnAmotoristshouldalwayschecktheconditionofthevehiclebeforedrivingit.Iftheitemsbelowarenotworkingproperly,itmeansthevehicleneedstoberepaired.

bAcKuP LiGhtsWhendrivinginreverse,backuplightsshouldbeon.Thesemustbecheckedtomakesuretheyareinworkingorder.

Note:ItisagainstNewJerseylaw(N.J.S.A39:3-52)tohaveanybackuplightsonwhileavehicleismovingforward.

brAKesAmotoristshouldbeabletobrakesmoothlyandquickly.Ifthevehiclepullstoonesidewhenitstopsoramotoristfeelsatautpedalorhearsanunusualsquealingorgrinding,thebrakesmustbechecked.Withconventionaldiscanddrumbrakes,amotoristshouldpumpthemgentlyafterdrivingthroughwatertotestthemanddrythemout.Ifthebrakesarehithard,theycouldlockup.Amotoristshouldbeabletostopwithin25feetat20mph.Thiscanbetriedinanemptyparkinglot.Chalkmarkscanbemadeonthesurfacetoseeifthevehiclecanstopwithinthatdistance.

Ifavehiclehasanantilockbrakingsystem(ABS), thebrakescanbetestedbyapplyingsteadypressure to thebrakepedal.Amotorist shouldneverpumpanABS or jerk the steering wheel when braking. On very soft surfaces, such asloosegravelorunpackedsnow,anABSsystemmayactually lengthenstoppingdistance.Inwetorslipperyconditions,amotoristshouldstilldrivecarefully,alwayskeepasafedistancefromthevehicleinfrontandmaintainaspeedconsistentwiththeroadconditions.

brAKe LiGhtsIf a vehicle’sbrake lightsarenotworking, someonemaycrash into it from theback.Amotoristshouldhavesomeonehelp tocheck thebrake lights.Replacebrokenlightcovers.Theymaycauseaglarethataffectsthemotoristinback.

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heADLiGhtsBrightanddimlightsmustworkandbeinline.Amotoristcancheckthemagainstthe garage wall or on parked vehicles. Lights should be kept clean. If othermotoristsflashtheirlightswhileamotorist’slightsareonlowbeam,itcouldmeanthatthelightsareoutofline.

hornAhornshouldnotbeoverused,butamotoristshouldcheckitoftentomakesureitworks.Usethehorntosignalwhenpassingorwhencomingoutofablindalley,curveordriveway.

steerinGOn straight level roads a vehicle should hold a straight course. The front endshould not vibrate (shimmy). The steering should respond to a motorist’s turnswithouttoomuchplayinthesteeringwheel.

tAiL LiGhtsAlwayskeeptailandsidelightsinworkingorder.Theysignalothermotoristsinthedarkandpreventaccidents.

tiresIf a motorist feels or hears any unusual thumping while driving, he/she shouldcheck the tires. Bumps, cuts or bad tread can cause blowouts. Tire pressureshouldbecheckedoften,especiallywhentiresarecold.Amotoristshouldchecktheowner’smanualtodeterminepropertirepressureorshouldaskforadviceataservicestation.Properlyinflatedtiressavemoneyinfuelconsumption.Avehicleshouldnotbedrivenwithtiresthathavelessthan1/16inchoftread(abouttheedgeofadime).Toholdon to the roadproperly, tiresmustmatch (donotmixradialswithothertiretypes)andmusthaveenoughtread.

turn siGnALsAmotoristshouldbeabletoheartheclickingandseethelightedarrowsflashonthedashboard.Iftheydonotwork,thesignalsmustbefixedassoonaspossible.Meanwhile,amotoristshouldusehandsignals.

winDshieLDCracksor chips in awindshield could cause it to break; it should be replaced.Awindshieldshouldbecleanatalltimes,insideandout.Windshieldwipersshouldalways work. If they come with washers, a motorist can use non-freezing sprayto stop icing. New Jersey laws prohibit add-on tinting on windshields and frontsidewindows.

snow/ice Statelaw(N.J.S.A39:4-77.1)requiresamotoristtoremovesnoworicefromavehiclebeforedrivingit.Ifsnoworicedislodgesfromamovingvehicle,itcouldstrikeanothervehicleorpedestrian,causinginjuryorpropertydamage.

STaRTInG a PaRkED CaRBeforegettingintoavehicle,lookbehinditandinfrontofit.Thereareblindspotsonce amotorist is behind thewheel.Childrenmay be there. There alsomay bebottles,cans,bicyclesorotherthingsthatcannotbeseenfromthemotorist’sseat.

stArtinG checKList•Allwindowsshouldbecleanandnothingshouldblockamotorist’svision.

•Theseatmustbeadjustedsoamotoristcanreachallpedalsandcontrolseasily.(Formostmotorists,theseatmaybeadjustedsohe/sheissittinganarm’slengthfromsteeringwheel).

•Insideandoutsiderearviewmirrorsshouldbeadjusted.

•Seatbeltsandshoulderharnessesshouldbefastenedsothattheyarefirmandcomfortable.

•Thevehicleshouldbeinparkorneutralgearandtheparkingbrakeshouldbeset.

•Doorsshouldbelocked.

Amotoristshouldkeepgoodposturewhiledriving.Theseatshouldbeadjustedso that the motorist can reach the foot pedals easily. The motorist should becomfortablebehindthewheel.He/sheshouldnothavetostraintoreachthegearshiftlevers,turnsignalsordashboardcontrols.Amotoristisproperlypositionedwhenhe/shecanseeclearlyandcanglancetotherear.

Ifamotoristwearsglasses,he/sheshouldadjust them.More than95percentof the information a motorist needs is visual. To fight glare at night, coloredlenses should be avoided as they distort color. Anti-reflective coatings shouldbeusedonlenses.Thiswillhelpeliminateinternalreflectionsineyeglassesandmayhelpnightdriving.Amotoristshouldhaveaneyecheckupeverytwoyears.As a motorist ages, visual clarity declines and peripheral vision becomes lessdistinct. For example, a 60-year-old perceives light about a third as well as a20-year-old.

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AREA OF FORWARD VISION

BLIND AREABLIND AREA

AREA OF REARVIEW

MIRROR VISION

LEFTSIDE

MIRROR

RIGHTSIDE

MIRROR

Blind Spots

BVMN_blindspots_110907

Inside and outsidemirrors should be adjusted to reduceblind spots. These areareaswhereamotoristcannotseebehindhis/hervehicle(onbothsides)throughthemirror.Amotoristcancheckthisbyturninghis/herhead.Theoutsidemirrorshouldbeadjustedsothatthemotoristcanseethetipofthedriver-sidefrontdoorhandleinthelowerrightofthemirror.Thiswillallowthemotoristtoseepartofthelanesoftraffictotheleftandrearofthevehicle.

After starting the engine, a motorist should make sure his/her path is clear byturning and looking back.Amotorist should not depend on rearviewmirrors.Amotoristmustalsobesuretocheckforpedestriansandlessconspicuousvehicles,suchasbicyclesandmopeds.Amotoristshouldgivethepropersignalanddrivewithcaution.

Theillustrationbelowshowsblindspotswhiledriving.

Steering

BDMN_steering_110907

10

1112

1

2

9 3

Whenontheroad,amotoristcancheckthevehicle’smirrorsbylettingavehiclepassontheleft.Asthepassingvehicledisappearsfromtheinsiderearviewmirror,amotoristshouldbeabletoseeitsfrontbumperintheoutsiderearviewmirror.

STEERInG

hAnD PositionAmotorist’sgriponthesteeringwheelisimportant.Thesteeringwheelcanbethoughtofasthefaceofaclock.Fornormaldriving,amotoristshouldgripthesteeringwheelbytheoutsiderimatthe9and3o’clockpositions,keepinghis/herthumb along the face of the wheel. Gripping the steering wheel as describeddiminishestheriskofhand,wristorarminjuryiftheairbagisdeployed.Amotoristshouldneverturnthewheelwhilegrippingitfromtheinsideoftherim,handfacinginward.Thesteeringwheelshouldbeheldfirmlybutnottootight,assteadyaspossibleasthevehicle’sspeedincreases.Bothhandsshouldbekeptonthewheelatalltimes,exceptwhenshiftinggearsorgivinghandsignals.

Themotoristshouldkeepthevehicleinthecenterofthelanethatitistraveling.Onatwo-laneroadwithtrafficcomingtowardthevehicle,themotoristshouldkeeptotheright.Onceamotoristfeelshowthevehiclereactstosteering,he/shewillbereadytopracticeturning,parkingandothermovements.

It takes practice to get the feel of steering. If the vehicle has antilock brakes(ABS),themotoristshouldneverviolently jerkthesteeringwheelwhilebraking.(Seepage42,“Brakes”)

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hAnD-over-hAnD steerinGHand-over-handsteeringpermitsamotoristtomakesteeringadjustmentsrangingfromveryminoruptoahalfturnofthewheel,whilekeepingbothhandsonthewheel.Ifturningthroughaslightcurve,bothhandswilltypicallyretaintheiroriginalgriponthewheel,makingonlyslightfingerorwristadjustmentsasnecessarytomaintainthepathoftravel.However,whenmovingthroughaturn,thehandsmaymoveasmuchas165degrees.Themotoristinitiatestheturnbypushingthewheelupfromthe9or3o’clockpositiontoward12o’clock,andtheoppositehandcrossesoveranddowntothe9or3o’clockposition,asappropriatetoprovideadditionalinputortostabilizesteering.Theoriginalhandthenreturnstotheoriginalstartpositionof9or3o’clock.Theprocess isreversedtoreturntoastraightpath,orthewheelcanbeallowedtoslipthroughthefingers(controlledslipping)tostraightenwhencomingoutofaturn,whilebothhandsarealwaysonthewheeltomakeadjustmentsasnecessary.Hand-over-handsteeringisparticularlywell-suitedforprecisionmaneuvers,steeringthroughcurves,intersectionentryandexit,andskidrecovery.

SPEED COnTROlCertainspeedcontrolguidelinesshouldbeusedforsafedriving.Amotoristshouldstartslowly,graduallyincreasingspeeduntilsafelywithinthelegalspeedlimitandflowoftraffic.Onopenroads,amotoristshouldkeepasteady,legalspeed.Whennecessary,amotoristshoulddecreasespeedslowly.

Pressthebrakepedallightly.Thisgivesothermotoristsandpedestriansachancetoreactaccordingly.Tocheckspeed,amotoristshouldglanceatthespeedometer.Withpractice,amotoristwillbeabletojudgethecorrectgas-pedalpressureforanyspeed.

STOPPInG DISTanCESThereisnosimplewaytotellexactlyhowlongitwilltakeavehicletostopatacertainspeed.Stoppingdistancedependson:

•Motoristreactiontime

•Weatherandroadconditions

•Vehicleweight

•Brakeconditions

•Conditionandtypeoftires

•Roadwayconditions

•Speed

Onepointissure:Thefasteravehicleisgoing,thelongeritwilltakeittostop.Whenamotoristmuststopquickly,speedcanbethedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.

stoPPinG DistAnces on Dry surfAces for PAssenGers

PROPER BRakInGTheuseofbrakesmayseemsimple,butitisnot.Amotoristshouldknowthetypeofbrakingsystemthathis/hervehicleuses.Itcouldbeaconventionaldrumanddiscbrakesystemoranantilockbrakingsystem (ABS).Whether thevehicle isfront-orrear-wheeldrivedoesnotdetermineproperbraking.

Many new motorists make the common mistake of slamming the brake pedal,evenifthereisnoemergency.Thevehiclewilljerktoastopquicklyandwearoutbrakesandtires.Steady,gentlepressureshouldbeappliedtothebraketobringthe vehicle toacontrolledstop.WithanABS,amotorist shouldnotpump thebrakesorviolentlyjerkthewheel.AnABS-equippedvehiclemaygooutofcontrolatonly35mph if amotorist violently jerks thesteeringwheelandbrake,evenondrypavement.NewmotoristsshouldpracticehardbrakingandsteeringinanemptyparkinglotorsimilaropenspaceuntiltheyareaccustomedtotheABS.Amotoristshouldalwaysusehis/herrightfootforboththebrakeandthegaspedal.Ifthevehicleisequippedwithamanualtransmission,theleftfootshouldbeusedfortheclutch.

Speed reaction distance Braking distance total

10 mph 11 ft 6 ft 17 ft

20 mph 22 ft 25 ft 47 ft

30 mph 33 ft 55 ft 88 ft

40 mph 44 ft 105 ft 149 ft

50 mph 55 ft 188 ft 243 ft

60 mph 66 ft 300 ft 366 ft

70 mph 77 ft 455 ft 532 ft

Basedonareactiontimeof3/4second,whichistypicalformostmotoristsundermosttrafficconditions.Seep.71formoreinformationonstopping,p.86forinformationaboutfollowingdistancesandp.90forinformationaboutstoppingatnight.

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Driver Signals

BDMN_driver_signals_110907

STOP

RIGHT TURN

LEFT TURN

DRIVInG SIGnalSAmotoristshouldalwaysgiveapropersignalwhenturning,changinglanes,stoppingorslowingdown.Mostvehicleshaveturnsignalsandamotoristshouldalwaysusethem.A motorist should turn on the turn signal at least 100feetbeforeturningandbesuretocancelthesignalaftermakingaturn.Notdoingsocouldmisleadothermotorists.(N.J.S.A.39:4-126)

NewJersey law requires amotorist to know the correcthandsignalsforstoppingandturning,whicharestandardinallstates.Togiveahandsignal,amotoristshouldputhis/herarmwelloutof thevehicleso that it is visible toothermotorists.

•Stop or slowing down:handandarmdownward,palmfacingtotherear

•right turn:handandarmupward

•left turn:handandarmstraightout

Another signal is the horn, which is a warning signal. Itcallsattentiontowhatthemotoristisdoing.Motoristsmaysoundthehornwhenpassinganothervehiclewhennotina business or residential zone.Under normal conditions,thehornshouldbeabletobeheardforatleast200feet.(N.J.S.A. 39:3-69) Only emergency vehicles may usesirens,whistlesorbells.

DRIVInG In REVERSEBeforedrivinginreverse,amotoristmustbesurethatthepathisclear.Thiscanbedonebyusingthemirrorsandturningtocheck.He/shemustbeverycarefulbecausetheviewtotherearislimited.Inreverse,turningthewheeltotherightwilldirectthevehicletotheright.Steeringtotheleftwilldirectthevehicletotheleft.Ifamotoristdoesnotturnthewheelwhileinreverse,thevehiclewillmovestraightbackward.

Todriveinreverse,amotorist’sheadandbodyshouldbeturnedtotherightuntilhe/shecanseeclearly throughthebackwindowofthevehiclewithouttheuseofmirrors.Themotorist’srighthandandarmshouldbeplacedoverthebackofthefrontpassengerseat;thelefthandshouldgraspthetopofthesteeringwheel.

Thisisthepositionamotoristshouldbeintoreverseinastraightline,withsightseeingcorrectionmadeasneeded.Avehicleshouldbedrivenslowly inreverse–typically,walkingspeed(2to4mph).Themotoristshouldnotturnforwarduntilthevehicleistotallystopped.

Ifamotoristmustturnthewheelwhilereversingotherthaninastraightline(e.g.parallel parking), two hands must be on the wheel to steer, while a motorist’sheadandbodyisturnedtolookouttherearwindow.Palmingthewheelwithonehandwhileturninginreverseisdangerousandcanresultinfailingtheroadtest.Amotoristshouldalwaysrememberthatthefrontofthevehiclewillswingintheoppositedirectionofaturn.Avehicleshouldbedrivenslowlyinreverse.

Amotoristmustbeabletodriveinreverseinordertopasstheroadportionofthedrivingtest.He/shewillbeaskedtobackthevehicleabout100feetinastraightline,slowlyandsmoothly.

TuRnInG Tomakesafeturns,amotoristshoulddecidewellinadvancewherehe/shewantstoturn.Last-minuteturnscanbeunsafe.Statelawrequiresamotoristtogetintheproperlaneandsignalatleast100feetbeforemakinganyturn.Thefasterthetrafficismoving,thesooneramotoristshouldplanhis/herturn.Ifaturnismissed,amotoristshouldneverbackup. It isbettertotakethenextturnthantoriskacollision.Beforeturning,amotoristshouldalways:

•Usethemirrorstolookbehindandtobothsidesforothervehicles(orpeople)toseeifitissafetoturn

•Checkforlessvisiblevehicles,suchasmotorcycles,bicyclesandmopeds

•Signalfirst(useturnsignalsorhandsignals)andthenmoveintotheproperlane.

•Slowdownbeforereachinganintersection

•Keepasteadyspeedandfollowpavementmarkings

•Alwaysstayinthesamelaneuntiltheturnisfinished

•Makesureturnsignalisturnedoffaftertheturniscompleted

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3 Point Turn

BDMN_3pt_turn_110907

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the 3-Point turn (K turn)Whenturningavehiclearound,amotoristshouldstartfromtherightedgeoftheroad.Chooseasafespotwithgoodvisibilityinbothdirections.Ifthereisnoothertraffic,themotoristshouldsignalleftandmoveforwardslowlywhileturningthesteeringwheeltotheleft.Thevehicleshouldbestoppedseveralinchesfromtheleftcurborstreetedge.Themotoristshould thensignal rightandbackslowlywhile turning thesteeringwheel to the right, stoppingseveral inches from theright curb or street edge. Themotorist should nextmove the vehicle forward,signaling left,while turning thesteeringwheel to the left.Finally, themotoristshouldstraightenthevehicle’swheelsasitfacesinthedirectionhe/shewantstogo.Thisisacomplete3-Point(orK)Turn.AnewmotoristwillberequiredtomakethisturnduringMVC’sroadtest.

PaRkInGWhenparking,amotoristshouldalwayssetthehandbrakeandputthevehicleinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inreverseorlowgear.Thereareseveralimportantstepsforamotoristtofollowwhenparkinghis/hervehicleonastreetwithacurb:

•When parking a vehicle facing downhill:Thehandbrakeshouldbesetandthevehicle’swheelsshouldbeturnedtowardthecurb.Thevehicleshouldbeinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inreverse.

•When parking a vehicle facing uphill: Thehandbrakeshouldbesetandthevehicle’swheelsshouldbeturnedawayfromthecurb.Thevehicleshouldbeinparkor,withamanualtransmission,inlow.

AnGLe PArKinGAngleparkingisoftenusedinparkinglotsofshoppingcentersandsometimesatcurbs.

Amotoristshouldfollowtheseruleswhenenteringanangleparkingspacetohis/herright:

•Watchfortrafficbothaheadandbehind.

•Signalandbegintoslowdown.

•Makesuretherearofthevehiclewillcleartheparkedvehicles.

•Steersharplyintotheparkingspace,andthenstraightenthewheelscenteringthevehicleintheparkingspace.

•Shifttopark,orreverseifstandardtransmission,andapplytheparkingbrake.

Amotoristshouldfollowtheserulesbeforebackingoutofanangleparkingspace:•Walkaroundtomakesurenothingisinthevehicle’sway.

•Slowlymovethevehicleinreverseandbesurethatthelaneisclearoftraffic.

•Tapthehorntowarnnearbypedestrians.

•Whenabletoseepastthetopsofvehiclesparkednexttothevehicle,stopandlookagain.

•Lookbackandtoeachsideforothermotorists.

•Rememberthatthefrontofthevehiclewillswingoppositetothedirectionoftheturn.

•Backupslowlywhileturninguntilthevehicle’sleftfrontwheelpassestherearbumperofthevehicleparkedontheleft.

•Straightenthewheelsasthevehiclecomesbackintothelaneoftraffic.

PArALLeL PArKinGParallelparking is themostcommon typeofparkingoncitystreets.AmotoristmustbeabletoparallelparkavehicleinordertopasstheMVC’sroadtest.Thistakes themostpractice foranewmotorist.Amotoristshouldpracticeoften, inanemptyparkinglotatfirst.Flagsormarkers25feetapartmaybeusedtoshowwhere theother vehicleswouldbe. If amotoristhits thesesigns,he/she isnotreadyforparkingbetweenrealvehiclesandshouldkeeppracticing.Theslowerandsmootheramotoristbacksintoaparkingspace,theeasieritistopark.Toproperlyparallelpark,amotoristshould:

•Findaparkingspacethatislargeenoughtofitthevehicle.

•Signalforastopandsignaltotherighttoalertmotoriststhatthevehiclewillbackuptotheright.

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Parallel Parking

P R N D 3 2 1

P R N D 3 2 1

P R N D 3 2 1

6”P R N D 3 2 1

BDMN_parallelparking_110907

•Pullupalongside(parallel)abouttwotofourfeetfromthevehicleinfront.

•Turnandchecktoseethatthewayisclearbehindthevehiclebeforebackingup.

•Turnhis/herbodytolookouttherearwindowofthevehicle.Beginbackingupslowlyforabouttwofeetandturnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotheright.

•Whenthefrontofthevehiclehasclearedtherearbumperofthevehicleinfront,stopandchecktheangle.

•Makesuretherightbackwheelhasnothitthecurb.

•Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotheleftwhilebeginningtobackupslowly.

•Makesurethevehiclecanclearitsbackbumper.

•Whenthevehicleisinline,stop.Besurenottohitthevehicleinback.

•Turnthevehicle’swheelsstraight,anddrivetothecenteroftheparking space.Thevehicle’stiresshouldbenomorethansixinchesfromthecurb.

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Chapter 4

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Special Highway, Parkway and Turnpike ConditionsCurvesInterchangesTurning RegulationsStopping Regulationsusing HeadlightsParking RegulationsCellular Telephoneslittering

666767687174767778

safe Driving rules& Regulations

Speed ControlPassingkeeping to the Rightyielding the Right-of-wayPedestrians in a CrosswalkIntersectionsEntering Highways, Parkways and Turnpikes leaving Highways, Parkways and Turnpikes

5860616162626465

SPEED COnTROlExceedingthespeedlimitisacommoncontributingfactoroffatalandothertypesofaccidents.Amotoristmustalwaysobeythespeedlimit.Speedaffectsalmosteverythingthatcanhappenwhendriving.Agoodruleistokeepupwiththeflowoftrafficatanylegalspeed.Inordertomakesafeemergencystopswhennecessary,itisimportanttokeepenoughdistancefromsurroundingtraffic.NewJerseylawsetstopspeedlimitsforanygivenroad,street,highwayorfreeway.

25SpeedlimitS

25 mph School zones, businessor residential districts

35SpeedlimitS

35 mph Suburban business and residential districts

50SpeedlimitS

50 mph non-posted rural roadways

55SpeedlimitS

55 mph Certain state highways (as posted) and interstates

65SpeedlimitS

65 mph Certain interstate highways (as posted)

Motorists pay double fines for exceeding the 65mphlimitby10milesperhourormore.Double fines also apply to most other moving violations committed in a 65 mph zone. (n.J.s.a. 39:4-98.6)

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new Jersey sPeeD Limits (unLess otherwise PosteD) (N.J.S.A.39:4-98)Neverdrivefasterthanweather,roadorotherconditionssafelyallow,regardlessofthepostedspeedlimit.Amotoristshouldjudgehis/herspeedcontrolbyexistingconditions.Amotoristshouldslowdownenoughtobeabletoseeclearlyandstopquicklyintraffic.Failuretodosocanresultinamovingviolation.

Alwaysslowdown:•Onnarroworwindingroads

•Atintersectionsorrailroadcrossings

•Onhills

•Atsharporblindcurves

•Wheretherearepedestriansordrivinghazards

•Whentheroadiswetorslippery

If vehicleproblemspreventamotorist fromkeepingupwith thenormal flowoftraffic,he/sheshouldpullofftheroadandactivatehazardlights.

DrivinG too sLowLyAmotoristshouldalwaystrytokeepupwiththenormalflowoftraffic,whilenotexceedingthepostedspeedlimit.Somecollisionsarecausedbydrivingtooslowlyandbackinguptraffic.Whenroadsurfacesandtrafficarenormal,NewJerseylawprohibitsblockingtrafficthroughslowdriving.

sAfe corriDors(N.J.S.A.39:4-203.5)Inaneffort to improvehighwaysafety,NewJersey initiated theSafeCorridorsProgram,whichwassignedintolawinJuly2003.TheSafeCorridorslawdoublesfinesonvariousstatehighwaysforavarietyofdrivingoffenses,includingspeedingand aggressive driving. Highways are designated as safe based on statisticsshowingcrashrates50percentoverthestaterateand1,000ormorecrashesreportedovera three-yearperiod.TheCommissionerofTransportationhas theauthority todesignatehighwaysasnecessary, aswell as to remove those thatshowimprovedsafetylevels.ThelawtookeffectonFebruary15,2004.Acurrentlist of Safe Corridor highways is available on the New Jersey Department ofTransportationWebsiteatwww.nj.gov/transportation.

Motorists pay double fines for exceeding the 65mphlimitby10milesperhourormore.Double fines also apply to most other moving violations committed in a 65 mph zone. (n.J.s.a. 39:4-98.6)

Passing

PASS WHEN LINE IS BROKEN

BDMN_passing_110907

NO PASSING WITH DOUBLESOLID LINES

DO NOT PASS WHEN LINE

IS SOLID

PaSSInGAmotoristmustknowtheproperlanefornormaldrivingandhowtochangelanessafely.Therulesforpassingdependonthetypeofroad.Staytotherightoftheroadway’scenterlines.Passingisonlysafewhenthereisnooncomingtraffic.

Watchforthefollowinglanemarkings:(N.J.S.A.39:4-86)•Both center lines are solid:Nopassingallowed.

•one center line is broken:Passingisallowedonlyonthesidewiththebrokenline.

•Both center lines are broken:Passingisallowedonbothsides.

Note:Allpassingmustbecompletedbeforethecenterlinesaresolidagain.

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PAss onLy when sAfeMostpassingshouldbeontheleft.Passingontherightisallowedonlyonroadswithmorethanonelanegoinginthesamedirection,ifvehiclesontheroadwayaremovingintwoormoresubstantiallycontinuouslinesorwhenthemotoristaheadismakingaleftturnandthereisroomtopass.Neverpassontherightshoulderoftheroad.Thisisagainstthelaw.(N.J.S.A.39:4-85)

Amotoristshouldnotpass:•Onahilloracurveoratanytimehe/shecannotseefarenoughahead

•Atastreetcrossingorintersection

•Atarailroadcrossing

•Onnarrowbridgesorinunderpassesortunnels

•Whenasignprohibitspassingorcenterlinesrestrictpassing

•Whenbehindavehiclethathasstoppedtoletapedestriancross

kEEPInG TO THE RIGHTThe laws of New Jersey require motorists to keep to the right, except whenpassing.Motoristsmustdriveontherighthalfoftheroadwayunlessdrivingonaone-waystreet.Motoristsmustdriveavehicleascloseaspossibletotheright-handedgeorcurboftheroadway,exceptwhenovertakingandpassinganothervehicle.(N.J.S.A.39:4-82)

Onamulti-laneroadway,motoristsmustdriveinthelanenearesttotheright-handedgeorcurbof the roadwaywhen the lane isavailable for travel,exceptwhenovertakinganothervehicleorinpreparationforaleftturn.(N.J.S.A.39:4-88)

yIElDInG THE RIGHT-Of-wayAlthoughlawsgoverntheright-of-way,amotoristshouldalwaysbepreparedtoyield.Thesebasicrulesalwaysapply.

•emergency vehicles:whenpolicecars,fireenginesandambulancesaregivingwarningsigns(sirens,flashinglights)

•Buses:whenre-enteringtheflowoftraffic

• postal vehicles:whenvehicleisseekingtore-entertheflowoftraffic

•pedestrians:wheninacrosswalkorseekingtocrossaroad

•motorized or mobility-assistance devices: wheninacrosswalkorseekingtocrossaroad

•other vehicles that are already in the intersection

PEDESTRIanS In a CROSSwalkNew Jersey has experienced a large number of pedestrian injury crashes andfatalities,ascomparedtothenationasawhole.Themostimportantpedestriansafety message for New Jersey residents is: pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. There is no single cause of crashes involving pedestrians.Pedestriansandmotoristsmustalldotheirparttokeeppedestrianssafe.

Amotoristmust:•Yieldtopedestriansincrosswalks.(PerN.J.S.A39:4-36,failuretoyield

carriesa$100fine,upto15daysinjailanda2-pointlicensepenalty.).

•Watchforpedestrianswhenturningrightonred.

•Obeyspeedlimits.

•Besurenottoblockorparkincrosswalks.

•Keepthevehicle’swindshieldcleanformaximumvisibility.

•Bealertforpedestriansatalltimes.

•Beawareofareaswherepedestriansaremostlikelytoappear(nearschools,towncenters,residentialneighborhoods,parks).

•Neverpassanothervehiclethathasstoppedtoyieldtoapedestrian.

•Yieldtheright-of-waytoallpedestriansinacrosswalk,eveniftheybegancrossingwithapropersignalandtheyarestillinthecrosswalkwhenthesignalchanges.

•RememberthatpedestriansarethemostvulnerableroadwayusersMotoristswillbeheldresponsibleformaintainingpedestriansafety.

InTERSECTIOnSAn intersection iswheretwoormoreroadscrossormergeatangles.Asmostcollisionsoccuratintersections,amotoristshouldbeawareofthethreetypesofintersectionsandknowhowtosafelynavigatethroughthem.Asinglesolidwhitelineacrossaroadatanintersectionmeansthatamotoristmuststopbehindthelineforatrafficsignalorsign.

controLLeDAnintersectioniscontrollediftherearetrafficsignalsorsignsinanydirection.Amotoristmustobeythesignalsandsigns.Atacontrolledintersection,amotoristmustyieldforcertainconditions.Atamulti-waystoporstopintersection,amotoristmustyieldtothemotoristontherightifbothmotoristsgetthereatthesametime.Amotoristshouldalsoyieldtoanothermotoristalreadystoppedattheintersection.

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Atanintersectioncontrolledbyayieldsign,amotoristmustslowdownandyieldtotrafficontheintersectingroadway,evenifhe/shehastostop.Whenmakingaleftturnatanintersection,amotoristmustyieldtooncomingtrafficandtopedestrianswithinthecrosswalk.

Note:Driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign is amotor vehicleviolation.(N.J.S.A.39:4-66.2)

uncontroLLeDAnintersectionisuncontrolledwhentwoormoreroadsjoinandthereisnotrafficsignal or regulatory device.Amotoristmust be very carefulwhen approachingthesetypesofintersections.Mostofthetimetherewillbeawarningsignpriortoreachingtheintersection.Asamotoristnearsacrossroadthatisnotcontrolled,he/shemustreducespeedandbereadytostopifanytrafficiscomingfromtherightor left.Amotoristcomingfromaprivateroadordrivewaymustyieldtoalltrafficonthemainroad(althoughamotoristcanneverbesurethatwilloccur).Asageneralrule,thevehicleontheleftshouldyieldtothevehicleontheright.Whenatrafficsignalisnotilluminatedbecauseofapowerfailureorothermalfunction,thetrafficsignalisobservedasa4-waystopsignal.(N.J.S.A.39:4-81)

bLinDBuildings,parkedvehiclesorbushesmayobstructamotorist’s lineofsight.Onruralroadways,treesorcropsmayobstructamotorist’slineofsight.Amotoristshouldalwaysslowdownorstopcompletelytomakesurethereisnocrosstrafficbeforeproceeding.

trAffic circLeTherearenoset rulesfordriving into,aroundandoutofa trafficcircle inNewJersey.Commonsenseandcautionmustprevailatalltimes.Inmostcases,thecircle’shistoricallyestablishedtrafficflowpatterndictateswhohastheright-of-way.Ifamajorhighwayflowsintoandthroughthecircle,itusuallydominatesthetrafficflowpatternandcommandstheright-of-way.Trafficcontrolsigns,suchasstoporyieldsigns,attheentrancestothecirclealsogovernwhichmotoristhastheright-of-way.Neverenteratrafficcirclewithoutcheckingallsignsanddeterminingtheintentionsofthemotoristsalreadymovingwithinthecircle.

Wheneveramotoristisindoubtconcerningwhohastheright-of-wayinacircle,he/sheshouldexerciseextremecautionandrememberthebasicrulegoverninganyuncontrolledintersection:Thevehicletotheleftyieldstheright-of-waytothevehicleapproachingfromtheright.

Merging Lanes

USE TURN SIGNAL

SPEED UP TO FLOW OF TRAFFIC

SLOW TO SPEED LIMIT OF EXIT LANE

USE TURN SIGNAL

AVOID STOPPING IN THE ENTRY AND EXIT LANES

BDMN_merging_lanes_110907

EnTERInG HIGHwayS, PaRkwayS anD TuRnPIkES

Highways, parkways and turnpikes are high-speed (up to 65 mph) dividedroadwaysandgenerallyhavemultiplelanes.Trafficoneachsideofthedividewilltravelinonlyonedirection.Therearenodirectintersections.Motoristsentertheseroadwaysbywayofaccelerationlanes,whichareextralanesathighwayentrancesusedbymotoriststospeeduptojointheflowoftraffic.Amotoristmustyieldtotrafficalreadytravelingonthemainroadbeforemovingintotheproperlane.

Keepthefollowingpointsinmindwhenenteringahighway,parkwayorturnpike:•Obeypostedadvisoryspeedlimits(ifany)attheentranceramp.

•Speeduptotheflowoftrafficwhenleavingtheaccelerationlane.

•Avoidcomingtoacompletestopintheaccelerationlane.

•Yieldtotrafficandentertheright-handlanewhensafe.

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Merging Lanes

USE TURN SIGNAL

SPEED UP TO FLOW OF TRAFFIC

SLOW TO SPEED LIMIT OF EXIT LANE

USE TURN SIGNAL

AVOID STOPPING IN THE ENTRY AND EXIT LANES

BDMN_merging_lanes_110907

lEaVInG HIGHwayS, PaRkwayS anD TuRnPIkES

Inmostcases,exitrampsordecelerationlanes,whichareextralanesatahighwayexit,arelocatedontheright-handsideoftheroadway.Amotoristshouldalwayswatchforsignsthatdirectwheretoexittheroadway.Ifamotoristmissesanexitramponahighway,parkwayorturnpike,he/sheshouldgotothenextexit.

Keepthefollowingpointsinmindwhenleavingahighway,parkwayorturnpike:•Startslowingdownwhenenteringadecelerationlane.

•Obeythepostedadvisoryspeedlimitofthedecelerationlane

•Whentheexitislocatedontheleftofaroadway,lookforsignsthatwilldirecttraffictotheproperlaneforexiting.

•Ifyoumissanexit,goontothenextone.

•Neverbackuponanexitrampordecelerationlane.

SPECIal HIGHway, PaRkway anD TuRnPIkE COnDITIOnSweAve LAneAweavelaneisbothanentranceandanexitforanexpressway.Trafficmaycomeontoand leave theexpresswayat thesame location.This trafficweavecausesconflicts, both for motorists using a weave lane and those on the expresswayand entrance ramp (in terms of speed and space adjustments). The motoristenteringfromtheentrancerampmustyieldtheright-of-waytothemotoristleavingtheexpressway.

hiGhwAys throuGh citiesThe volume of traffic may increase dramatically. Speeds may slow to a crawl.Amotoristshoulddriveintheleftorcenter lanetoavoidmergeconflictsduringrushhour.Amotoristshouldsearchforexitsearlyandadjustpositionforexit.

DisAbLeD vehicLesWhen seeing a disabled vehicle ahead, a motorist should reduce speed andincrease thespacebetweenhis/hervehicleand thedisabledvehicle.Thismayinvolvechanginglanes.Bealertforpedestrians,towtrucksand/orpolicevehicles.Ifamotorist’svehiclebecomesdisabled,he/shemust:

•Pulloffasfaraspossibleontotheshoulderormedian

•Turnonemergencyflashers.

•Raisethehoodtosignalforassistance.

•Stayinthevehicleandlockthedoors.

•Askanyonewhostopstogotoaphoneandcallforassistance.

•Notgetintoastranger’svehicle.

construction AreAsAmotorist should always stay alert for construction-areawarning signs. Whencomingacrosstheseareas,amotoristshouldadjustspeedandadjustpositiontomaintainspacearoundhis/hervehicle.

toLL boothsAmotoristshouldstayalertfortollboothsignsandbeginreducingspeedearly,astrafficmaybebackedupat thebooth.Green lightsorsignalswillhighlightopenbooths.AmotoristshouldbeawareofEZPassboothsandlanes,includinghigh-speedEZPasslanes.Whenexitingtollbooths,amotoristshouldsearchtraffictobothsidesformergingpotential,acceleratesmoothlyandadjustspeed.

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CuRVESIt is importantforamotoristtoadjuststeeringandspeedwhenapproachingacurveintheroadbecausevehiclestendtokeepgoingstraight.Thebestwaytoenteracurveistoslowdownbeforeenteringandavoiddriftingintoanotherlane.Amotoristshouldalwayswatchforvehiclesthatmaydrift intohis/her laneaswell.CheckforCurveAheadwarningsignsandrecommendedspeeds.

InTERCHanGESDivided roadways are built for express traffic. To ease traffic flow, there areusuallynotrafficlightsordirectintersections.Toenterorexitsuchanexpressway,acloverleafturnisoftennecessary.Amotoristshouldwatchforentranceandexitsignsanddriveslowlyinthecircle,obeyingthepostedspeedlimit.

Right Turn

USE TURN SIGNAL

STAY IN LANE

DO NOT CROSS DIVIDING LINE

BDMN_right_turn_110907

SLOW DOWN

TuRnInG REGulaTIOnSriGht turn on reDUnlessaNoTurnonRedsignisposted,NewJerseylawauthorizesarightturnonaredlightafteramotoristcomestoafullstopandchecksfortraffic.Amotoristmustyieldtoalloncomingtrafficandpedestriansbeforeturningrightataredlight.Difficult-to-seevehicles,suchasbicyclesandmopeds,mayhaveagreenlight,soitisimportantforamotoristtobeawareoftheirpresence.(N.J.S.A.39:4-115)Alwaysuseaproper turnsignalat least100 feetbeforemakingany turn,andcancelthesignalaftercompletingtheturn.(N.J.S.A.39:4-126)

riGht turns(N.J.S.A.39:4-123)Tomakeasaferightturn,amotoristshouldapproachtheintersectionasfartotherightaspossible,keepingneartothecurborparkedvehicles.Themotoristshouldnotswingoutwardorintoanotherlanewhilemakingtherightturn.He/sheshoulddriveuptotheturnasfartotherightaspossible,keepingclosetotherightcurborparkedvehiclesatthecurb.Thisvehiclepositioningpriortoarightturnreducesthechanceofanothervehiclebeinginthespaceontherightasthemotoristmakestheturn.He/sheshouldnotswingintothewronglanewhilemakingtheturn.

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Left turns(N.J.S.A.39:4-123)left turns, two vehicles:Whentwovehiclesmeetatanintersectionandbothhavesignaledtoturnleft,extracautionmustbeapplied.Whensafe,eachmotoristshouldturntotheleftofthecenteroftheintersection.

left turn from a one-way road on to a one-way road:Approachingtheturnin the left lane, the motorist should turn into the left lane of the road he/sheisentering.

Left Turn: Cutting Corners

USE TURN SIGNAL

YIELD TOONCOMINGTRAFFIC

DON’T CUT CORNERS

BDMN_left_turn_110907

left turn from a two-way road onto a two-way road:Approachtheturnascloseaspossibletothelinenearesttothecenteroftheroad.Whenturning,thevehicleshouldnotcrosslanemarkings.Themotoristshouldkeeptotherightofthecenterlineoftheroadthatthevehicleisentering.

left turns, between intersections: Between intersections, solid lines showwhennottopass.However,theselinesmaybecrossedwithcarewhenenteringorleavingdrivewaysinbusinessorresidentialareas.

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Left Turn: Four Lane

BDMN_leftturn_4lane_110907

YIELD TOONCOMINGTRAFFIC

USE TURN SIGNAL

DON’TTURN WIDE

left turn from a two-way road onto a four-lane highway: Approachtheturnasclosetothecenterlineoftherightsideoftheroadaspossible.Maketheturnbeforereachingthecenteroftheintersection.

Itisimportantnottocrosslanemarkings.Themotoristshouldturnintothelanenearestthecenterlineoftherightsideoftheotherroad.Thisisthepassinglaneofthefour-lanehighway.Whentrafficpermits, themotoristshouldmovetotheright,outofthepassinglane.

STOPPInG REGulaTIOnSSigns, signals and traffic rules indicatewhen amotoristmust stop. Amotoristshouldnever try tobeata traffic lightchange.Amotoristmustbecarefulevenifthelight ischangingtogreen(freshgreenlight).Theremaybeothervehiclescomingthroughorstillintheintersection.Mostaccidentsattrafficsignalshappeninthefirstfewsecondsafterthelighthaschanged.Whenayellowlightfollowsagreenlight,amotoristmuststopbeforeenteringtheintersection,unlessyellowappearswhen thevehicle is tooclose tostopsafely. If the lightchangeswhileadriverisalreadyintheintersection,he/sheshouldgothroughwithcaution.Bealertforastalegreenlight;thisisalightthathasbeengreenforsometime.

Be prepared for it to change to yellow and then red. Slow down andstopaccordingly.

A motorist must stop:•Atanintersectionwithastopsign

•Atanintersectionwitharedlighteitherflashingorilluminated

•Atanintersectionwithayellowlightafteragreen,unlesstooclosetostopsafely

•Whenatrafficofficerordersthevehicletostop

•Whenthereisayieldsign,andtrafficdoesnotpermitasafemerge

•Whenaschoolbusispickinguporlettingoffchildrenand/ortheredlightsareflashing

•Whencomingfromanalley,privatedrivewayorbuilding

•Atabridgespanthatisabouttoopenforboattraffic

•Forablindpedestrianusingawhiteormetallicwalkingcane,oratrainedguidedog,oraguidedoginstructorengagedininstructingaguidedog

•Forapedestrianinacrosswalkoratanintersection

•Foramotorizedwheelchairormobility-assistancedeviceinacrosswalkoratanintersection

Singlewhitestoplinesshowmotoristswheretostopatstopsignsortrafficsignals.

stoP At rAiLroAD crossinGsToensurepublicsafety,theNewJerseyDepartmentofTransportation(NJDOT)andrailroadcompaniesmarkpublichighwayrailroadcrossingswithoneormorewarning devices. Warning devices include advance warning signs, pavementmarkingsinfrontofarailroadcrossing,flashinglights(usuallyonrailroadcrossingsigns),gatesorgateswithflashinglights,bellsandflagsignals.

A motorist must stop at least 15 feet from railroad crossings when there areflashinglights,ringingbellsorflagsignals.Descendinggatesorgatesthathavealreadybeenloweredindicatethatatrainiscomingandamotoristmuststop.Amotoristshouldneverattempttocrossuntilthegateshavebeenraisedandthelightshavestoppedflashing(N.J.S.A.39:4-127.1).

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School Bus

CARS MUST STOP 25 FEETAWAY FROM SCHOOL BUS

BVMN_schoolbus_110907

All other commercial motor vehicles:Somevehicles, suchasschoolbusesor vehiclescarryinghazardousmaterials,mustalwaysstopatrailroadcrossings.Whendrivingbehindoneofthesevehicles,a motorist must be prepared to stop, even if signals do not indicate a train iscoming(N.J.S.A.39:4-128).

Amotoristshouldneverstophis/hervehicleonrailroadtracks.Ifavehiclestallsonthetracks,andthemotoristseesatraincoming,he/sheshouldgetoutandwalkclearofthetracks.Nevertrytoraceatrain.Mosttrainsneedmorethanamiletostop,iftravelingat60mphormore.

stoP for schooL buses(N.J.S.A.39:4-128.1)Amotoristmuststopforaschoolbuswithflashingredlights.Statelawrequiresmotoriststostopatleast25feetawayifhe/sheistravelingonatwo-laneroadoronamulti-lanehighwaywherelanesareonlyseparatedbylinesoronaprivatelymaintainedroad.Whentravelingonadual-lanehighway,amotoristshouldslowto10mphifontheothersideofasafetyislandorraisedmedian.

School buses are equippedwith yellow (or amber) and red flashing lights. Theyellow(oramber)lightsgoonbeforethebusstops,andtheredlightsgoonwhenithasstopped.However,amotoristshouldnotdependontheselights,however,ifdrivingbehindaschoolbus.Theymaybemalfunctioning.

Whenabusstops,allmotoriststravelingbehindorapproachingitmuststoptheirvehiclesatleast25feetaway.Amotoristshouldonlyproceedafterthebussignalshavebeenturnedoff,andeventhen,he/shemustwatchforchildren.

Ifaschoolbushasstoppeddirectlyinfrontofaschooltopickuporletoffchildren,amotoristmaypassfromeitherdirectionataspeedofnomorethan10mph.

stoP for frozen Dessert trucKs (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.4)Whenapproachingorovertakinganicecreamorfrozendesserttruckfromeitherdirection,andthetruckisflashingredlightsandpostingastopsignalarm,amo-toristmust:

•Yieldtheright-of-waytoanypersonwhoiscrossingtheroadwaytoorfromthetruck.

•Watchoutforchildrenandbepreparedtostop.

•Stop,thendrivepastthetruckataslowspeedofnomorethan15mph.

Amotoristneednotstoponadualhighwayifhe/sheisontheothersideofasafetyislandorraisedmedian.

PuLL over AnD stoP for emerGency vehicLes NewJerseylawrequiresallmotoriststoyieldtoemergencyvehicleswhentheysoundsirensand/orflashingredand/orblueemergencylights.Amotoristshouldsteertotheextremerightoftheroadway,stopandwaitforthevehicletopass.Afterward,themotoristshouldkeepatleast300feetbehindasignalingemergencyvehicle(N.J.S.A.39:4-92,39:3-54.12).

Policecars,firetrucks,ambulancesorotheremergencyvehicleshavesirensandredlights.Privatevehiclesoperatedbyvolunteerfireandrescuesquadmembers(withemergencyvehicleidentification)respondingtoanemergencycallusebluelights.Amotoristshouldneverparkwithin200feetofafiredepartmentvehicleinserviceordriveoverafirehoseunlessdirectedtodosobyafire,emergencyrescueorpoliceofficial.

uSInG HEaDlIGHTSProper use of headlights is critical to safe driving. Headlights must be usedbetweenone-halfhouraftersunsetandone-halfhourbeforesunrise.Headlightsmustalsobeusedwhenvisibilityis500feetorless,whenusingwindshieldwipers(duringrain,snowandice)orwhenencounteringfog,mist,smokeorotherfactorsthatreducevisibility(N.J.S.A.39:3-46).

Beingabletoseeclearlywhiledrivingisveryimportant.Avehicle’slightsshouldalwaysbeingoodworkingorderandclean.Headlightshelpothermotoristsseeapproachingvehicles.Parkingorauxiliarylightscannotlegallybeusedinplaceofheadlightswhenheadlightsarerequired.

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briGht AnD DimHeadlightshavetwosetsofbeams:bright(high)anddim(low),whicharecontrolledbya switchor buttononor near thedashboard.Thebright beam is for open-countrydrivingwhenthereisnotrafficinsight.Thebrightbeamhelpsamotoristsee farther ahead and peripherally or at a wider angle. At night, a motorist’spupilsaredilated,allowingmorelighttoaidintheabilitytosee.Brightbeamscanmomentarilyblindothermotoristsbyconstrictingthepupilsandshouldnotbeusedifothervehiclesareapproachingorwhendrivingbehindanothervehicle. Itcantakethreetofivesecondsforamotoristtorecoverfromtheglareofapproachinghigh-beamheadlights.Ata speedof50mph,amotoristwill have traveled thelengthofafootballfieldwhilebeingunabletosee.Ifavehicleisapproachingwithhighbeams,amotoristshouldlooktotherightoftheroaduntilthevehiclepasses.Neverflashhighbeamsatanapproachingmotorist.

Thedimbeamsareusedforcitydrivinganddriving intrafficonroadways.Dimbeamsarefocuseddownontheroad.Dimbeamsareusedwhentravelingbehindothervehiclesorwhenanothervehicleisapproaching.

other tyPes of LiGhtsparking lights:Theselightsaretobeusedforashortperiodoftime,suchaswhenavehicleisleftinapermittedzone,toshowothermotoristswhereavehicleisparked.Parkinglightsarerequiredonvehiclesparkedinareasotherthanbusinessorresidentialzones.

tail lights:Theselightsturnonatthesametimeasavehicle’sheadlightsandparkinglights.Theybecomebrighterwhenamotoristappliesthebrakestoshowthathe/sheisslowingorstopping.Duringtheday,withoutheadlights,thetaillightsalsoturnonasamotoristappliesthebrakes.

Brake lights:Theselightsbecomebrighterwhenamotoristappliesthebrakes,showingthatthevehicleisslowingorstopping.

interim (overhead) lights:Foundinsidethevehicle,thesetypesoflightsshouldbeusedonlybriefly(whennecessary)whendrivingortocomplywithapoliceofficer’srequesttoilluminatethemotorist’scompartmentofthevehiclewhenstopped.

dashboard lights: Ifdashboardlightsaretoobright,theymaycreateaglareforthemotoristandimpedevision.Thelightsshouldbekeptdimbutstilllightenoughforamotoristtoreadthedials.

Spotlights:Thesetypesoflightsshouldbeusedonlyinemergencies.Thisalsoapplies to emergency flashers (hazard lights). Spotlights may not be used fordrivingpurposes.

fog lights:Theseauxiliarydrivinglightsmaybeusedwithlow-beamheadlightstoprovidegenerallightingaheadofamotorvehicle,specificallyduringfoggyweatherconditions(N.J.A.C.13:20-32.25).

PaRkInG REGulaTIOnSAmotoristshouldalwayscheck for trafficwhen leavingavehicleafterparking.He/sheshouldalsocheckforbicyclesormopeds,whicharesometimesdifficultto see, before opening the driver-side door and exiting the vehicle. A motoristopeningadoorintotrafficmaybeliableforanycollisionwithamovingvehicle.Itissaferforpassengerstoexitaparkedvehiclefromthecurbside.Amotoristshouldreadparkingsignsbeforeparkingonacitystreettobeawareofrestrictionsortimelimits.Itisillegalforavehicletobeparkedmorethansixinchesfromthecurb(N.J.S.A.39:4-135).Neverparkwhereavehiclewillblocktraffic.

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Do not PArK (N.J.S.A.39:4-138)Unlessdirected todosobyapoliceofficeror toavoidanaccident,amotoristshouldneverstoporparkatanyofthefollowingplaces:

•Onacrosswalk

•Betweenasafetyzoneforpedestriansandtheadjacentcurborwithin20feetoftheendofthesafetyzone

•Nearproperlymarkedstreetconstruction

•Inaspaceonpublicorprivatepropertymarkedforvehicleparkingforthehandicapped(unlesslegallyauthorized)

•Onaninterstatehighway

•Onasidewalk

•Inabusstopzone

•Infrontofapublicorprivatedriveway

•Withinanintersection

•Within10feetofafirehydrant

•Within25feetofacrosswalkatanintersection,orsidelineofastreetorintersectionhighway,exceptatalleys

•Within50feetofarailroadcrossing

•Within50feetofastopsign

•Within20feetofthedrivewayentrancetoanyfirestationandwithin75feetonthestreetoppositeafirestationentrance

•Onanybridgeorelevatedroadwayorinanytunnel

•Nexttoanothervehicleparkedatthecurb(doubleparking)

•Inanareawhereparkingisprohibitedbymunicipalordinance

Incaseofmechanicaltroubleorotheremergency,amotoristshouldstopontherighthighwayshoulderandturnonemergencyflashers.

CEllulaR TElEPHOnESStatelawprohibitstheuseofhandheldelectronicdevices(e.g.,cellulartelephones)whiledrivingamotorvehicleonanypublicroadorhighway.AsofMarch1,2008,usingahandheldcellular telephoneor textingdevice isaprimaryoffense.Lawenforcementmaystopandciteamotoristspecificallyfortheseactions.Motoristsare permitted to use a hands-free cellular telephone if it does not interferewith any federally required safety equipment or with the safe operation of thevehicle.Althoughtheuseofahands-freecellulartelephoneislegal,itisstronglydiscouraged.Ahandheldcellulartelephonemaybeusedonlyincertainemergencysituations,whichinclude:

•Fire

•Trafficaccident

•Seriousroadhazard

•Medicalemergency

•Hazardousmaterialemergency

Motorists in the above-mentioned circumstances must keep one hand onthe steering wheel while using a handheld telephone. To prove legal use of ahandheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle, a motorist may be askedto produce testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities, ortelephone records.Fines for breaking this law rangebetween$100and$250(N.J.S.A.39:4-97.3).

A graduated driver license (GDL) motorist may not use a handheld orhands-free cellular telephone, or any other handheld electronic device, whenbehindthewheel.DoingsoisaviolationofGDLrestrictions(N.J.S.A.39:3-13,39:3-13.2A,39:3-13.4).

Aschoolbusdrivermaynotuseahandheldorhands-freecellulartelephonewhileoperatingtheschoolbus,exceptinanemergencysituationorwhentheschoolbusisparkedinasafeareaoffofahighway(N.J.S.A.39:3B-25).

lITTERInGThrowingtrash,debrisorrubbishfromamovingorparkedvehicleisillegal.Litteris a safetyhazardandaneyesore.Finesof up to$1,000maybe imposedonmotoristsfoundthrowingdangerousobjectsfromavehicleontoaroadway.Ifthevehicleismovingwhenlitteristhrown,themotoristmaylosehis/herlicense.Alltrash,debrisorrubbishcarriedinavehiclemustbecoveredtokeepitfromlitteringtheroadway(N.J.S.A.39:4-63,39:4-64).

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Chapter 5

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Passed by another VehicleRoad ConditionsReduced Visibilitynight DrivingDriving SituationsReacting to Driving ProblemsVehicle failureCollisions (accidents)what to do in Case of a Collision

8787 909091949698

100

DeFeNsIVe DRIVInG

Prevent a Collisionaggressive Driving/Road RageDistractionsTired Driver/Highway HypnosisCommunicating and Drivingkeep a Safe Distance/Do not Tailgatefollowing DistancesChanging lanes and Passing

8282838384858687

PREVEnT a COllISIOn Mostcollisionsarecausedbymotoristerror.Amotoristcanreducethechancesofacollisionbyknowingandusingthestandardcollision-preventionformula:Be alert: Neverthinktheothermotoristwillnotmakeadrivingmistake.

Be prepared: Learnwhattodoinanysituationwhenyouhavetoactfast,andalwaysexpecttheunexpected.

Act in time: Trynottopanic.Knowwhattodoifsomethinghappenssuddenly

aGGRESSIVE DRIVInG/ROaD RaGE Emotionscanhaveagreataffectonamotorist’sdriving.Ifamotoristisangryorexcited,he/sheshould take time tocooloff.Aggressivedriving isdefinedasaprogressionofunlawfuldrivingactions,suchasspeeding,improperorexcessivelanechanging,orimproperpassing.Aggressivedriversfailtoconsiderhowtheiractionsbehindthewheelmayaffectothermotoristson theroad.Whenbehindthewheel,amotoristshouldalwaysremaincalmandfollowtherulesoftheroad.Extremecasesofaggressivedrivingmayleadtoroadrage.

Road rage occurs when motorists lose their tempers or become frustratedbecauseofatrafficdisturbance.Theseaggressivemotoristsmayrunstopsignsandred lights,speed,tailgate,weavethroughtraffic,pass illegallyontheright,makeimproperandunsafelanechanges,makehandorfacialgestures,scream,honk horns or flash high beams. In extreme cases, aggressive motorists maycauseacollision.

NewJerseyiswagingacampaignagainstroadrage.Thestatehasspeciallytrainedenforcementpatrols tohelpstopaggressivemotorists.To reportanaggressivemotoristcall(888)SAF-ROADorcellphone#77.

Note:Whilethereareemergencyexceptionstothehandheldcellularphonelaw,itisalwayssafesttopullovertothesideoftheroadbeforemakingacall.

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DISTRaCTIOnSOperatinganymotorvehiclerequiresthemotorist’sfullattention.Inmanycases,collisionsarecausedbyadistractedmotorist.Inattentivemotoristsoftentailgate,gotoofastordriftoutoftheir lanes.Theyignoretrafficsignsandsignals,roadmarkings, potential traffic hazards, road conditions and other vehicles. Somecausesofinattentivedrivingare:

•Lightingacigarette

•Tryingtofastenasafetybeltwhiledriving

•Reachingacrosstheseattocloseadoororlookintheglovecompartment

•Reachingforcoinsinpocketswhiledrivinguptoatollbooth

•Tryingtowindoradjustawristwatch

•Watchingchildrenorpetsinthevehicle

•Tryingtoremoveacoat

•Readingmapsandnewspapers

•Eatingwhiledriving

•Adjustingamirrorwhiledriving

•Usingacellularphone

•AdjustingtheradioorCDplayer

•Shaving

•Usingalaptopcomputerorfaxmachine

•Applyingmakeup

Amotoristshouldneverdoanyofthesewhiledriving.His/herfullattentionmustbeontheroadatalltimes.

TIRED DRIVER/HIGHway HyPnOSISA tireddriver isadangerousdriver.A tireddrivercannotdrivewellandhis/herreactiontimeisreduced.Themotoristmayalsogetupsetmoreeasilyorevenfallasleepbehind thewheel.A tireddrivercanbeasdangerousasadrunkdriver.Maggie’sLaw,whichwasenactedinJune2003,makesitillegaltoknowinglydriveavehiclewhileimpairedbylackofsleep.Thislawestablishesdrivingwhilefatiguedasrecklessnessunderthevehicularhomicidestatute(N.J.S.A.2C:11-5).

Whenamotoristhasbeenbehindthewheelforalongtime,he/shemayexperience“highwayhypnosis.”Thistrance-likestatemaybeavoidedbynot lookingatanyonethingformorethanafewseconds. It is recommendedthatamotorist resteverytwohoursand/orsharethedrivingwithanotherlicensedmotorist.

Drowsy DrivinG – who is most At risK? Motoristswhoare:

•Sleepdeprived

•Drivinglongdistanceswithoutrestbreaks

•Drivingthroughthenightoratothertimeswhentheyarenormallyasleep

•Takingmedicinethatincreasessleepiness,ordrinkingalcohol

•Drivingalone

•Drivingonlong,rural,boringroads

•Youngpeople

•Shiftworkers

•Commercialdrivers

COMMunICaTInG anD DRIVInGCommunicatewithothermotoristsbyallavailablemeansandsignals.Amotoristshould always stay in the lane that shows where he/she intends to turn. Turnsignals(handsignals)allowamotoristtotellothermotoristswhathe/sheisgoingtodo.Anothergoodmethodiscatchingothermotorists’eyes.Itmaybenecessarytotapthehorntowarnothermotorists.Atnight,aquickflipoftheheadlightsfromlowtohighandbacktolowmightbehelpful.

Amotoristshouldalwaysbepatientintownorcitytrafficandtrynottomakequickturnsorlanechanges.Donotletrush-hourtrafficbecomeirritating.Bealertanddrivedefensively.Alwaysusegoodjudgmentinstopping,startingandturning.Knowingalltrafficrules,signsandsignalsishelpful.Ifamotoristmustpullofftheroad,he/sheshouldalwaysturnonthevehicle’semergencyflashers(hazardlights).

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Space Cushion

ONE CAR LENGTH OFDISTANCE PER 10 MPH

KEEP SAFE DISTANCEDO NOT TAILGATE

TOO CLOSE

BVMN_space_cushion_110907

kEEP a SafE DISTanCE/DO nOT TaIlGaTEAmotoristshouldalwayskeepasafedistance fromothervehicleson the roadso that he/shehasplenty of time to react to emergencies.Tailgating refers tofollowingtoocloselybehindavehicledirectlyinfront.Thisisacommoncauseofaccidents.Tailgatingcancauseaseriesofrear-endcollisionswhenmanyvehiclesare too close together. There should be plenty of space between a motorist’svehicleandothersonallsides.Amotoristshouldstayinthemiddleofthelaneandmakesurethereisenoughroomaheadtostoporpasssafely.

one cAr LenGthAlthoughthere isnoperfectrulefor followingdistance, theruleof thumbmostoftenusedistokeeponecarlengthback(about20feet)foreach10milesperhourofspeed.Athighspeedsorinbadweather,followingdistancesshouldbeincreased.

three-seconDs-PLus ruLeSincemostpeoplehavetroublejudgingdistances,thethree-seconds-plusruletodeterminesafedistancemaybeeasiertouse.Itisusefulatanyspeed.

•Choosesomefixedobjectaheadofthevehicleinfront.Theobjectmaybeasignoratree.Makesuretheobjectdoesnotdistractattentionfromdriving.

•Asthevehicleinfrontpassestheobject,begincountingseconds(one-thousand-one,one-thousand-two,one-thousand-three).

•Ifittakesatleastthreesecondsbeforethevehiclepassestheobject,

amotoristshouldhaveenoughdistanceforasuddenstop.

•Practicingsafespacemanagement/followingdistanceistheabilitytostopavehiclesafelyandsmoothlyintheeventthevehicleinfrontstops.

•StoppingDistance=PerceptionDistance+ReactionDistance+BrakingDistance.

•Bykeepingafootnearthebrake,amotoristcanreducereactiondistance.

•Timeanddistancerelationshipsaredesignedforthebestdrivingconditions.

•Itshouldbenotedthatheaviervehiclesmaytakelongertostop.

Trytherulewhiledriving.Itcanhelpamotoristdevelopgoodjudgmentforproperfollowingdistances.Duringbadweather,thetimeintervalshouldbeincreasedtofourormoreseconds.

fOllOwInG DISTanCESWhilekeepingtheproperfollowingdistanceintraffic,themotoristshouldalwaysknowtheconditionofhis/hervehicle’sbrakes.Testthemoften.Makesureofthedistanceitmighttaketostop.Thisisveryimportantonwetroadsandwherethereissnoworice.Amotoristshouldalwaysincreasefollowingdistancewithpoorroadconditions.

minimum sAfe foLLowinG DistAnce (incarlengths)

road condition 20 mph 30 mph 40 mph 50 mph

ideal 2 car lengths 3 4 5

Wet pavement 4 car lengths 6 8 10

gravel 4 car lengths 6 8 10

packed snow 6 car lengths 9 12

ice 12 car lengths 18

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CHanGInG lanES anD PaSSInGUsingtheproper lane isan importantpartofdefensivedriving.Donotstraddlealane.Bealerttotrafficbehind.Whenalanechangemustbemade,lookattherearviewmirror.Glancebehindtocheckblindspots.Alwayssignallanechanges.Beforepassingavehicleorchanginglanes,keepthefollowingpointsinmind:

•Onlypassorchangelaneswhennecessary.

•Onlypassorchangelanesifitcanbecompletedwithoutspeeding.

•Keepasafefollowingdistance;donottailgate.

•Checktrafficaheadandbehind.

•Onlypasswhensignsandpavementmarkingspermit.

•Signaleverylanechange.

•Signalyourreturntotherightlane.

•Returntotherightlanewhenwellaheadofthevehiclethatwaspassed.(Agoodindicationthatitissafetoreturntotherightlaneiswhenthevehiclethatwaspassedisvisibleintherearviewmirror.)

•Canceltheturnsignal.

PaSSED By anOTHER VEHIClEWhenamotoristispassedbyanothervehicle,he/shemustbecareful.Stayintheproperlaneandslowdowntomakethepasseasierfortheothermotorist.Returntonormalspeedafterthepassingvehicleiswellahead(N.J.S.A.39:4-87).

ROaD COnDITIOnSwet roADsDrivemoreslowlyonwetroads.Stoppingandturningshouldbecompletedwithgreat care. The three-seconds-plus rule should be increased to four or moreseconds.Quickturnsorchangesinspeedmaycauseavehicletoskid.

Roadsurfacesarethemostslipperyduringthefirstfewminutesofarainfall.Whendrivingthroughawaterpuddle,amotoristshouldtestthebrakesbypumpingthem.Thiswillalsohelptodrythebrakes.Speedshouldbedecreasedwhenpassingthroughwaterpuddles,especiallythosedeeperthanthetreadofatire.

Hydroplaning

35 MPHOR MORE

35 MPH OR LESS

BVMN_hydroplaning_110907

hyDroPLAninGWetroadsurfacescancause tires tohydroplane,or rideuponafilmofwater,startingatabout35mph,whichcouldcauseamotoristtolosecontrolofhis/hervehicle.Chancesofhydroplaningincreaseasspeedsincrease.After55mph,tiresmaytotallyleavetheroadsurface.Iftirestotallyleavetheroadsurface,brakingis virtually impossible, and turning is not possible.Agust ofwind, a change inroadleveloraslightturncancreateaskidifavehicleishydroplaning.Toavoidhydroplaning,donotdriveonbaldorbadlyworntires,andslowdownwhenheavyrain,standingwaterorslushispresent.Inaheavyrainstorm,trytodriveonthehighest point of the road.For example, use the center laneon amultiple lanehighway,whenavailable.

snow AnD iceWinterdrivinghasspecialdangers,includinglongerhoursofdarkness,fog,rain,snow,sleetandice.Eachoftheseincreasesthepossibilityforanaccident.Asafemotoristispreparedforthesetypesofsituations.

Beforedriving incoldweather,starttheengineand let itwarmupaccordingtomanufacturerdirections.Allsnowandicemustberemovedfromtheentirevehicle.NewJersey lawstates thatamotorist is responsible forany ice thatflies fromhis/hervehicleandcausesdeath,injuryorpropertydamage(N.J.S.A.39:4-77.1).Alwaysmakesurethevehiclehasthepropertypeofwindshieldwashingfluid.

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Insnowandiceconditions,amotoristshouldtakeprecautionsandgetafeelfortheroad.Gentlyapplyingthebrakeswhiledrivingslowlywillallowamotoristtofindoutjusthowslipperytheroadis.Thiswillalsoallowthemotoristtojudgehowfastthevehiclecangoandstillstopsafely.Avehiclewillskidifamotorist:

•Acceleratestooquickly.

•Turnstoofast.

•Brakesimproperly.

Motoristswhohaveavehiclewithantilockbrakes(ABS)shouldkeepafootonthebrakepedal andnot pump thebrakes.Conventional disc anddrumbrakesrequirefirm,steadypressureonthebrakepedal.Hittingthebrakestoohardmaycausethewheelstolock.Ifthebrakesdolock,releasethebrakepedalandthenimmediatelyreapplywithslightlylesspressure.Thisprocessshouldberepeatedwithlessandlesspressureonthebrakepedaluntilthevehicleisundercontrol.Snowtireshelpdrivingduringthewintermonthsbyprovidingbettertractionformorecontrolledstarting,steeringandstopping.Snowtiresdonotprovidegoodtractiononice.Tirechainsarethebesttractiononiceandinhard-packedordeepsnow.InNewJersey,motoristsmayusestuddedsnowtiresbetweenNovember15andApril1(N.J.S.A.13:20-15.2g).

Tostartonsnowandice,keeptheenginespeedlow.Ifthewheelsspin,alowergear should be used. When stuck, rock the vehicle back and forth by shiftingbetweenforwardandreversetoescape.

Motoristsareprohibitedfromallowingtheirmotorvehiclestoidleformorethanthreeconsecutiveminutes.Amongtheexceptionsfor thisprohibitionincludemotorvehiclesstoppedinthelineoftraffic,motorvehiclesbeingrepaired,motorvehicleswaitingtobeinspected, emergency vehicles in emergency situations andbuseswhile dischargingorpickinguppassengers(N.J.A.C.7:27-15.8,7:27-14.3).

REDuCED VISIBIlITyPoor roadway or weather conditions require motorists to increase followingdistancebecauserough,wetorsnow-coveredroadsmayrequiremoreresponsetime.Agoodruleonsnow-coveredroadsistomaintainafollowingdistanceofsixsecondsormore.

frost or ice:Alwaysscrapeandwipeavehicle’swindowsbeforestarting.Turnonthedefroster.Ifthedefrosterdoesnotworkwhiledrivinginfreezingrainorsnow,stopthevehicle.Closethewindowsandlettheheaterwarmupthewindows.

fog:Alwaysslowdownwhendriving in fog.Headlightsshouldbekepton lowbeam and fog lights should be turned on, if the vehicle has them. Pavementmarkingsandothervehiclelightscanserveasamotorist’sguide.

Sun glare: Sun visors should always be adjusted to shield a motorist’s eyeswithoutcuttingoffhis/herviewof theroad.Hold thesteeringwheelfirmlyandslowdown.Watchforlanemarkings.

Inallcases,ifvisibilityisgreatlyreduced,amotoristshouldstopalongsidetheroadorontheshoulder,outofthewayoftraffic,andturnonemergencyflashers.

nIGHT DRIVInGNearly90percentofdrivingdecisionsarebaseduponwhatamotoristseeswhiledriving.Atnight,amotorist’svisionisreduced.Todrivesafelyatnight,slowdownanddrivewithintherangeofthevehicle’sheadlights.Amotoristshouldalwaysbesurethevehiclecanstopwithinthedistancethathe/sheseesahead.Amotoristshouldalwaysconsiderthefollowingfactorswhendrivingatnight:

•Speed

•Reactiondistance(distancetraveledbeforehittingthebrake)

•Brakingdistance(distanceneededtocompletelystopvehicle)

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DrivinG AnD stoPPinG At niGht

Thistableshowsthedistancetheaveragemotoristwillneedtostopwhiledrivingatadesignatedspeedusinglowbeamsatnight.Numbersarebasedonamotoristreaction timeof1.5seconds.Avehicle travels88 feetpersecondat60mph.Decelerationis17.02feetpersecond.

Othersafetyrulesfornightdrivingare:•Drivewithheadlightsonatdusk,night,dawn,ondarkdaysandwhenever

weatherconditionsreducevisibilitytolessthan500feetStatelawrequirestheheadlightstobeonwhenwindshieldwipersareinuse(N.J.S.A.39:3-46).

•Drivemoreslowlythanduringdaylight.

•Watchforroadsigns,slow-movingorunlitvehicles,bicycles,pedestriansandanimals.

•Allowformoresafetymarginsthanyouwouldduringdaylight.

DRIVInG SITuaTIOnSAmotoristwillcomeacrossanumberofdifferentdrivingsituationsthathavetheirownuniquesafetyconcernsorrequirements.Amotoristmustknowhowtosafelynavigatehis/hervehicleineachofthesesituations.

city DrivinGWhentravelinginacity,heaviertrafficandmorepedestriansrequiremotoriststobeveryalert.Incitytraffic,amotoristshouldtrytocooperatewithothermotorists.Drivemoreslowlyandwatchforthemovementsofothers.Motoristsmustbemorecareful about pedestrians and less-visible vehicles, such as bicycles, mopeds,motorcycles,motorizedwheelchairsandmobility-assistancevehicles.Pedestriansandindividualsinwheelchairsormobility-assistancevehiclesalwayshavetheright-of-wayinacrosswalk.Motoristsmustalwaysyieldtopedestriansinacrosswalk.

Speedreaction distance

Braking distance

Stopping distance

20 mph 44 ft 25 ft 69 ft

30 mph 66 ft 57 ft 123 ft

40 mph 88 ft 101 ft 189 ft

50 mph 110 ft 158 ft 268 ft

60 mph 132 ft 227 ft 359 ft

70 mph 154 ft 310 ft 464 ft

Amotoristshouldlookatleast12secondsahead.Thismeansthathe/sheshouldbeabletoseeanobjectfarenoughaheadsothatittakesatleast12secondstogettoit.Whiledrivingat25mphonaclearroadinacity,amotoristshouldbeabletoseeaboutablockahead.Whentrafficisheavy,extratimetoreactisnecessary,whichmeansdrivingmoreslowly.Byreducingspeed,amotoristgainstime.

Oncitystreets,amotoristwillpassthroughintersectionsveryoften.Manynewmotoristsfailtoseeintersections.Amotoristshouldalwaysconsiderthefollow-ingsafetytips:

•Ifatthemiddleofablock,checkintersectionsaheadfortrafficcontrols.

•Whenapproachingornearinganintersection,reducespeed.Glanceleftandthenright.Keepfootonthebrake.

•Whenatacrosswalk,avehicleshouldbeatitslowestspeed.Amotoristmustdecidewhethertostoporgoacross.Takequickglancesaround.Ifclear,proceedtocross.

Watch foruncontrolled intersectionswhere thereareno lightsorsigns.Donotthinkthataroadwayisprotectedbecauseitiswide,smoothorbusy.Iftherearenotrafficsignals,thereisnotrafficcontrol.Avoidingcollisionsisuptothemotorist.Look.Listen.Think.

hiGhwAy DrivinGTrafficaccidentsanddeathscanhappenonhighwayswhentheweatherisgoodandtheroadsaredry.Exceedingthepostedspeedlimitordrivingtoofastforroadconditionsisoneofthemostprevalentfactorscontributingtotrafficcollisions.

Majorhighwaysareusuallyingoodcondition.Theyoftenhavefourormorelanes.Wide-openspacesoftengiveamotoristthefeelingthathe/shecanrelaxhis/herattention.Itisimportanttostayalertonhighways.Somehighwaysmaynothavetrafficsignsorsignalsatcrossroads.Thismeansamotoristmustdrivedefensivelyandstaywithinthespeedlimit.Alwaysbereadytoreacttotheunexpected.

hiLLs, briDGes AnD other roAD hAzArDsAmotoristshouldalwaysbeonthelookoutforsignsthatwarnofroadhazards.Theseincludehills,dips,narrowbridges,bumpsandrailroadtracks.Driveslowlyintheseareas.Ifavehicleismovingtoofast,themotoristmaynotbeabletoslowdownintime.Speedingandapplyingthebrakesfirmlycancauseaskidoraspin.


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Motoristsshouldbecautiouswhentravelinginfarmcountryorinopenlandwherelivestockordeermaycrosstheroad.Ifamotoristencountersananimal,he/sheshouldslowdownuntiltheanimalhaspassed.Animalsmakeunexpectedmoves,soamotoristmustbealert.

construction zones/worK zones (N.J.S.A.39:4-203.5)Mostmotoristswill encounter constructionon roadways. InNewJersey, trafficfinesaredoubledformotorvehicleviolationscommitted in theareaof roadwayconstructionzones.Theseworkzonesareidentifiedbyanadvancewarningsignorflashinglightsonavehicleuptoone-halfmilebeforetheworkarea.Flaggersmaycontroltrafficandprotectprojectpersonnelintheworkarea.Sometimesitisnecessarytoredirecttrafficfromitsnormalpatharoundtheworkzone.Motoristsmayencounteradetourontoanotherroadwaytobypasstheworkareaoradiversionontoatemporaryroadway,suchasamediancrossoveroralaneshift.Iftrafficispermittedthroughoradjacenttotheworkarea,itwillbeguidedwithtemporarytrafficcontroldevices.Attheendoftheworkarea,therewillbeanEndRoadWorksignorthelasttemporarytrafficcontroldevice,somotoristscanresumenormaldriving.For illustrationsofsignsandbarricadesusedinconstructionzones,seetheDriverSafetySectionattheendofthismanual.

It is extremely important formotorists to remainalertwhen traveling throughawork zone.Annually, therearenearly800 fatal andover37,000serious injurycrashes inwork zones. Inaddition, congestionanddelaysmaymount, causingthe frustration level of motorists to rise. Motorists should keep the followingbasicsinmind:

•Stay alert: Dedicatefullattentiontotheroadway.

•pay close attention: Signsandworkzoneflaggerssavelives.

•turn on headlights: Workersandothermotoristsmustbeabletoseethevehicle.

•don’t tailgate: Unexpectedstopsorslowingmayoccur.

•don’t speed: Notethepostedspeedlimitsinandaroundtheworkzone.

•minimize distractions:Avoidchangingradiostationsortalkingonhands-freedeviceswhentravelingthroughaworkzone.

•expect the unexpected: Keepaneyeoutforworkersandtheirequipment.

•Be patient: Rememberthatwork-zonecrewmembersareworkingtoimprovetherideforallmotorists.

REaCTInG TO DRIVInG PROBlEMSAmotoristshouldalwaysbepreparedforanyproblemsthathe/shemayencounterwhiledriving.Certainsituationsrequirethemotoristtoreactimmediatelyinordertoavoidanaccident.

iGnition systemToday’svehiclesareequippedwithignitionsystemsthat,whenusedproperly,willpreventthetheftofanautomobileandvehiclerollaway.Anignitionsystempermitskeyremovalonlywhenthevehicle’stransmissionisintheParkposition.Motoristsinanemergencysituationonthehighwaymayattempttoturnoffthevehiclewhileitisstillinmotion,believingtheywillbringthevehicletoastop.Thebasicrulethemotoristmustfollowwhenoperatingavehiclewithasteeringwheelignitionsystemistoneverturntheignitiontothelockpositionwhilethevehicleisinmotion.Thesteeringwilllockasthevehicleturns,andthemotoristwilllosecontrolofthevehicle.

sKiDsSuddenturns,lanechangesorhardbrakingcanthrowavehicleintoaskid.Thisoftenhappensonwetoricyroads.Amotoristshouldhandleaskidinbothfront-wheelandrear-wheeldrivevehiclesinthesameway.Iftherearendofthevehiclestartstoslide,amotoristshouldtakehis/herfootoffthegaspedal.Avehiclemayspinifthesteeringwheelisquicklyturnedawayfromthedirectionoftheskid.

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Toavoidaspin, themotoristshould turn in thedirection therearof thevehicleisskidding,withoutoversteering.Whenskidding,amotoristshould look in thedirectionthathe/shewantstogo.Amotoristwillbeabletofeelwhenthevehicleisbackundercontrolandshouldthenstraightenthewheels.Duringasideskid,avoidusingthebrakes.

emerGency stoPsIfanemergencyhighwaystopisnecessary,amotoristshouldalwayskeepseveralbasicpointsinmind.Onahighwaywithpavedshoulders,signalandturnontotheshoulderatorneartrafficspeed.Thenbegintoslowdown.Wheretheshoulderisunpaved,signalaturnandslowdowntoasafespeedbeforeturningoff.Oncethevehicleispulledtotheshoulder,turnontheparkinglightsoremergencywarninglights.

Neverblocktaillightsatnightbystandingorworkingbehindthevehicle.Dayornight,putaflareorotherwarningsignjustbehindthevehicle.Putanotherwarningdevice at least 300 feet back (about 120paces).Raise the hood. Tie awhitehandkerchieftotheantennaorleftdoorhandleasasignal,ifhelpisneeded.

runninG off the PAvementIfavehicle’swheelsdriftontotheshoulderof theroad,donot try to turnbackontothepavementrightaway.Thismightthrowthevehicleoffbalance.Toooftenmotoristspanicandsteerabruptly to return to the road, causing the vehicle toslingshotacrosstheroadwayorintotraffic.Instead,amotoristshouldstayontheshoulderandeaseuponthegaspedal.Afterthevehiclehassloweddownto25mphorless,themotoristmayturnbackontotheroadbyturningthesteeringwheelone-quarterturntowardtheroadway.Thiswillallowtirestoclimbthepavementedgeandgetbackontothepavement.

Ifavehiclerunsoffthepavement:•Slowdown.

•Regaincontrol.

•Turnslowlyontotheroad.

cAr firesMostcarfiresarecausedbyshortcircuitsintheelectricalsystem.Incaseoffire,donotwastetime.Getpassengersoutandawayfromthevehicleatonce,andcallforhelp.Amotoristshouldneverattempttoputoutafire.

PLunGinG into wAterWatercausesmorepanicthananyotheremergency.Actualtestshaveresultedinafewtips.Avehiclewithwindowsanddoorsclosedwillfloatforaboutthreeto tenminutes.Twomajorpoints inescapeandself-rescue fromasubmergedvehiclearetowearaseatbelt,whichwill increasethechancesofsurvivingtheinitialimpactofthewater,and,whilethevehicleisstillfloatingonthesurface,toescapethroughanopenwindow.Itishardtoopenadooragainstwaterpressure,butawindowcanberolleddowneasily.Powerwindowsmayshortout,sotrytoopenthematonce.Glassinthesideandrearwindowscanbebrokenbutonlywithaheavy,hardobject.

Afront-enginevehiclewillsinknosefirst.Someairmaybepushedtotherear,neartheroof.Whenthepressureinsideandoutsidethevehicleisequal,itiseasiertoopenadoor.Amotoristshouldtrytoescapethroughadoororwindow.Rememberthatthreetofiveminutesgivesplentyoftimeinanemergency.Wearingaseatbeltisthebestinsuranceagainstbeingknockedunconscious.Onceoutofthevehicle,amotoristmaybecomedisorientedunderwater.Alwaysremembertofollowtheairbubblestoreachthesurface.

stALLinG on rAiLroAD trAcKsIf thevehiclehasastandardshift, themotoristshouldtrytomoveitbyrunningthestarterinloworsecondgear.Withanautomaticshift,themotoristwillhavetopushthevehicleoffthetracks.Ifthevehiclecannotbemovedoffthetracks,andatrainiscoming,themotoristshouldmoveasfarawayfromthetracksaspossibleandcallforhelp.

VEHIClE faIluRENomatterhowwellavehicleismaintained,thereisstillachanceamotoristwillexperiencevehicleproblems.Amotoristshouldalwaysbepreparedforanytypeofsituationandneverpanic.

brAKe fAiLureIfavehicle’sconventionaldiscanddrumbrakessuddenlyfail,amotoristshouldshifttoalowergearandpumpthebrakepedalfastandhardseveraltimes.Thismaybuildupenoughbrakepressuretostopthevehicle.Ifthatdoesnotwork,theparkingbrakeshouldbeusedwhileholdingthebrakerelease,sothemotoristcanletupiftherearwheelslockandthevehiclebeginstoskid.Withthevehicleinlowgear,themotoristshouldbeginlookingforasafeplacetostopofftheroadwayandcallforhelp.

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tire bLowoutIfamotoristexperiencesaflat tireorblowout,he/sheshouldhold thesteeringwheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down. Themotoristshouldremovehis/herfootfromthegaspedalbutnotusethebrakes.Thevehicleshouldcoasttoastoponitsownasthemotoristpullstoasafeareaofftheroadway.

Power steerinG fAiLureWhenanenginedies,avehicle’spowersteeringwillfail.Themotoristshouldkeepafirmgriponthewheelbecauseextrahandpowerwillbeneededtoturnorkeepcontrol.Thevehicleshouldbebroughttoastopinasafeareaofftheroadway.Themotoristmayneedtopushveryhardonpowerbrakesthatarenotworking.

heADLiGht fAiLureIfheadlightssuddenlygoout,amotoristshouldsafelybringthevehicletoastopinasafeareaoff theroadway.Theheadlightordimmerswitchesmayhelpthelightsgoonagain.Ifthisdoesnotwork,themotoristshouldputtheparkinglights,emergencyflashersorturnsignalsonandcallforhelp.

GAs PeDAL ProbLemsIf a gaspedal sticks, themotorist should keephis/her eyeson the roadwhilequicklyshiftingtoneutral.Steerthevehicletoasafeareaofftheroadway,turntheengineoffandcallforhelp.

hooD LAtch fAiLureIfthevehicle’shoodsuddenlyfliesup,themotoristshouldslowdownimmediately.He/sheshouldtrytolookunderthehoodtoseetheroador lookoutofthesidewindowaround thehood.Using thecenter lineor lanemarkingsasaguide, themotoristshouldpullthevehicletoasafeareaofftheroadwayassoonaspossible.

winDshieLD wiPer fAiLureWhenwindshieldwipersstopsuddenlyduringrainorsnow, themotoristshouldslowdown,pulltoasafeareaofftheroadwayandturnonemergencyflashers.Callforhelpifnecessary.

COllISIOnS (aCCIDEnTS)AvoiDinG coLLisionsNomatterhowcarefulamotoristis,emergenciesdoarise.Amotoristmanynotalwaysbeabletoavoidacollision.Thisiswhyitisimportanttoknowhowtosafelyhandleany typeofsituation thatmayoccur.Proper reactioncouldsave the lifeof themotoristandhis/herpassengersorothers involved.Aboveall,seatbeltsshouldalwaysbewornwhiledriving.

Ifamotoristseesthathis/hervehiclemayhitsomething,oneofthreethingscanbedone:stop,turnorspeedup.

Stop quickly:Ifthevehiclehasconventionaldiscanddrumbrakes,themotoristshouldpumpthebrakestogainbettercontrolinsteering.Thewheelswilllockandcauseskiddingifamotoristbrakestoohardandholdsthemdown.Ifthevehiclehasantilockbrakes(ABS),theywilladjustautomaticallyifawheelbeginstolock.Withthisbrakesystem,amotoristcanputmaximumpressureonthebrakesandretainsteeringcontrolwithoutpumpingthebrakes.

turn quickly: If a motorist cannot stop in time, he/she should turn away anddriveofftheroadifnecessary.Ifthemotoristcankeepfromusingthebrakeswhileturning,thiswill lessenthechancesofaskid.Amotoristshouldnotbrakehardifturningontoasoftshoulderofaroad.Thiscouldcauseskiddingorlossofcontrol.

Speed up:Sometimes it isbestornecessary tospeedup toavoidacollision.Thismayhappenwhenanothervehicleisabouttohitamotorist’svehiclefromthesideorfrombehind,andthereisroomtothefronttogetoutofdanger.Amotoristshouldpushthegaspedaltothefloor.Theremaybeonlysecondstoact,soamotoristmustdecidequickly.Oncethedangerhaspassed,themotoristshouldslowthevehicle’sspeed.

LAst-minute choicesAmotorist shouldneverpanic,especially in the fewsecondsbeforeapossiblecollision.Therearesome last-minutechoices thathe/shewill have tomake.Amotoristshouldalwaysbeawareofwhattodoinanemergencysituation.Reactingproperlyandquicklycanavoidcollisionsor,atleast,minimizedamage.

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Ifacollision lookspossible, themotoristshould turnaway fromoncoming traffic,evenifitmeansleavingtheroad.Drivingofftheroad,ratherthanskidding,givesthemotoristmorecontroloverthevehicle.Themotoristshouldchoosetohitsomethingthatwillgiveway(suchasbrushorshrubs)ratherthansomethinghard.

Choosetohitsomethingmovinginthesamedirection,ratherthansomethingthatisnotmoving.Choosetohitsomethingnotmoving,ratherthansomethingcomingstraighton.Ifhittingsomethingisunavoidable,trytomakeitaglancingblow.Asideswipe,forexample,willhelpslowthevehicle.Trytoneverhitanythinghead-on.Foreveryinchthatamotoriststeersawayfromacollisionbetweenthecenterofthevehicle’sfrontendandthecenteroftheoncomingobject,theenergyofthecollisionwilldissipateandreduceinjuryanddamage.

reAr coLLisionIfthevehicleisabouttobehitfromtherear,themotoristmustbereadytoapplythebrakestoavoidbeingpushedintoavehicleahead.Themotoristshouldbracehis/herbodybetweenthesteeringwheelandtheseatback,pressingthebackofhis/herheadfirmlyagainsttheheadrest(ifvehiclehasone).

siDe coLLisionIfthevehicleisabouttobehitfromtheside,themotoristshouldkeepatightgriponthesteeringwheel.Thismaykeephim/herfrombeingthrownagainstthesideofthevehicle.Themotoristshouldbereadytoturnfast,sothatifthevehiclespinsaround,he/shecantrytocontrolthevehicle.

heAD-on coLLisionIf the vehicle isabout tobehit from the front, themotorist shouldusehis/herarmsandhandstoprotecthis/herfaceifwearingashoulderstrapandthevehicleisequippedwithairbags.Ifthevehicleisnotequippedwithashoulderstraporairbags,themotoristshouldthrowhimself/herselfacrosstheseattokeepfromhittingthesteeringwheelorwindshield.Airbagswilltypicallydeployinvehiclesthathavethem.

PArKeD vehicLe coLLisionIfamotoristhitsaparkedvehicle,thepolicemustbenotified.Thedrivershouldalsotrytofindtheownerofthevehicle.

wHaT TO DO In CaSE Of a COllISIOnIfamotoristwitnessesacollisionorisinvolvedinone,he/sheshouldfollowthesetipsinordertohelpprotecteveryoneinvolved:

•Stopthevehicle.

•Remaincalm.

•Assumetheworstandgethelp(notifythepolice;callanambulance).

•Waitatthescene,buttrynottoblocktraffic.

•Askforassistancefrompassingmotorists,bikersorjoggers,ifneeded.

•Dependingonthelocationoftheaccident–localroad,highwayorinabusycityintersection–warnoncomingtraffic.

rePortinG AcciDents(N.J.S.A.39:4-130,39:4-131)NewJerseylawrequiresmotoriststonotifythepoliceofaccidentswherethereisinjury,death,orvehicleorpropertydamage.Ifsomeonehasbeenkilled,donotmovethebodyorpermitanyonetomovethebodyuntilthepoliceorambulancearrives.

Ifthemotoristisinvolvedintheaccident,he/shecanhelpthepolicebyansweringas many questions as possible and by giving them as many facts about theaccidentaspossible.Whendamage toproperty ismore than$500or there ispersonalinjury,amotoristmust:

• SendawrittenreporttotheMVCwithin10daysifnopolicereportisfiled.Awrittenreportisnotrequiredifareportisfiledbypolice.Amotoristcangetacopyofthereportformfromthepolice.

•Notifyhis/herinsurancecompanyatonce,givingcompleteinformationabouttheaccident.

•Ifthemotoristisshakenup,he/sheshouldseeadoctorassoonaspossible.

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Effects of alcoholHow Much is Too Much?Drinking and DrivingGood Hosts and the Drinking DriverDesignated DriversDrugs and DrivingHealthy Driving

104104106106107107108

Drinking, Drugs & Health

EffECTS Of alCOHOlAlcoholisadrugthataffectsoveralldrivingability.Alcoholmaymakeamotoristoverconfident andunable to think clearly.Motoristswhodrinkmaymakemoremistakes.Evenifamotoristthinkshe/sheisbelowtheleveloflegalintoxication,alcoholwill affectdriving.Drinkingevena small amountof alcohol increasesamotorist’schancesofhavinganaccident.Neverdrinkanddrive.

Drivingundertheinfluenceofintoxicatingbeveragesmeansthatadriver’ssensesand judgment are impaired by alcohol. After two, three or four drinks, alcoholbeginstoimpairreactiontime,coordinationandbalance.Visionandtheabilitytojudgedistanceisaffected,makingitmoredifficulttoreactandtodrivesafely.Theonlythingthatcanmakeapersonsoberistime.Alcoholisremovedslowlybythebody.Themajority(90percent)ofthealcoholdetoxifiedisoxidized(burnedup)bytheliver.Theother10percentiseliminatedinbreath,urineandsweat.Thisfactistheprimereasonwhysober-up-quickmethodsdonotwork.

In addition, studies have proven conclusively that a combination of alcohol andangerisresponsibleformuchofthereckless,aggressivedrivingthatcancausefatal highway accidents. While most alcohol-related collisions involve only onevehicle,theyfrequentlyresultinthedeathorseriousinjuryofnumerouspeople,includingpassengers,pedestriansandothermotorists.

HOw MuCH IS TOO MuCH?Theonlyscientificwaytocheckisthroughbloodalcoholconcentration,orBAC.Asimplebreathtestwillshowamotorist’sBAC.BACisdeterminedbyfourfactors:

•Quantityofalcoholconsumed

•Bodyweight

•Howquicklydrinkswereconsumed

•Foodeaten

Thebestwaytoreducetheriskofacrashcausedbydrinkinganddrivingisnottodriveatallafterdrinking.

InNewJersey,itisillegalforanindividualwhois21yearsofageoroldertodrivewithaBACof.08percentorhigher(N.J.S.A.39:4-50).Forindividualsyoungerthan21,itisillegaltodrivewithaBACof.01percentorhigher.ViolatorsfaceseverepenaltiesinadditiontootherpenaltiesassessedforDUI/DWI(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.14).

Alcohol

1.5 OUNCES OF86 PROOF LIQUOR

12 OUNCE BOTTLEOR CAN OF BEER

5 OUNCE GLASSOF WINE (12%)

ONE DRINKEQUALS...

EVERY DRINK CONTAINS ABOUT 1/2 OUNCE OF ALCOHOL. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU DRINK, BUT HOW

MANY DRINKS YOU HAVE.

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IfamotoristhasreachedaBACofslightlyabove.05percentafterdrinking,theriskforcausingamotorvehicleaccidentdoubles.Therisk issixtimesasgreatwhendrivingwithaBACof.10percent.Theriskis25timesasgreatwhendrivingwithaBACof.15percent.

Note:Understatelaw,refusaltotakeabreathtestisequaltodrivingwithaBACof.08percentforafirstoffense.Thecurrentpenaltyforbothisthelossofdrivingprivilegesforsevenmonthstooneyear,torunconcurrentlyorconsecutively,baseduponajudge’sorder(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.4a).MotoristswhorefusetotakeabreathtestinNewJerseyarealsosubjecttoanMVCinsurancesurchargeof$1,000peryearforthreeyears(N.J.S.A.17:29A-35).Failuretopaythissurchargewillresultinanindefinitesuspensionofdrivingprivilegesuntilthefeeispaid.

It is important to remember that it does not matter what alcoholic beverage isconsumed.There is justasmuchalcohol in theaveragebeerasthere is in theaveragedrinkofwhiskeyorwine.Forexample,1½ouncesof80-proofwhiskey,12ouncesofbeeror5ouncesoftablewineallcontainthesameamountofalcohol:about½ounceofalcoholperdrink.Studiesshowthatmostpeoplearrestedfordrinkinganddrivinghadbeendrinkingbeer.

Althoughfooddoesslowtheabsorptionofalcohol into thebloodstream,eatingwillnotpreventahighBACwhensteadilydrinkinglargeamounts.HeavydrinkingwillalwaysproduceahighBAC.Eatingdoesnotmakeamotoristsober.Thebestwaytoavoiddrinkinganddrivingistoarrangeforadesignatedmotorist,usepublictransportationorcallacab.

DRInkInG anD DRIVInGDrinkingaffectsamotorist’sthinkingandslowsreactiontime.Alcoholmayalsogiveamotoristafalsefeelingthathe/shecandoanything.Lawenforcementistrainedtonoticecertaintelltalesignsthatamotoristhasbeendrinking:

• Speeding:Anintoxicateddriveroftenthinkshighspeeddrivingissafe

• Weaving:Eventhoughanintoxicateddrivermaystayinthecorrectlane,drivingstraightmaybeaproblem

• Slow driving:Anintoxicateddrivermaybeoverlycautiousanddriveslowerthanthenormaltrafficflow

• Jerking motion:Anintoxicateddriveroftenmayhaveshortmentallapsesandnotkeepasteadyspeedonaclearroad

• Quick stops:Anintoxicateddrivermaymakesuddenstopsatatrafficsignorlight,ratherthaneasinguptoit

GOOD HOSTS anD THE DRInkInG DRIVERAlwaysbeagoodhost.Ifservingalcoholataparty,alwaysprovidealcohol-freedrinksandservenutritiousfoodsorsnacks.Neverinsistthataguestshoulddrinkanalcoholicbeverageorinsistonrefills.

Stopservingalcoholwellbeforethepartyends.Ifsomeonedrinkstoomuch,donotletthemdrive.Ifnoothertransportationisavailable,suggestanaporinvitetheguesttospendthenight.Asalastresort,notifythepolice.Hostsmaybecomeinvolvedinalawsuit ifaguestisinvolvedinadrinkinganddrivingcollisionafterleavingtheparty.

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DESIGnaTED DRIVERSAsthefirststateinthecountrytoofficiallylaunchtheHeroCampaignforDesignatedDrivers,NewJerseyencouragesall state residents toparticipate indesignateddriverprogramswherevertheytravel,whetherasamotoristorapassenger.Beingadesignateddriverisagreatresponsibility.Thedesignateddriverisresponsibleforthesafetransportationoffriendsorfamilymemberswhohavebeendrinkingalcoholicbeverages.Designateddriversnotonlyensurethesafetyofthepeopletheyareescortinghomebutalsothesafetyofothermotorists.

A motorist who chooses to have a designated driver when attending functionswherealcoholwillbeservedshowsmaturityandconsiderationforothermotoristswho share the road. More information about designated drivers and the HeroCampaigncanbefoundatwww.herocampaign.org.

DRuGS anD DRIVInG(N.J.S.A.39:4-49.1,39:4-50)ItisillegaltooperateamotorvehicleonNewJerseyroadwaysundertheinfluenceof any illegal drugs. The labels on bottles of prescription drugs will describecommonsideeffects.Drugsthat“maycausedrowsinessordizziness”shouldnotbe taken before driving. Ask a professional about how over-the-counter drugsmay affect driving. Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include cold pills,tranquilizersandsomeprescriptionmedications.

Nevermixdrugswithoutaskingamedicalprofessionalaboutpossiblesideeffectsorhowthedrugmayaffectdriving.Alcoholshouldneverbemixedwithanydrugsormedications.

Ifasked,motoristsusingprescriptiondrugsmustshowproofoftheprescriptiontolawenforcement.Ifamotoristdoesnothaveaprescriptionforthedrug,andaprescriptionisnecessaryinordertoobtainthedrug,thedrugwillbeconsideredillegal.

After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved incollisions.Marijuanausemayaffectamotoristinthefollowingways:

•loss of tracking ability:Thisistheabilitytomaintainavehicleinagivenline.

•distance judgment:Followingtoocloselycancauseproblems.

•Vigilance:Notremainingattentivetothedrivingtaskcancauseamotoristtofollowtooclosely,driftintoanotherlane,etc.

•divided attention:Drivingisataskthatrequiresconstantattentiontotraffic,roadwayandweatherconditions,passengers,gauges,etc.

HEalTHy DRIVInGheALthAnyhealthproblemcanaffectan individual’sdriving.Even littleproblems likeastiffneck,acoughorasorelegcangiveanindividualtroublewhiledriving.Ifamotoristisnotfeelingwell,he/sheshouldletsomeoneelsedrive.

visionVisionisimportanttosafedriving.Mostofwhatamotoristdoesbehindthewheelisbasedonwhathe/shesees.StatelawpermitstheMVCtoretest10percentofthedrivingpopulationeachyear.Amotoristshouldhavehis/hereyestestedeveryyearortwo.Ifoverage40,amotoristshouldhavehis/hereyescheckedeveryyearforspecialproblems.

Goodsidevision(peripheralvision)isalsoessentialforsafedriving.Sidevisionhelpsamotoristseeoutofthecornersofhis/hereyeswhilelookingstraightahead.

Distancejudgmentisalsoanimportantcomponenttodriving.Amotoristshouldknowhis/herdistancefromanyobjectwhiledriving.Baddistancejudgmentoftencausesaccidents.

heArinGHearingismoreimportanttodrivingthanmanypeoplethink.Itcanwarnamotoristofdanger.Thesoundofhorns,sirensorscreechingtireswarnsamotoristtobecareful.Amotoristmaybeabletohearacarthatcannotbeseen.

Evenpeoplewithgoodhearingcannothearwelliftheradioisblaringorhe/sheiswearingearphones.Amotoristshouldalwayskeeptheradioturneddownandneverwearearphones.

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Chapter 7

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Motor Vehicle ViolationsDriver ProgramsMotor Vehicle Surcharges and Point ViolationsPoint SystemMoving Violation Point ChartInterstate Compactswork licenses

118122124125126129129

DrIVer PrIVILeGes& PEnalTIES

The Driving PrivilegeDriving under the Influence (DuI)Mandatory PenaltiesBreath TestIgnition Interlock DeviceIntoxicated Driver Resource Center

112112113117117118

THE DRIVInG PRIVIlEGEDrivingisaprivilege,notaright.Statelawallowsorrequiresanindividual’sdrivingprivilege tobesuspended forcertainmotorvehicleviolations,whichmeans thedriverlicensewillbetakenawayandthemotoristmaynotdriveforastatedperiodof time. In addition to licensesuspension, finesand imprisonmentmayalsobeimposedformovingviolations.Thelengthofsuspensiontimedependsonthelawthat isbrokenandhowmanyconvictionsamotorist receives.Likewise, licenserestorationdependsonthetypesofoffensesandthenumberofconvictions.Ahabitual offender is amotoristwhosedriver licensehasbeen suspended threetimesinthreeyears.Toavoidanyproblems,itisimportanttoknowandobeyNewJersey’strafficlaws,whichareinplacetoprotecteverymotorist.

Somesuspensionsaredecidedonacase-by-casebasis. If thesentence isnotmandatory,theChiefAdministratoroftheMVCorthecourtsmaysuspenddrivingprivileges.Reasonsforlossofdrivingprivilegesmayinclude,butisnotlimitedtothefollowingreasons:

•Failuretoappearincourtortopayfines

•Failuretopaymotorvehiclesurcharges

•Drivingwhilesuspended

•Failuretoprovideproofofinsurance

•Physicalormentaldisqualification

•Drugoralcoholuse

•Trafficlawviolations

•Atfaultinafatalaccident

•FailuretorespondtoanMVCnotice

TheMVCChiefAdministratormayalso require a re-examinationof anypersonconsidered to be a problem driver. This re-examination will help to determinewhetherdrivingprivilegesshouldbesuspended.

DRIVInG unDER THE InfluEnCE (DuI)Driversunderage21(thelegalagetopurchase/consumeanalcoholicbeverage)found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at .01 percent or more whileoperating amotor vehiclewill be penalized (N.J.S.A.39:4-50.14). The currentBACfordriversage21andolderis.08percent(N.J.S.A.39:4-50).

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InNewJersey,apersonmustbe21topurchase,possessorconsumealcoholicbeverages.Underagedrinking is illegal andcanhave severeconsequences foryoungpeoplewhodrinkandforadultswhoprovidealcoholicbeveragestothoseunderage21.

Ifadriverunderage21buysordrinksalcoholinaplacewithanalcoholicbeveragelicense,he/shemaybefined$500andlosehis/herlicenseforsixmonths.Ifapersonunderage21doesnothaveadriverlicense,thesuspensionstartswhenhe/she isfirsteligible toreceivea license.Also, thepersonmayberequiredtoparticipateinanalcoholeducationortreatmentprogram.

mAnDAtory PenALties first offense/BAC .08% or more but less than .10% (n.J.S.A. 39:4-50)

•Three-monthsuspensionofdrivingprivilege

•$250to$400fine

•12-to48-hourparticipationinanIntoxicatedDriverResourceCenter(IDRC)

•$230perdayIDRCfee

•Upto30daysimprisonment

•$100DrunkDrivingEnforcementFundfee(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.8)

•$100AlcoholEducation,RehabilitationandEnforcementFund(AERF)fee

•$1,000annualsurchargeforthreeyears

•$75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFundfee(N.J.S.A.2C:43-3.2)

•Possibleinterlockdevicerequirementforsixmonthstooneyear(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.17)

first offense/BAC .10% or more (n.J.S.A. 39:4-50)•Seven-monthtoone-yearsuspensionofdrivingprivilege

•$300to$500fine

•12-to48-hourparticipationinanIntoxicatedDriverResource

Center(IDRC)

•$230perdayIDRCfee

•Upto30daysimprisonment

•$100DrunkDrivingEnforcementFundfee(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.8)

•$100AlcoholEducation,RehabilitationandEnforcementFundfee

•$1,000annualsurchargeforthreeyears

•$75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFundfee(N.J.S.A.2C:43-3.2)

•Possibleinterlockdevicerequirementforsixmonthstooneyear(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.17)

Underage first offense/BAC .01% or more but less than .08%(n.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14)

•30-to90-daysuspensionofdrivingprivilege(onthedaymotoristbecomeseligibletoobtainalicenseoronthedayofconviction,whicheverislater)

•15to30dayscommunityservice

•ParticipationinanIntoxicatedDriverResourceCenter(IDRC)oralcoholeducationandhighwaysafetyprogram,asprescribedbytheMVCChiefAdministrator.

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driVing

offenSe

ConViCtion

loSS of

liCenSe 1

fineS, feeS,

SUrChArgeSimpriSonment

CommUnitY

SerViCe (CS),

idrC2 or

detAinment

Alcohol-ordrug-related(DUI)3

firstoffense

3monthsto1year

$250-$500fine;$1,000ayrfor3yrssurcharge;$230perdayIDRCfee;$100drunkdrivingfund;$75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFund$100AERF

Upto30days 12-48hrsIDRC


secondoffensethatoccurswithin10yrsoffirstoffense

2years $500-$1,000fine$1,000ayrfor3yrssurcharge;$280perdayIDRCfee;$100drunkdrivingfund;$75SafeNeighborhoodServicesFund$100AERF

48hrs-90days 12-48hrsIDRC30daysCS


thirdoffensethatoccurswithin10yrsofsecondoffense

10years $1,000fine$1,500ayrfor3yrssurcharge;$280perdayIDRCfee;$100drunkdrivingfund;$75SafeNeighbor-hoodServicesFund$100AERF

180days 12-48hrsIDRCUpto90daysCS,whichcanreduceaperiodofimprisonment

Drinkingalcoholicbeverageswhiledrivingorriding

N/A $200fine,firstoffense$250fine,secondoffense

N/A N/A

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ConViCtion

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SUrChArgeSimpriSonment

CommUnitY

SerViCe (CS),

idrC2 or

detAinment

Drinkingalcoholicbeverageswhiledrivingorriding(secondoffense)

N/A $250fine N/A 10daysCS

DrivingonDUIsuspension

Additional1-2yrs4

$500fine;$250peryrfor3yrssurcharge

10-90days N/A

Drivingwithnoinsurance(firstoffense)

1year $300-$1,000fine;$250peryrfor3yrssurcharge

N/A CSdeterminedbycourt

Drivingwithnoinsurance(sec-ondoffense)

2years Upto$5,000fine;$250peryearfor3yrssurcharge

14days 30daysCS

Drivingwithpos-sessingdrugs

2years Min.$50fine N/A N/A

1Underagedrinkingmaycauseasix-monthdelaytogetalicense.2IntoxicatedDriverResourceCenter.3Drivingundertheinfluence(DUI).Alcohol-anddrug-relatedoffensesrequirecompletionofanalcoholscreeningandevaluationprogram.4Alsosuspendsregistrationsforthesameperiod.

Thecourtsmay requireDUIoffenders touse ignition interlockdeviceson theirmotorvehicles.Aninterlockdevice(seepage117)isattachedtoamotorvehicletopreventitfrombeingstartedwhenthealcohollevelofthemotorist’sbreathexceedsapredeterminedamount.Theinterlockrequirementisinadditiontoanyotherpenaltyrequiredunderthestate’sdrunkdrivingstatute.Installationisforsixmonthstothreeyears,beginningwhenthemotorist’sdriverlicensehasbeenrestoredfollowingsuspension.

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BREaTH TEST (N.J.S.A.39:4-50.4a)NewJerseyhasanimpliedconsentlaw.ThismeansthatmotoristsonNewJerseyroadwayshaveagreed,simplybyusingNewJerseyroadways,tosubmittoabreathtestgivenbylawenforcementorhospitalstafffollowinganarrestforadrinking-and-drivingoffense.Motoristswhorefusetotakeabreathtestwillbedetainedandbroughttoahospital,wherehospitalstaffmaydrawblood.

Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are subject to anMVCinsurancesurchargeof$1,000peryearforthreeyears.Failuretopaythissurchargewillresultinanindefinitesuspensionofdrivingprivilegesuntilthefeeispaid.Motoristswhorefusetotakeabreathtestwillbedetainedandbroughttoahospital,wherehospitalstaffmaydrawblood.

Under state law, refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BACof .10percent for a first offense.The current penalty for refusal is the loss ofdrivingprivilegesforbetweensevenmonthsandoneyear,torunconcurrentlyorconsecutively,baseduponajudge’sorder.

IGnITIOn InTERlOCk DEVICE(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.17)IfadriverlicensewassuspendedbecauseofaDUIoffense,thecourtmayrequiretheindividualtoinstallanignitioninterlockdeviceinordertofullyrestorehis/herdrivingprivilege.Thisdeviceisattachedtothevehiclewithabuilt-inBreathalyzerandpreventsthevehiclefromstartingifthemotorist’sBACexceeds.05percent.The interlock requirement is inaddition toanyotherpenalty requiredunder thestate’sdrunkdrivingstatute.Courtorderedinstallationmayberequiredfor:

•first dUi offense: Installationofinterlockdeviceforsixmonthstooneyear(judge’sdiscretion)

•Second dUi offense: Installationofinterlockdeviceforonetothreeyearsoratwo-yearsuspensionofregistrationprivileges

•third dUi offense: Installationofinterlockdeviceforonetothreeyearsasaconditionofrestoringdrivingprivilegesora10-yearsuspensionofregistrationprivileges

Ifthecourtsentencesamotoristtoinstallaninterlockdevice,he/shewillreceiveanMVCnoticeexplaininghowtoobtainthedevice,aswellasanadditionalMVCnoticeconfirmingthesuspension.AnapprovedlistofinterlockdevicemanufacturerscanbefoundontheMVC’sWebsiteatwww.njmvc.gov.

InTOxICaTED DRIVER RESOuRCE CEnTERState law requires that any motorist charged with an alcohol-related trafficoffensemustbedetainedatanIDRC.EachofNewJersey’s21countieshasanIDRCwherefirst-andthird-timeoffendersaredetained.Second-timeoffendersare detained at one of three regional IDRCs. The N.J. Department of HealthandSeniorServices,DivisionofAddictionServices,andtheIntoxicatedDrivingProgramcoordinatesallIDRCs.

Duringdetention,all offendersattendanalcoholandhighwaysafetyeducationprogram. The center evaluates each offender for an alcohol or drug problemanddeterminestheneedfortreatment.Thosedeemedinneedoftreatmentarereferredtoanappropriateproviderforatleasta16-weektreatmentprogram.

Satisfactory participation in a state-assigned program is a condition forre-licensing.Failuretocomplywillresultinfurtherlossofdrivingprivilegesandthepossibilityofimprisonment.

MOTOR VEHIClE VIOlaTIOnS • Unsafe driving: A conviction of unsafe driving that endangers a person or

propertyrequirespaymentofafineofnotlessthan$50ormorethan$150forafirstoffense;notlessthan$100ormorethan$250forasecondoffense;andnotlessthan$200ormorethan$500forathirdoffense.Motoristmaybeassessedmotorvehiclepenaltypointsiftheoffenseoccurswithinfiveyearsof theprioroffense.There isalsoa$250courtsurcharge foreachoffense(N.J.S.A.39:4-97.2).

• reckless driving: Drivingrecklesslyinamannerthatwillfullyendangerstherights,propertyorsafetyofothersispunishablebyimprisonmentofupto60days,orbyafineofnotlessthan$50ormorethan$200,orbothforafirstoffense(N.J.S.A.39:4-96).Pointsareassessed.

• Abandoning a vehicle: Motorists who abandon their motor vehicles on oralonglimited-accesshighwaysforfourhoursormorewithoutpermissionaresubjecttoafineofnotlessthan$100ormorethan$500andpossiblelossofdrivingprivilegesforuptotwoyears.Forsubsequentviolationsthefineisnot less than$500ormore than$1,000, and the suspension is up to fiveyears.Thesamepenaltiesapplywhenownersabandontheirvehiclesonanyhighwayorpublicpropertywithout consent for48hoursormoreandwhenowners abandon their vehicles for any period without current license plates(N.J.S.A.39:4-56.5).

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• Carrying alcoholic beverages: Motorists who carry open or unsealedalcoholicbeveragecontainersinpassengerareasofmotorvehiclesaresubjecttoafineof$200forafirstoffenseand$250or10daysofcommunityserviceforallsubsequentoffenses(N.J.S.A.39:4-51a).

• ice and snow: Motorists of private vehicles face fines of $200 to $1,000foreachtimeicefliesfromtheirvehiclesandcausesdeath,injuryorpropertydamage. Fines for commercial owners and operators range from $500 to$1,500(N.J.S.A.39:4-77.1).

• highway construction zones: Speedingorothermovingviolationsinareasundergoinghighwayconstructionmeandoubledfines.Someoffensesincludereckless driving, careless driving, speeding, improper passing, tailgating,improperturns,failuretoobservetrafficlanes,failuretoobserveatrafficsignalorsignandfailuretoobeydirectionsofanofficer(N.J.S.A.39:4-203.5).

• 65 mph zone: Speeding10mphormoreabovethepostedspeedlimitorothercertainmovingviolationsina65-mphspeedzonemeansdoubledfines.Someoffensesincluderacingonapublichighway,refusaltocomplywithanofficer’srequest,orfailuretoobeytrafficsignsorsignals,failuretocomplywithrulesforpassinganother vehicle, failure toobey roadmarkings, failure toobservedistancebetweenvehiclesandcarelessdriving(N.J.S.A.39:4-98.6).

• failure to comply: Motoristsfacea$50fineiftheyfailtocomplywithapoliceofficer’s request to illuminate the driver’s compartment of the vehicle whenstopped(N.J.S.A.39:4-57.1).

• insurance fraud: Motoristsconvictedoffraudoninsuranceapplicationsandclaimsformsmayreceivefinesofupto$5,000,orimprisonmentforuptothreeyears,orboth.Intheeventthemotoristfraudulentlyreceives$500orless,he/shemaybefinedupto$500and/orimprisonedfornotmorethansixmonthsasadisorderlyperson.Inaddition,apersonconvictedofanautomobileinsurancecrimewilllosehis/herdriverlicenseforoneyear(N.J.S.A.39:6A-15).

• drug offense: ANewJerseymotorist’sdrivingprivilegeswillbesuspendedafterhe/sheisconvictedofdrugoffensesinanyfederalorstatecourt.

• hit-and-run: Ahit-and-runinvolvingbodilyinjuryordeathresultsinafineof$2,500to$5,000and/or180daysin jailforthemotorist. Inaddition,forafirstoffense,themotorist loseshis/her licenseforoneyear.Forsubsequentoffense,themotoristpermanentlyloseshis/herlicense(N.J.S.A.39:4-129).

• lying on application: Lyingwhenapplying for a licenseor registrationwillresult in a fine of not less than$200 ormore than$500 and/or up to sixmonthsimprisonment.Amotoristwillalsolosehis/herdriverlicenseprivilegesforsixmonthstotwoyears(N.J.S.A.39:3-37).

• forgery and fraud: Altering, forging and/or possession with intent todistributeafacsimileofaN.J.driver license is illegalandwill result inuptoa$150,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison and a driver license suspension(N.J.S.A.2C:21-2.1).

• driving while suspended: Drivingwhileadriverlicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedcanresultinthefollowingpenalties:

– First offense: Fineof$500anduptosixmonthsadditionallicenseandorregistrationsuspension(N.J.S.A.39:3-40)

– second offense:Fineof$750,jailsentencefornotmorethanfivedaysanduptosixmonthsadditionallicenseand/orregistrationsuspension(N.J.S.A.39:3-40)

–third offense:Fineof$1,000,a10-dayjailsentenceanduptosixmonthsadditionallicenseand/orregistrationsuspension(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

Additional penalties for driving while suspended:• Driving while suspended for failing to pay an insurance surcharge will

result inanadditional$3,000fine,plus thefinesandpenalties listedabove(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhilealicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedforfailuretoproperlyinsure a vehicle will result in a fine of $500, an additional driver licensesuspensionofonetotwoyearsandpossiblecourtorderedimprisonmentforupto90days(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhilealicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedandhavingacollisionthatcausesinjurytoanotherpersonwillresultinafine,continuedsuspensionandthepotentialforaminimum45-dayjailsentence(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhilealicenseand/orregistrationissuspendedforadrugoralcoholoffense,refusaltotakeabreathtestorifthemotoristisahabitualoffender,will result in a fine of $500 and an additional license suspension of one totwo years and/or possible court-ordered imprisonment for 10 to 90 days(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Drivingwhileadrivingprivilege is suspendeddue todrivingwhileunder theinfluence,refusaltosubmittoachemicaltestorforahabitualoffenderoffense,anddrivingonschoolpropertyorwithin1,000feetofschoolpropertyorthroughaschoolcrossingzonewillresultinonetotwoyearsadditionalsuspensiontime,a$500fineandbetween60to90daysimprisonmentforafirstoffense.Forsecondandthirdoffenses,thesuspensionandfinesremainthesame,buttheimprisonmenttermisincreasedto120to150daysand180days,respectively(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

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• Drivingafterfailingtoinstallaninterlockdevice,asorderedbythecourt,resultsinaone-yearsuspension,inadditiontoanyothersuspensionsalreadyimposed,andmayincludepenaltiesasadisorderlyperson(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.19).

other violations:• Amotoristwhorefusestosubmit toachemical testanddrivingonanyschool

propertyorwithin1,000feetofschoolpropertyorthroughaschoolcrossingzone.Motoristwillreceiveforafirstoffensea$600to$1,000fineandaone-totwo-year drivingprivilege suspension; for secondoffenses the fine is$1,000 to$2,000andthedrivingprivilegewillbesuspendedforfouryears.Forathirdoffense,thefineis$2,000andthedrivingprivilegeissuspendedfor20years(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.4a).

• A motorist who allows another motorist, who is currently suspended fordriving under the influence or operating while suspended, to operate his/hervehicle.Theresultmaybea lossofdrivingand/orregistrationprivileges(N.J.S.A.39:3-40).

• Amotoristwholoansalicensetoanothermotorist.He/shemaybefined$200to$500,facejailtimeandfaceasuspensionoflicense.

• Amotoristwhohasanotherpersontakethedrivingtest.Motoristmaybefined$200to$500and/orimprisonmentfrom30to90days.Thedriverlicensemayalsoberevoked(N.J.S.A.39:3-37).

• Failuretoappearatanyscheduledcourtproceedingwhenchargedwithanon-indictablecriminaloffense,anordinanceviolationoramotorvehicleoffense.Itwillresultinacourt-ordereddriverlicensesuspensionuntilthependingmatterissettled(2B:12-31).

• Failuretomeettheconditionsofasentenceimposed(suchastopayafine,makerestitutionorperformcommunityservice).Itwillresultinacourt-ordereddriverlicensesuspension(2B:12-31).

• Failure to pay a total of six months’ court-ordered child support or providehealthinsurance.Ifachildsupport-relatedwarrantexistsinthemotoristsname,the courts can order basic and commercial driver licenses and professionaloccupational licenses to be suspended until payments are made (N.J.S.A.2A:17-56.44).

• Aboaterconvictedofdrivingundertheinfluence(DUI)onNewJersey’swaterwayswillbesuspendedfrombothboatingandalldriverlicenseprivilegesandbefined$250 to$400 for the first offense, $500 to$1,000 for the second offenseand$1,000forthethirdoffense.Violatorsunder17yearsofagewillhavetheirvehicleandmopedlicenseprivilegesdelayedforthreemonths,sixmonthsandtwoyearsforfirst,secondandthirdoffenses,respectively(N.J.S.A.12:7-46).

driving under the influence (dUi) convictions: • Amotoristcaughtwithapassengerunder18yearsofageatthetimeofthe

violationwillfaceadisorderlypersonsoffense,willreceivesuspensionofdrivingprivileges for not more than six months and will perform up to five days ofcommunityservice(N.J.S.A.39:4-50.15).

if an individual:•Isatleast13yearsoldbutunder18yearsofage,he/shemayhavedrivingprivileges

suspendedorpostponedforagraffiticonviction(N.J.S.A.2A:4A-43.3).

•Setsfalsealarmsandisunder21yearsofage,mopedorothermotorvehicleprivilegeswillbesuspendedorpostponedforsixmonths.Ifunder17yearsofageatthetimeofconviction,drivingprivilegeswillbesuspendedimmediatelyand until six months after the day the person reaches 17 years of age.Additionally,thecourtsmayapplycivilpenalties(N.J.S.A.2C:33-3.1).

DRIVER PROGRaMSDriver imProvement ProGrAmMotoristswhoaccumulatebetween12and14points ina24-monthperiodwillreceiveaNoticeofScheduledSuspensionbymailfromtheMVC.

Upon receiving the notice, a motorist can do one of the following:• AttendaNewJerseyDriverImprovementProgram• Requestahearing• Surrenderhis/herdriverlicenseforthesuspensionperiod

The MVC Chief Administrator or an administrative law judge will determine ifdrivingprivilegesshouldbesuspendedforamotoristwho isgrantedahearing.AmotoristwhosuccessfullycompletesaDriver ImprovementProgramwillhavethreepointsremovedfromhis/herrecord(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).Theclassfeeis$100(N.J.A.C.13:19-10.3(c).AftercompletionofaDriverImprovementProgramorafterrestorationofamotorist’sdrivingprivilege,he/shewillbeinaprobationaryperiodforoneyear.Anyviolationsthatoccurduringthisprobationaryperiodwillresultinascheduledsuspensionofthemotorist’sdrivingprivileges.

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Defensive DrivinG coursesMostroadcollisionsarecausedbymotoristerror.Toreducethelikelihoodofbeinginvolved inacollision,amotoristneedstounderstandtheconceptofdefensivedriving. These voluntary courses provide a motorist with standard collision-preventingtechniques.Uponcompletionofthedefensivedrivingcourse:

•Twopointswillberemovedfromtheaccumulatedpointscurrentlyonadriverlicense(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).

•Themotoristmayqualifyforaninsuranceratereduction.Contactaninsuranceagentformoreinformation.

•TheMVCwillonlyrecognizeadefensivedrivingcourseonceeveryfiveyearsforpointreduction(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).

Foralistofstate-approveddefensivedrivingcourses,checktheDepartmentofBankingandInsuranceWebsite,www.state.nj.us/dobi/dmvschl.htm.

ProbAtionAry Driver ProGrAmAmotoristbeginsatwo-yearprobationarydriverperiodafterreceivingaspeciallearnerorexaminationpermit.Duringthisprobationaryperiod,amotoristconvictedof twoormoremovingviolations totaling fourormorepointsmustenroll in theProbationaryDriverSchoolProgram,whichisadministeredbytheMVC(N.J.A.C.13:19-10.3(d). The attendance fee is $100 for this program, which correctsimproperordangerousdrivinghabits(N.J.A.C.13:19-10.3f).

Completionofthisprogramwillresult inathree-pointreductiononanindividualmotorist’shistoryrecord.Failuretocompletetheprogramorconvictionofoneormoresubsequentmovingviolationsduringthetestperiodwillresultinasuspensionofdrivingprivileges.

ViolAtion SUrChArge

Unlicenseddriver(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.1) $100

Noinsurance–moped(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.1) $100

Drivingwhilesuspended(CourtorMVCreported)(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.2)

$250

Noliabilityinsuranceonmotorvehicle(N.J.A.C.13:19-13.2) $250

DUI/Refusal $1,000

DUI/Refusal(thirdandsubsequentconvictions) $1,500

mAture Driver ProGrAmA mature driver should constantly re-evaluate his/her driving skills. Driverimprovementcoursesareavailabletomaturedriversatvariousdrivingschoolsorthroughspecificorganizations.

Forexample,theAmericanAssociationofRetiredPersons(AARP)offers55Alive,amotoristimprovementcoursethatisspeciallydesignedformotoristsage50andolder.Theeight-hourcoursehelpsmotoristsrefineexistingskillsanddevelopsafedefensivedrivingtechniques.AnaddedbonusisthatinNewJersey,thecoursemayqualifymotoristswhosuccessfully complete thecourse to aminimumfivepercentvehicleinsurancediscount.

Tofindoutmoreaboutthiscourse,callAARPtoll-freeat(888)227-7669.Checkwithinsurancecompaniesabouthowcompletingthecoursewillaffectapremium.

MOTOR VEHIClE SuRCHaRGES anD POInT VIOlaTIOnSMotoristswhoaccumulatesixormorepointswithinthreeyearsaresubjecttoasurchargeof$150forsixpointsand$25foreachadditionalpoint.Surchargesare levied inaddition toanycourt-imposedfinesandpenalties.Surchargeswillremainoperationalifamotoristhassixormorepointsonhis/hermotoristrecordresultingfromviolationspostedintheprecedingthreeyears.Pointtotalsarebasedonthedatetheviolationsarepostedtoamotorist’srecord,notwhentheviolationsoccurred(N.J.S.A.17:29A-35).

Point system reductions in the Driver Improvement Program, the PointSystem and Defensive Driving Program sections do not apply to themotor vehicle surcharge system. Convicted or administratively suspendedmotorists must pay a prescribed dollar amount each year for three years.

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Ways to pay a motor vehicle surcharge bill: •MailpaymenttoNJ-AISC,P.O.Box4850,Trenton,NJ08650-4850.

•Payonlineatwww.njmvc.gov (onlineservices).

•Usecharge-by-phone:calltollfree(888) 651-9999(usingAmericanExpress,MasterCard,VisaorDiscover).

•VisitanMVCRegionalServiceCenterinperson.

Restorationfeesmayalsobepaidwhenmakingamotorvehiclesurchargepaymentusingthecharge-by-phone.Failuretopayanymotorvehiclesurchargeswillresultintheindefinitesuspensionofalldrivingprivileges.TheMVCmayfileajudgmentaction in the stateSuperiorCourt for unpaid surcharges, secure a lien againstany realproperty thatamotoristowns,file foragarnishmentofwagesor takeothersimilaractions(N.J.S.A.17:29A-35).Motorvehicleconvictionsmayincreaseautomobileinsurancepremiumsassessedbyamotorist’sinsurancecompany.

POInT SySTEMThe MVC keeps track of a motorist’s driving record by adding points to therecord when the motorist is convicted of a moving violation. The more serioustheviolation,themorepointsthemotoristisgiven.Seethefollowingpointchartfor various violations. For an expanded or updated list of point violations, visitwww.njcourtsonline.com.

AllpointviolationsafterMarch1,1974,willstayonamotorist’sdrivingrecord.Twopointswillbeaddedtoadrivingrecordfortrafficviolationscommittedinotherstates.

Uptothreepointswillbesubtractedfromamotorist’spointtotalforeveryyearthatthemotoristgoeswithoutaviolationorsuspension,butthepointtotalwillneverbereducedbelowzero(N.J.S.A.39:5-30.9).

Trafficlawsareenforceableonhighways,roadways,parkingareas,drivewaysandgroundsownedandmaintainedbygovernmententities.Also,motoristsconvictedofrecklessorcarelessdrivinginanyareaopentovehiculartrafficorusagewillbesubjecttothechargesapplicabletothatmovingviolation.

StAtUteS ViolAtionpoint

VAlUe

N.J.S.A.27:23-29 Movingagainsttraffic:NewJerseyTurnpike,GardenStateParkway,andAtlanticCityExpressway

2

N.J.S.A.27:23-29 Improperpassing:NewJerseyTurnpike,GardenStateParkway,andAtlanticCityExpressway

4

N.J.S.A.27:23-29 Unlawfuluseofmedianstrip:NewJerseyTurnpike,GardenStateParkway,andAtlanticCityExpressway

2

N.J.S.A.39:3-20 Operatingaconstructorvehicleinexcessof45mph 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-14.3 Operatingamotorizedbicycleonarestrictedhighway 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-14.3d Morethanonepersononamotorizedbicycle 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-35 Failuretoyieldtoapedestrianinacrosswalk 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-36 Failuretoyieldtopedestrianincrosswalk;passingavehicleyieldingtoapedestrianinacrosswalk

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-41 Drivingthroughasafetyzone 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-52and39:5C-1

Racingonhighway5

N.J.S.A.39:4-55 Improperactionoromissionongradesandcurves 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-57 Failuretoobserveadirectionofanofficer 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-66 Failuretostopavehiclebeforecrossingasidewalk 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-66.1 Failuretoyieldtopedestriansorvehicleswhileenteringorleavingahighway

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-66.2 Operatingamotorvehicleonpublicorprivateprop-ertytoavoidatrafficcontrolsignalorsign

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-71 Operatingamotorvehicleonasidewalk 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-80 Failuretoobeyadirectionofanofficer 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-81 Failuretoobservetrafficsignals 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-82 Failuretokeepright 2

MOVInG VIOlaTIOn POInT CHaRT

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VAlUe

N.J.S.A.39:4-82.1 Improperoperatingofavehicleonadividedhighwayordivider

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-83 Failuretokeeprightatanintersection 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-84 Failuretopassrightofvehicleproceedinginoppositedirection

5

N.J.S.A.39:4-85 Improperpassingonrightoroffroadway 4

N.J.S.A.39:4-85.1 Wrongwayonaone-waystreet 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-86 Improperpassinginanopassingzone 4

N.J.S.A.39:4-87 Failuretoyieldtoanovertakingvehicle 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-88 Failuretoobservetrafficlanes 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-89 Tailgating 5

N.J.S.A.39:4-90 Failuretoyieldatanintersection 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-90.1 Failuretouseproperentrancestolimitedaccesshighways

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-91and39:4-92

Failuretoyieldtoemergencyvehicles2

N.J.S.A.39:4-96 Recklessdriving 5

N.J.S.A.39:4-97 Carelessdriving 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-97a Destructionofagriculturalorrecreationalproperty 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-97.1 Slowspeedblockingtraffic 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-97.2 Drivinginanunsafemanner(pointsonlyassessedforthethirdorsubsequentviolation(s)withinafiveyearperiod)

4

N.J.S.A.39:4-98and39:4-99

Exceedingmaximumspeed1-14mphoverthelimit 2

Exceedingmaximumspeed15-29mphoverthelimit 4

Exceedingmaximumspeed30mphormoreoverthelimit

5



VAlUe

N.J.S.A.39:4-105 Failuretostopforatrafficlight 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-115 Improperturnatatrafficlight 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-119 Failuretostopataflashingredsignal 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-122 Failuretostopforapolicewhistle 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-123 Improperrightorleftturn 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-124 Improperturnfromanapprovedturningcourse 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-125 ImproperU-turn 3

N.J.S.A.39:4-126 Failuretogivepropersignal 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-127 Improperbackingorturninginstreet 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-127.1 Impropercrossingofarailroadgradecrossing 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-127.2 Impropercrossingofabridge 2

N.J.S.A.39:4-128 Impropercrossingofarailroadgradecrossingbycertainvehicles

2

N.J.S.A.39:4-128.1 Improperpassingofaschoolbus 5

N.J.S.A.39:4-128.4 Improperpassingofafrozendesserttruck 4

N.J.S.A.39:4-129 Leavingthesceneofanaccident

Nopersonalinjury 2

Personalinjury 8

N.J.S.A.39:4-144 FailuretoobserveStoporYieldsigns 2

N.J.S.A.39:5D-4 Movingviolationoutofstate 2


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InTERSTaTE COMPaCTSNew Jersey belongs to two interstate compacts. Member states exchangeinformation to ensure motorist compliance with the law and that they receivepenaltiesforviolations.

The Non-resident Violator Compact assures that non-resident motorists inmember states will receive the same treatment as resident motorists. Whenmotoristsreceivetrafficcitationsinmemberstates,theymustfulfillthetermsofthatcitationorfacethepossibilityoflicensesuspensionintheirhomestateuntiltheymeetthoseterms.Non-residentmotoristshavedueprocessprotectionandcannotbedetainedoutofstate.Currently,44statesandtheDistrictofColumbiaaremembersofthecompact.Alaska,California,Michigan,Montana,OregonandWisconsinarenon-members.Thecompactdoesnotapplytoparkingorstandingviolations,highwayweight limitviolationsandviolationsofhazmattransportationlaws(N.J.S.A.39:5F-1through39:5F-30).

The Driver License Compact exchanges violation information with other statesandtheDistrictofColumbia.Out-of-stateviolationsbecomepartofamotorist’sNewJersey driving record.Georgia,Massachusetts,Michigan, Tennessee andWisconsinarenon-memberstates(N.J.S.A.39:5D-1through39:5D-14).

wORk lICEnSESNewJerseydoesnotallowconditionalorspecialworklicenses.Ifamotoristloseshis/her license for any reason,driving isnotpermitted for any reasonuntil theperiodofsuspensionendsandthemotoristreceivesanoticeofrestoration.

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PedestriansMature DriversVisually Challenged PersonsMotorcyclesTrucks, Tractor-Trailers and Busesno-Zone PrincipleMotorized Scooters low-Speed Vehicles

132133134135135137139140

sharing the road with Others

It is importantforamotoristtorememberthathe/sheisnottheonlyoneusingtheroadways.Frompeopletoanimalstoothertypesofvehicles,itisamotorist’sresponsibilitytoknowhowtosafelysharetheroadwithothers.

PEOPlEPeDestriAnsPedestriansarethesecondlargestcategoryofmotorvehicledeathsandinjuriesinNewJersey.Childrenandolderpeopleareoftenvictimsoftrafficaccidents.

In2006,theU.S.DepartmentofTransportationFatalityAnalysisReportingSystemreported4,784totalpedestriandeaths.NewJerseyhad171pedestriandeathsin2006.Unfortunately,manyofthemeasuresthatmakeroadssaferformotorists,suchaslargemediansandwideshoulders,makethoseroadsmoretreacherousforpedestrians.Vehicle-pedestriancollisionshaveafivepercentfatalityrateifthecarisgoing20mph,buttheratejumpsto85percentat40mph.

Pedestrian activity is at its greatest in densely developed areas, such as citiesand town centers, but it also is significant in neighborhoods and along andacross suburban roadways. Motorists should take special precautions to watchforpedestrians.

Inmostcases,pedestrianshavetheright-of-wayatall intersections.There isacrosswalkateveryintersection,evenifitisnotpaintedassuch.Thisisknownasan“unmarkedcrosswalk.”

Motoristsareprohibitedfromblockingthecrosswalkwhenstoppedataredlightor stop sign. A motorist must not stop with a portion of his/her vehicle in thecrosswalkarea.Whenamotoristblocksacrosswalk,itforcespedestrianstogoaroundavehicle,puttingthemindanger.

Amotoristmuststopandremainstoppedforapedestrianwho iscrossingatacrosswalk(markedorunmarked)untilthepedestriancompleteshis/hercrossing,unlesstravelingalongthehalfoftheroadwayontheothersideofasafetyislandfromthepedestrian.Motoristswhofailtoyieldtopedestriansorwhoovertakeandpassvehiclesthatarestoppedforpedestriansaresubjecttoa$100fineandupto15daysinjail(N.J.S.A.39:4-36).

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Neverpassavehiclestoppedatacrosswalk(N.J.S.A.39:4-36).Thisfrequentlycausessevere injuryordeathtopedestrians,especially if thepassingvehicle istravelingatahighspeed.Whenstoppingforacrosswalkonamulti-laneroad,amotoristshouldstopabout30feetbeforeacrosswalktoavoidblockingvisibilityofamotoristinthesecondlane.

Motoristsshouldwatchforsignsthatmarkspecialhazardareas,suchasschoolzones,busstops,playgrounds,parksandschools,wherechildrenaremostlikelytoplayorcrossthestreets.Childrenchasingaball,forinstance,givenothoughtto traffic. Small children are hard to see. Always watch for movement aroundparkedvehicles.

Motorists should drive cautiously along roadways with on-street parking, aspedestrians may appear from between parked vehicles. Motorists traveling atlower speeds will have a greater ability to stop the vehicle and avoid potentialconflictswithpedestrians.

Pedestriansandjoggersshouldalwaysfaceoncomingtrafficandusesidewalkswhenavailable.Theyshouldcrossatcrosswalksonlyonthepropersignal,lookallwaysbeforecrossing,avoidcrossingbetweenparkedvehicles,andatnight,wearlight-coloredorreflectiveclothesandcarryawhitehandkerchieforalight.Itisnotagoodpracticetowearheadphoneswhilewalkingorjoggingneartheroadway.

Atnight,motoristsshouldwatchforanyonewalkingalongahighwayandexerciseduecaution.Noneof theaboveabsolvesmotorists from their duty tobeextravigilantinwatchingforpedestriansontheroadway.

Alwaysyield topedestrians.Beextracareful at intersections,particularlywhenmakinganallowedrightturnonred.Motoristsarerequiredtoyieldtopedestrianswhohavetheright-of-waywithinacrosswalkandtothosewhoarecrossingatanintersection.Bealertforpedestrianswhenmakingturnsandenteringandexitingdriveways,parkinglotsandalleys.

mAture DriversOneoutoffourNewJerseyresidentsis55yearsorolder.Thisratioisexpectedtoincreaseinthecomingyears.Mobilitybydrivingisessentialforthisgroup.

Normal physical changes are part of the aging process. Mature drivers mayexperiencedeclinesinvision,hearing,reactiontimeandflexibility.

Theycancontinuetodrivesafelybylearningtocompensateforthesechangesbyfollowingtheseimportanttips:

• Choosethetimeandtheroadthatisbestsuitedtodrivingability.

• Chooseawell-litroadwayfornightdriving.

• Stayalertwhendrivingtocompensateforanydeclinesinvision,hearingorreactiontime.

• Keepinformationonpublictransportation,taxiservicesandseniorrideprogramscurrentandonhandincaseanalternativetransportationmodeisneeded.

• Sharedrivingtimewithanotherperson.

• Keepdriverlicensecurrent.

• Enrollinadefensive-drivingordrivingrefreshercourse.

• Visitanophthalmologist,optometristoropticianannuallyforavisionandeyeglassescheck.Haveeyescheckedimmediatelyifvisionproblemsareexperienced.

• Askadoctororpharmacistifthemedicationstakencanaffectdriving.

• Neverdriveiftakinganymedicationsandconsumingalcohol.

• Donotdrinkalcoholicbeveragesinanyquantityanddrive.

• Acceptthejudgmentoffamilyandfriendsaboutdrivingskills.Askthemto

rateskills,andimproveordiscontinuedrivingifthereisaconcernforsafety.

Note:Retestingfordriversmayberequiredafteraseriouscollisionormedicalproblem.

visuALLy chALLenGeD PersonsThe law is very specific that vehicles must give the right-of-way when anyof the following crosses any highway or intersection: blind persons who use apredominantlywhiteormetalliccane,blindpersonsaccompaniedbyaguidedog,oraguidedoginstructorengagedininstructingaguidedog.Amotoristmuststopwhenhe/sheseesapersonwithawhiteormetallic“colored”caneorwithaguidedog.Allmotoristsmustcomplywiththislaw(N.J.S.A.39:4-37.1).

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VEHIClESmotorcycLesBealert!Thesamelawsgoverningothermotorvehiclesalsogovernmotorcycles.However, due to thesmaller sizeofmotorcycles, extra caution shouldbeusedwhensharingtheroad.

Never follow motorcycles too closely. A motorist should be aware of slippery,slopedorunevensurfacesandgroovesandgratingsintheroadway,whichpresentpotential hazards formotorcycle riders.Objects on the roadway also present achallenge.Motorcyclistsmustbereadytoreacttothesesituationsdifferentlythanmotoristsdrivingpassengervehicles.Thisiswhyitisimportanttoleaveplentyofspacebetweenanautomobileandamotorcycle.

When passed by a motorcycle, a motorist should maintain his/her speed andposition.Allowplentyofroomforthemotorcycletocompletethepassandresumeproperlaneposition.

A motorist’s failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the mostcommoncauseofmotorcyclecollisions.

Formoreinformationonmotorcyclesafety,visitwww.njridesafe.org.CopiesoftheNewJerseyMotorcycleManualmaybeobtainedatanymotorvehicleagency,onlineatwww.njmvc.gov orbycalling(888) 486-3339.

trucKs, trActor-trAiLers AnD busesAmotoristshouldalwaysusecautionwhendrivingalongsidetrucks.Sharingtheroadwithlargervehiclescanbesafeifamotoristknowsthelimitationsofthesevehiclesregardingvisibility,requiredstoppingdistanceandmaneuverability.Whenpassingalargetruckorbus,itisimportanttorememberthatthereareseveralno-zones (blindspots) inwhich themotoristcannotseeothervehicles. Inaddition,duringbadweather,atruckcantakeasmuchas25percentlongertostop.

No Zone Principle

NO-ZONE10-20 FEET

NO-ZONE

NO-ZONE

NO-ZONE200 FEET

THE BLACK AREAS ARE “NO-ZONES.”IF YOU ARE IN ONE OF THESE AREAS,

THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK CAN’T SEE YOU.

BVMN_nozone_110907

the no-zone principleAvoid theareaaround truckswhere vehiclesdisappear intoblindspots.Donotmovesoclosetoatruckthatthetruckdriver’sabilitytostopormaneuvereffectivelyisrestricted.Thepotentialforacollisionisincreasedwhenamotoristisridingintheno-zone.Ifthemotoristofalargetruckorbuscannotseeanothermotorist’svehicleintherearvieworside-viewmirrors,thevehicleisinano-zone,orblindspot.

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Semi-Truck Turn

USE CAUTION WHEN PASSING TRUCKS.THEY MAKE WIDE TURNS.

BVMN_truckturn_110907

rear no-zone• Stayfarbehindatruckthatispreparingtobackuporisbackingup.Never

passclosebehindatruckthatispreparingtobackuporisintheprocessofbackingup.Becauseoftheirwidth,thetrailerscompletelyhideobjectsthatsuddenlycomebetweenthemandaloadingarea.Theareabehindthetruckisano-zone(blindspot),notonlyforthetruckdriverbutforothermotoristsaswell.

• A motorist should increase following distance behind a truck or other largevehiclesoitsdrivercanspotamotorist’svehicleintherearviewmirrors.Nevertailgateorremainsandwichedbetweentrucks.Amotoristshouldmaintainasizablespacecushionbetweenhis/hervehicleandlargervehicles.

• Leavespacewhenstoppingatalightorsignbehindatruckorbus,especiallywhenfacinguphill.Thelargervehiclemayrollbackwardslightlywhenstarting.

• Givemoreroadspacetoatruckdriverwhoismakingawideturn.Becausetrucksarelargerthanothervehicles,theirdriversmayhavetoslow,backuporswingwidetonegotiateaturn.Theycannotseesmallervehiclesdirectlybehindorbesidethem.Forexample,atruckdrivermayhavetoswingwidetothelefttomakearightturn.

front no-zone• Maintainaconsistentspeedwhenpassing.Donotpullinfrontofatruckwhen

passinguntilthewholefrontofthetruckcanbeseenintherearviewmirror.Alwayssignalbeforechanginglanes.Neverpassatruckontheright.

Side no-zone• Driveawayfromthe longblindspotsonthesidesoftrucks. If themotorist

mustquicklychangelanesormakeanemergencymaneuver,avehicleinthisareawillbeintheway.Donotlingeralongsideatruckwhenpassing.

head-on no-zone• Amotoristshouldbearrightwhenalargevehicleistravelingtowardhis/her

vehicle from theoppositedirection.This reduceswind turbulencebetweenthemotoristandthelargervehicle,andpossiblypreventsasideswipe.

yieLDinG to schooL AnD commerciAL busesStatelawrequiresallnon-emergencyvehiclestoyieldtheright-of-waytobusesre-enteringtrafficafterdroppingofforpickingupbuspassengers.However,oncethebusisbackinthenormalflowoftraffic,motoristsarenotrequiredtoyieldtheright-of-way to buses changing lanes.Bus operators are required to drive in asafeandresponsiblemanner.Theyieldlawwasenactedtoimprovesafetyonthestate’sroadways.Violationsofthislawcarryafineofnotlessthan$50ormorethan$200,upto15daysinjailorbothafineandajailterm(N.J.S.A.39:4-87.1).

moPeDsMotorizedbicycles,ormopeds,arelow-speed,two-wheeledvehicleswithpedals,intendedfor limiteduseonpublic roadways.Mopeddriversmaynotexceed25mph,mustfollowalltrafficsignsandsignalsanddriveontherightsideoftheroadwiththeflowoftraffic.

Amotoristshouldalwaysbealertformopeds,whicharesmallerthanmotorcyclesand harder to see.Moped drivers have the same rights and responsibilities asthosedrivingothermotorvehicles.AcopyoftheNewJerseyMopedManualmaybeobtainedatanymotorvehicleagency,onlineatwww.njmvc.govorbycalling(888) 486-3339withinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500outofstate.

bicycLes, sKAteboArDs AnD inLine sKAtesAmotoristshouldalwaysleaveplentyofroomwhenfollowingorpassingabicyclist,skateboarderorinlineskater.UnderNewJerseylaw,eachoftheseindividualshasthesamerightsandresponsibilitiesasamovingmotorvehicle.

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Whilebicyclesriddenafterdarkmusthavefrontandrearlightsandarearreflector,these illuminationdevicesmaybehard foramotorist tosee.Amotoristshouldalwaysremainalerttothepresenceofsmallervehicles.

When turning right, motorists should be aware of bicyclists, skateboarders orinlineskaters.Beforeturning,themotoristshouldwaituntiltheintersectionclears.UnderNewJersey law,motorists signalinga right turnmust yield tobicyclists,skateboardersorinlineskatersmovingthroughanintersection.

To turn left, abicyclist, skateboarderor inline skatermaychoose touse trafficlanes to turn as a vehicle would. A motorist should be aware that a bicyclist,skateboarderorinlineskatermayrideontherightedgeoftheturnlane.

motorizeD scooters (N.J.S.A.39:4-14.12through39:4-14.15;N.J.S.A.39:1-1)Amotorizedscooter isaminiaturemotorvehicle.Although it is illegal for thesevehicles to be driven on any public road or sidewalk, except on designatedmunicipalorcountyproperty,motoristsmustbeveryalertifthesetypesofvehiclesarepresent.Motorizedscootersareextremelyhardtosee.

Motorized scooters must be registered in the municipality or county where theownerresidesandmustbeinsured.Nooneundertheageof12(theagedeterminedbyamunicipalityorcounty)ispermittedtooperateamotorizedscooter.

examples of a motorized scooter include but are not limited to: •Pocketbikes

•Superpocketbikes

•Scooters

•Mini-scooters

•Sportscooters

•Mini-choppers

•Mini-motorcycles

•Motorizedskateboards

•OthervehicleswithmotorsnotmanufacturedincompliancewithFederal MotorVehicleSafetyStandardsandwhichhavenopermanentFederalSafety Certificationstickersaffixedtothevehiclebytheoriginalmanufacturer

the following are not motorized scooters: •Electricpersonalmobility-assistingdevices

•Motorizedbicyclesorlow-speedvehicles

•Motorizedwheelchairs•Mobility scooters or similar mobility-assisting devices used by persons with physicaldisabilitiesorpersonswhoseambulatorymobilityhasbeenimpairedby ageorillness

inDiviDuALs with A mobiLity-reLAteD DisAbiLity State law allows individuals with a mobility-assisted disability to operate certainmotorizedscootersonpublicstreets,withapostedspeedlimitinexcessof25mphbutnotmorethan35mph,iflocalgovernmentdeterminesthatthescooterdoesnotposeadangertosafetyandtheflowoftraffic.Themotorizedscootermayonlyhaveamaximumspeedcapabilityofnomorethan15mph(N.J.S.A.39:4-14.12through39:4-14.15).Thefollowingarenotpermittedformobility-relateddisabilities:

•Pocketbikes

•Superpocketbikes

•Scooters

•Mini-scooters

•Sportscooters

•Mini-choppers

•Mini-motorcycles

•Motorizedskateboards

Themotorizedscootermustberegisteredwiththemunicipalityinwhichtheoperatorresides and must be insured. After registering the motorized scooter with themunicipality,theownermayapplyforaplacardorstickerfromtheMVC.

Low-sPeeD vehicLes(N.J.S.A.39:4-31.1through39:4-31.5)Alow-speedvehicle(LSV)isafour-wheeledvehiclewithanattainablespeedofmorethan20mph,butnomorethan25mphonapavedsurface.Itcannotbepoweredbygasordieselfuelandmustcomplywithfederalsafetystandards.Motoristsshouldbealertwhenthesetypesofvehiclesarepresent,astheymaybedifficulttosee.

Thefollowingguidelinesmustbeobservedwhendrivingalow-speedvehicle:• LSVsmaynotbedrivenonroadwayswithspeedlimitsthatexceed25mph.

(Inlimitedcases,ifdeemedappropriatebyamunicipality,countyortheStateDOT,LSVsmaybepermittedonroadwayswithspeedlimitsthatdonotexceed35mph).

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• Watchforandabidebyroadsignsprohibitinguse,evenonlowerspeedroads.

• LSVsmaynotbeusedasmodifiedgolfcarts.

• LSVsmusthavea17-digitVehicleIdentificationNumber.

• AmotoristmusthaveavalidClassDlicensetooperateanLSV.

• TheLSVmustbeproperlyregisteredandinsured.

• ChildrestraintsinLSVsmustmeetthesamestandardsasthoseusedinpassengervehicles.

• AmotoristmayleaseorrentLSVsthatareproperlytitled,registeredandinsuredfortemporaryuse.

• AnLSVmayberegisteredinthenameofanindividual,businessorgovernmententitybutmaynotbeusedasacommercialvehicle.

• LSVdriversaresubjecttothesameviolationsasothervehicles(exceptfortheregularinspectionrequirements).

• AllLSVsshallhaveasafetyinformationdecalprovidedbythemanufacturerontherearofthevehicle.

• IftheLSVhasonlyonelicenseplate,itshouldbeplacedontherearofthevehicle.

• LSVsmustmeetfederalandstaterequirements.

federal requirements (49CFR571.500)Lowspeedvehiclescannotexceed25mphandmustbeequippedwith:

• Headlamps

• Frontandrearturnsignallamps

• Taillamps

• Stoplamps

• Redreflexreflectors:oneoneachsideasfartotherearaspossibleandoneontherearofthevehicle

• Exteriormirrormounted:onthemotorist’ssideofthevehicleandeitheranexteriormountedonthepassenger’ssideoraninteriorrearviewmirror

• Parkingbrake

• Windshieldthatmeetsfederalsafetyrequirements

• VehicleIdentificationNumber

• Seatbelts

State requirements(N.J.S.A.39:4-31.2)LSVsoperatedonanypublicroadorhighwayinthestateshallbemaintainedinproperconditionandcomplywithequipmentrequirementsandstandards:

• Adequatebrakestocontrolthemovementofthevehicle

• Odometer

• Speedometer

• Originalmanufacturer’sVINdie-stampedonthebodyand/orframe,engineormotorofthevehicle

• Safetyinformationdecalprovidedbythemanufacturermustbeinaconspicuousplaceontherearofthevehicledisplaying“25MPHVehicle”

snowmobiLes AnD ALL-terrAin vehicLes(ATVs)(N.J.S.A.39:3C-1through39:3C-31)Motoristsmustbeawareofthepresenceof legallyregisteredsnowmobilesandATVsthatmayattempttocrosscertainroadways.Whileitisillegalforthesetypesofvehiclestorideonpublicroadwayswithothervehicles,theyarepermittedtocrosscertainroadwayswhensafetypermits.OperatorsofsnowmobilesandATVsmust maintain a proof of insurance and display the vehicle’s registration at alltimes.CopiesoftheNewJerseySnowmobileorATVbrochuresmaybeobtainedonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.

AnimALsAnimalsoftendartontoroadsorstreets.Tryingtoavoidthemoftencausescollisions.Byswerving,thevehiclemayhitsomethingelseorbehitbyanothervehiclefrombehind.Thebestdefenseagainstsuchaccidentsistowatchforanimalsonbothsidesoftheroadaheadandbepreparedforunexpectedmovement.

horsebAcK riDers Horse-drawnvehiclesandhorsebackridershavethesamerightsandresponsibilitiesasdomotorvehicleswhenusingpublicroadways(N.J.S.A.39:4-25.1).Motoristsshouldapproachorpassahorseorhorse-drawnvehiclewithcareatamaximumspeedof25mphandobservetherequest,eitherbyhandsignalorotherwise,ofapersonridingahorseordrivingahorse-drawnvehicleintheoppositedirectionforthemotoristtostophis/hermotorvehicleandremainstationaryforaslongasittakesthehorsetopass(N.J.S.A.39:4-72).

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Horse-drawnvehiclesandhorseback ridersmaynotusecertain limited-accesshighwaysandmustridewithtraffic,keepingasfartotherightaspossible.Otherrulesapply.Speedingandilluminationrulesapply.Alightmustbedisplayedonthebackofthehorse-drawnvehicle:

•30minutesaftersunsetuntil30minutesbeforesunrise

•Ifvisibilityis500feetorless

•Whenencounteringfog,mist,smokeorotherfactorsthatreducevisibility(N.J.S.A.39:4-25)

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laws Governing Vehicle Title and RegistrationTitlesRegistrationlicense PlatesHandicapped Plates/PlacardsVehicle InspectionInsuranceInsurance fraud

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VehicleInformation

Inadditiontosafelynavigatingtheroadways,amotoristmustalsounderstandtherequirementsforvehiclesthathe/shedrives.

VEHIClE TITlE anD REGISTRaTIOnNew Jersey residents who buy a new or used vehicle must title, register, andinsure it before driving it on public roads (N.J.S.A. 39:3-4, 39:10-11, 39:6B-1,39:6B-2).NewJersey lawstatesa vehicleclassifiedunder theLemonLawmust have that classification on the title (N.J.S.A. 39:10-9.3). For informationabouttheLemonLaw,contacttheLemonLawUnitoftheDivisionofConsumerAffairsat(973) 504-6200. Ifamotoristmoves intothisstate,the lawrequireshis/hervehicletobetitledandregisteredwithin60days;sooner,iftheout-of-stateregistration expires before then (N.J.S.A. 39:3-17.1). The titled owner (personwhosenameappearsonthetitleastheowner)orapersonwithauthoritytoactonthevehicleowner’sbehalf1isrequiredtovisitanMVCagencytoprocessthetransaction. An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle will be valid for fouryears.Allotherregistrationsaretypicallyvalidforoneyear2(N.J.S.A.39:3-4).

1Visitwww.njmvc.govforspecificinformationonwhoisauthorizedtoactontheowner’sbehalf.2Visitwww.njmvc.govforexceptions.

how to titLe A new vehicLe• Obtainthetitlethroughthedealershipwherethevehiclewaspurchased.

• Obtainthemanufacturer’scertificateoforiginassignedtotheowner,ensuringthatthedocumenthasthesalestaxsatisfiedstampontheback(ifpurchasedfromadealerauthorizedtocollectNewJerseysalestax).

ThedocumentscanbetakentoanyMVCagency.Theownermustpaytherequiredtitlingfee.IfthedealerisnotauthorizedtocollectNewJerseysalestax,thebuyermustpaysalestaxwhentitlingthevehicle.

how to titLe A useD vehicLe• Completethereversesideofthetitlewiththebuyer’sname,address,date

ofsale,mileageodometerreading,saleprice,buyer’ssignatureandseller’sinformationandsignature.

• Presentthesignedtitleandpaytherequiredtitlingfee.

• Thebuyermustpaysalestaxonthepurchasepricewhentitlingthevehicle.

Note:Toavoida$25penaltywhenbuyingausedcar,thetitlemustbepresentedtoanMVCagencyfortransferwithin10businessdaysofthesale(N.J.S.A.39:10-11.1).

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how to rePLAce A titLeif the title is lost or stolen,aduplicatetitlecanbeissuedatanyMVCagencyorbymailfora$25fee(N.J.S.A.39:10-12).

Thetitledowner(personwhosenameappearsonthefrontofthetitle)willneed:•AcompletedApplicationforDuplicateCertificateofOwnership(ISM/SS-52)1

•Acurrentregistrationcertificateorinsuranceidentificationcardforthevehicle

•Alienreleasefromthelienholderifthevehiclewasfinanced

if the title is damaged, defaced or illegible,areplacementtitlecanbeissuedatanyMVCagencyorbymailfora$20fee(N.J.S.A.39:10-16).

Thetitledowner(personwhosenameappearsonthefrontofthetitle)willneed:•Thedamagedtitle•AcompletedApplicationforDuplicateCertificateofOwnership(ISM/SS-52)1

1 ISM/SS-52 can be obtained at any MVC agency, online at www.njmvc.gov or by calling (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (outofstate).

Ifsomeoneotherthanthetitledownerisapplyingforareplacementorduplicatetitle,pleasecontacttheMVConlineatwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-freeinNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500(outofstate)foradditionalrequirements.

how to comPLete An initiAL reGistrAtion• CompleteaNewJerseyVehicleRegistrationapplication(BA-49)atanyMVC

agency.Providethenameofthevehicle’scurrentinsurancecompanynameandthepolicynumberontheapplication.

• Showproofofvehicleownership.Foranewvehicle,amanufacturer’scertificateof origin and a dealer’s certificate of sale are proof. For a previously ownedvehicle,atitlesignedbythepreviousownerisproof.Foraleasedvehicle,getapowerofattorney fromthe leasingcompany.Forout-of-statevehicles thatareleasedorfinanced,securetheoriginaltitlefromthelienholderorleasingcompany. Visit www.njmvc.gov or call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in NewJersey)or(609) 292-6500(outofstate)formoreinformation.

• Showproofthattherequiredsalestaxhasbeenpaid,orpaythetaxattheagency.

Note: In New Jersey, a motorist must be at least 17 years old to register a vehicle(N.J.S.A.39:10-11.1).

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reGistrAtion renewALTheMVCmails renewalnoticesat least60daysbefore theannual registrationexpires.Ifarenewalformisnotreceivedbymail,therenewalmaybecompletedinpersonatanyMVCagency,orcontacttheMVCtohaveanapplicationmailed.Itisthemotorist’sresponsibilitytokeephis/hervehicleregistrationcurrent.Thereisafinefordrivingwithoutacurrentregistrationdocument.

Registration renewalsmaybeconductedquicklyandeasilybyphoneoron theWeb,24hoursaday.Botharefreeservices.Apersonaladdresschangecanbemadeonlinewhilerenewing.

•Calltoll-free(877) 368-6548.

•Goonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.

Forboth,apreprintedregistrationrenewalwithPIN,validinsuranceIDcardandcreditcardarenecessary.ThePINisasecurityfeature.Ifthepre-printedformislost,amotoristwillnotbeabletorenewonlineorbyphone.

If renewingbymail,fillout therenewalformandmail totheMVCwithacheckormoneyorder.Pleaseallowenoughtimeforprocessingbeforetheregistrationexpires.

Note:TheMVCnolongerissueslicenseplateregistrationdecalstopassengervehiclesornon-commerciallight-truckowners.

titLe AnD reGistrAtion correctionsTitleand registrationcorrectionsmaybemadeatanyMVCagencyor regionalservice center.Please call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free inNew Jersey) or (609)292-6500(outofstate)forspecificinstructions.

lICEnSE PlaTES (N.J.S.A.39:3-33)Motorists will receive two matching licenseplatesuponregisteringavehicle.Oneplateisprovidedwhenregisteringatrailer,mopedormotorcycle.Forpassengervehicles,oneplateshouldbeattachedtothefrontofthevehicleandtheothertotherearatleast12inchesbutless than48 inchesabove theground.Bothplates must be clean and visible. The rearplatemustbelightedsoitisvisiblefrom50feetatnight,evenwithreflectorizedplates(N.J.S.A.39:3-48b).Usinglicenseplatecoversorholdersthatobscureorconcealanyletteringonthelicenseplateisaviolation,withafineofupto$100.

License PLAte fActs• Reportlostorstolenplatestolocalpolice.Retainacopyofthecomplaint.

• Replacelostordamagedplateswithin24hoursatanyMVCagency,andturnintheoldplatesatanyMVCagencyormailthemtotheMVC,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403.

• Transfer the plates to your new vehicle. Most plates are transferable. Visitwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-free inNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate)fordetails.

• Ifamotoristsellshis/hervehicleanddoesnottransfertheplatestoanothervehicle,he/sheshouldturnintheoldplatesatanyMVCagencyormailthemtotheMVC,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403.Areceiptwillbeprovided.Itshouldbekeptinasafeplace.

• ObtaininformationaboutpersonalizedplatesfromanyMVCagencyatwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-freeinNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate).

• Amotoristmayplaceonlyvalidplatesonhis/hervehicle.Forgedorcounterfeitlicenseplatesonanymotorvehiclemayresultinafineofupto$500,upto60days imprisonmentora licensesuspensionofup tosixmonths,orboth(N.J.S.A.39:3-33,39:3-38).

• Ifamotoristterminatesvehicleinsurance,theplatesmustbereturnedtotheMVC(N.J.A.C.13:21-5.10b).

hAnDicAPPeD PLAtes/PLAcArDs/cArDs(N.J.S.A.39:4-206and39:4-205)Handicappedlicenseplatesandarearviewmirrorplacardareavailabletodisabledpersonsatnochargetoallowthemtoparkinspecificallydesignedspaces.

• A motorist may obtain an application online at www.njmvc.gov or requestonebycalling(888) 486-3339 (toll-free inNJ)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate).ApplicationsmayalsobeobtainedatanyMVCagency.Alongwiththeapplicationamotoristwillreceiveinstructions,FAQsandachecklisttoassistincompletingtheapplication.

• QualifiedindividualswillcompletePart1oftheapplication;theirphysicianswillcompletePart2,whichestablishesandcertifieseligibilityundertheprovisionsofthelaw.ThecompletedapplicationisthenmailedtotheMVCforprocessing.

• Qualifiedindividualsmayreceiveonesetofplatesandoneplacard(N.J.A.C.13:20-9.4).

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Toobtainatemporaryplacard:• Amotoristmustgotothechiefofpoliceinthemunicipalitywherehe/she

residestogetanapplication.• Themotoristmusthavehis/herdoctorcertifytheneedfortheplacard.• Themotoristmustreturnthecompletedapplicationtothepolicedepartment

witha$4fee,payabletoMotorVehicleCommission.• Uponpayment,thepolicedepartmentwillissueatemporaryplacard.• Temporaryplacardsaregoodforsix(6)monthsandmayberenewed,if

needed,foranadditionalsix(6)months.

Whenthevehicle isparked, thehandicappedplacardmustbedisplayedonthevehicle’srearviewmirror.Itmustberemovedpriortodriving.

LicenseplatesandplacardsforeligiblepersonsareissuedwithanIdentificationCardandaretobeusedexclusivelyforandbythepersonnamedontheIdentificationCard.Thecardisnon-transferableandwillbeforfeitedifusedbyanotherperson.Abuseofthisprivilegeiscauseforrevocationofboththelicenseplates/placardandcard(N.J.S.A.39:4-205).

Upon the death of the eligible person, the handicapped plates/placard andIdentificationCardmustbereturnedtotheMVC.TheymaybesurrenderedatanyMVCAgencyormailedtotheMVCOfficeofCustomerAdvocacy,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403,withaletterofexplanation.

Platesmustberenewedeveryyear,andplacardsmustberenewedeverythreeyears. Upon receipt of an application for renewal, the MVC may require theapplicanttosubmitastatementfromaphysicianrecertifyinghis/herqualificationasprovidedunderN.J.A.C.13:20-9.1a4.

Fraud or abuse of handicapped plates and placards will not be tolerated. It isimportantthatapplicantsandcertifyingphysiciansknowthatunderNewJerseylaw,makingafalsestatementorprovidingmisinformationonanapplicationtoobtainorfacilitatethereceiptoflicenseplatesorplacardsforpersonswithdisabilitiesisafourth-degreecrime.Apersonwhohasbeenconvictedofanoffensemaybesubjecttoafine,nottoexceed$10,000,andtoatermofimprisonment,whichshallnotexceed18months(N.J.S.A.2C:21-4a).

VEHIClE InSPECTIOnAll gasoline-fueled vehicles, except new vehicles, registered in New Jerseymust pass state safety and emissions inspections every two years at a stateinspectionfacilityorastate-licensedprivateinspectionfacility(N.J.S.A.39:8-2c,N.J.A.C.13:20-7.2).

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Newgasoline-fueledvehiclesmustpasstheirfirstMVCinspectionfouryearsafter7.4b). they are initially registered (N.J.S.A. 39:8-2c and N.J.A.C. 13:20-28.6,13:20.TheMVCinspectsdiesel-fueledpassengervehiclesandtrucksregisteredunder10,000poundsforsafetyonly,buttheMVCmayrequirethesevehiclestoundergooccasionalroadsidespotinspections.High-riseandreconstructedvehiclesmustbetakentospeciallyequippedinspectionstationsinWinslow,AsburyParkandMorristown.Call(888) 486-3339formoreinformation.

Tobeeligibleforinspection,allmotoristsmustbringavaliddriverlicenseandvalidNewJerseyregistrationandinsurancedocumentsforthevehicletobeinspectedateitherastate inspectionstationorastate-licensedprivate inspectionfacility.Without the proper documentation, the vehicle will not pass inspection. WhenmovingtoNewJerseyfromanotherstate,amotoristmusthavehis/hervehicleinspected within 14 days after registering it (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.4). For motorvehicleinspectioninformation,pleasecall1-888-nJmotor (1-888-656-6867) orvisitwww.njmvc.gov.

Since September 1, 2007, customers wishing to obtain off-cycle vehicleinspectionsmustvisitaprivate inspectionfacility(PIF),whichwillchargeafee.Onlythosevehiclesthatarewithintwomonthsoftheexpirationdateindicatedontheinspectionstickerwillbeinspectedatacentralizedinspectionfacility(CIF).

the insPection ProcessUpon inspection, the New Jersey emissions inspectorwilldeterminethevehicle’senginetypeandprepareitfortesting.Tocomplywithstateandfederalsafetystandards,theMVCteststhevehicle’sbrakesuspension,steering,wheel alignment and safety features (headlights, taillights,tires,horn,windshieldwipersandturnsignals).

To comply with federal Clean Air Act standards, the MVC inspects a vehicle’semissionssystembasedontheyear,makeandmodelofthevehicle.NewJerseyusesanon-boarddiagnostics,orOBD,test.OBDallowstechnicianstodownloademissions information from an on-board computer found in most vehiclesmanufacturedin1996orlater.TheMVCanalyzesemissionsdatainthiswaytodetermine if thevehiclepasses inspection.Anyvehiclewitha lit“checkengine”lightwillautomaticallyfailtheOBDtest.

Thefinalstageofthetestwillassurethatthevehicle’sgascapissealingcorrectlysothatitlimitstheescapeoffumesintotheenvironment

Afterthevehiclepasses inspection, the inspectorwillplaceanewcertificateofapprovalinthelowerleftcornerofthewindshieldthatshowstheexpirationdate.

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NootherstickercanappearintheleftcornerofthewindshieldunlessapprovedbytheMVCChiefAdministrator.

To properly maintain a vehicle, a motorist should always check its conditionbetweeninspectionsandbeforelongtrips.

Drivingavehiclewithanexpired inspectionstickermay result infinesbetween$100and$200and/orimprisonmentforupto30days.Additionally,theMVCmayrevokeregistrationprivileges(N.J.S.A.39:8-9).

insPection test resuLtsWhenavehiclepasses inspection, itwill receiveacertificateofapproval. If thevehicle fails inspection1, theownerwillhaveup toonemonth from the lastdayof themonth indicatedon the inspectionsticker tomake thenecessary repairsandreturnforre-inspectionatastateinspectionfacilityorstate-licensedprivateinspection facility (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.5).Vehicles overdue for inspection do notreceiveadditional time tomakenecessary repairs (N.J.A.C.13:20-43.12).Thevehiclemaystillbecitedbylawenforcementforequipmentoutofcompliance.

Allemissionrepairsmustbecompletedbyaregisteredemissionsrepairfacility.Ifaprivatestate-licensedgarageislicensedtoonlydoinspections,thefacilitycannotmakeemissionsrepairs.

1SeeInspectionAdvisories

insPection of useD cArs PerN.J.A.C.13:20-7.4,whenausedvehicleispurchasedandhasavalidNewJerseyinspectioncertificateofapprovalproperlyaffixedtothewindshield,thenewownerhastwooptions:

•Usethetimeleftonthepreviousowner’sinspectioncertificateofapproval.•Takethevehicleforinspectionwithin14daysafterregistration.

IfthevehicleisfromanotherstateordoesnothaveavalidNewJerseyinspectionsticker,thevehiclemustbeinspectedwithin14daysafterregistration.

insPection ADvisoriesSinceMarch1,2007,theMVChasbeenusing InspectionAdvisoriesto informmotoristsofcertainminorvehicledefectsfoundduringaninspection.Thevehicleisnotgivena rejectionsticker for these items; rather, themotorist is issuedanInspectionAdvisory,notingtheitemsthatrequirerepair.Amotoristthenhas60daysfromthedateoftheinspectiontomakethoserepairs.Ifrepairsarenotmade,themotoristmaybecitedforfailuretomakerepairsandbesubjecttopenalties.At any time, though, a vehicle may be cited for equipment out of compliance.

Motoristsdonothavetore-inspecttheirvehiclesforadvisoryitems.Thefollowingitems will not be cause for rejection but will cause the motorist to receive anInspectionAdvisory:

•Missingordefacedlicenseplates(atleastoneundamagedlicenseplatemustbepresented)

•Currentregistrationcontainingtypographicalerrorsinthevehicleidentificationnumber(providedthemake,modelyearandlicenseplatenumberontheregistrationisaccurate)

•Missingorburned-outlicenseplatelights•High-mountedrearstoplightthatismissing,obstructed,inoperativeordoesnot

operateproperly(twostoplightsmustbeoperable)•Headlightsthatarecracked,chippedorcontainmoistureorthatareequippedwith

brushguardsorgrillsovertheheadlights(aslongastheyareoperationalandvisible)•Broken,crackedormissinglensonturn-signallight(providedthatnowhitelight

isshowingtotherearofthevehicle)•Improperspecialtylights(regardlessofnumber,locationandcondition)includingfog,

passing,supplementaldriving,spotlight,cowl,fenderoranyotherauxiliarylights•Excessiverustorsharpedgesonthevehiclebodyorbumper•Crackedorbrokenmirrors(aslongasthemotoristhasadequaterearviewvision)•Motorcyclehelmetsthatdonothavereflectivetapeorhelmetsthatarenotreflective

insPection exemPtionsInspections are not required for certain vehicles, such as historic and collectorvehicles(N.J.S.A.39:8-1).

•Historicvehiclesatleast25yearsold,usedonlyforexhibition/educationalpurposesormanufacturedbefore1945,requireaspecialregistrationandaQQplatedisplayedontherearofthevehicle(N.J.S.A.39:3-27.3,N.J.A.C.13:20-34.2).

•Collectorvehiclesdisplaytwostandardlicenseplatesandhaveatriangulardecalonthefrontleftwindshieldthatisvalidfortwoyears.Theownermustprovideproof of miles driven annually (3,000 miles or fewer) and special insurance(limited-usecollectorvehicle)andrenewthisstatusevery twoyearsor if theownerchanges(N.J.A.C.13:20-43.1,N.J.A.C.13:20-43.2).

Auto rePAir fAciLitiesWhenavehicle isdamaged inanaccidentandneeds repair,amotorist shouldonlyconsiderrepairfacilitiesthatareproperlylicensedtoremove,rebuildorinstallintegralcomponentpartsofanengine,powertrain,chassisorbodyofavehicledamagedinacollision.Beforechoosinganautobodyshop:

•Checkoutseveralshops.•Visitwww.njmvc.govforalistoflicensedautobodyrepairshopsorcall(888)

486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate

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•Checkfor theequipment that theshopneeds toproperly repairyourvehicle(framemachine,migwelder,paintroom).

•AskiftheshopisamemberofthelocalChamberofCommerceoracollisionrepairassociation(Amotoristmaywanttocalloneofthesegroupstoverifytheshop’sreputation).

•Askaboutassistancewith insuranceclaims. It is illegal forashop tosaveamotorist the cost of the insurance deductible. Insurance fraud violators aresubjecttoapenaltyofnotmorethan$5,000forafirstoffense,$10,000forasecondoffenseand$15,000forathirdoffense(N.J.S.A.17:33A-5).

•Requestanestimateinwritingbeforeauthorizingrepairs.Also,obtainawrittenwarrantyontheworkthatwillbedone.Theestimateshouldcontaintheagreed-uponpaymenttermsandtherepaircompletiondateandifauthorizedequipmentwillbeused.

insurAnceMotorvehicleliabilityinsuranceismandatoryintheStateofNewJersey.EveryvehicleregisteredinNewJerseymusthaveliabilityinsurance(N.J.S.A.39:6B-1,39:6B-2).

The type and cost of insurance coverage can vary. Check the Department ofBankingandInsurance(DOBI)Websiteatwww.njdobi.orgtoreviewthemanyinsurancecoveragechoices,orcontactaninsurancecompany.

A New Jersey Insurance Identification Card will be provided for each vehicleinsuredunderapolicy.Thiscardmustremaininthevehiclewiththedriver.Itmustbeshownpriortoinspection,wheninvolvedinanaccidentandwhenstoppedbylawenforcementforatrafficviolationorroadsidespotcheck.

Drivingwithanuninsuredvehiclecanresult infines,communityservice, licenseandregistrationsuspensionandinsurancesurcharges.

insurAnce frAuDTheOfficeofInsuranceFraudProsecutor(OIFP)intheDivisionofCriminalJusticeaggressivelyinvestigatesandprosecutesindividualswhoengageininsurancefraud.Ifapersoncommitsinsurancefraudbyprovidingfalseinformationtoaninsurancecompanywhilemakingaclaimorsubmittinganinsuranceapplication,theOIFPcanfilecriminalchargesthatcanresultinincarceration.Itmayalsoimposecivilfinesupto$15,000foreachviolation(N.J.S.A.17:33A-5).Inaddition,apersonconvictedofinsurancefraudcouldlosehis/herdriverlicense.

Becausefraudincreasesthecostof insuranceforallNewJerseyans,motoristscanhelptheOIFPbyreportingfraud.Visitwww.njinsurancefraud.organdclickon Report Fraud, or call (877) 55-frAUd (877-553-7283). All tips are keptstrictlyanonymousandconfidential.


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license RenewalPermit, non-Driver ID and license updateslost or Stolen Permits, non-Driver IDs and licensesPermit, non-Driver ID and license Correctionsamericans with Disabilities actOrgan DonationVoter RegistrationMaps

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essential DriverInformation

lICEnSE REnEwalAvalidlicensemustbecarriedatalltimeswhendriving(N.J.S.A.39:3-29).Itisimportanttoremembertorenewthe licensebefore itexpires. Ifadriver licenseisnotrenewedforthreeyears,orifthemotoristmaynotrenewduetoalicensesuspension,he/shemustreapplyandretakethevisionscreeningandwrittenandroadtests(N.J.A.C.13:21-8.17).Itistheresponsibilityofthemotoristtorenewhis/herlicense.Renewalnoticesaresenttomotoristsupto90dayspriortotheexpirationdate.Ifarenewalformisnotreceivedbymail,aformmaybeobtainedatanyMVCagency.Whenrenewingalicense,amotoristmustbringhis/herexpiringlicense,acompletedrenewalformandthedocumentsrequiredby6PointsofIDVerification (N.J.A.C.13:21-8.2) to anyMVCagency.Whenabasic license isrenewed,anyendorsements(motorcycle,commercialvehicle,boat)mustalsoberenewedinordertodriveoroperatetheendorsedvehicle.

IfamotoristentersthemilitaryandhasavalidNewJerseylicense,he/sheshouldrenewthelicensebeforeitexpires.Mostlicensesmaybereneweduptosixmonthsinadvanceofexpiration.

PERMIT, nOn-DRIVER ID anD lICEnSE uPDaTESInformationonapermit,driverlicenseornon-driverIDmustbeaccurate.ChangesandcorrectionsshouldbereportedtotheMVCimmediately.

ADDress chAnGesIf amotoristmoveswithinNewJerseyoroutof state,he/shemust report theaddresschangewithinoneweek(N.J.S.A.39:3-36)byanyofthefollowing:

• VisitanMVCagencywith6PointsofIDVerification(N.J.A.C.13:21–8.2)andproofofaddresschange.(Anewdriverlicensewillbegeneratedforafeeof$11).

• SubmittherequestinwritingtotheMVCDatabaseUnit,P.O.Box141,Trenton,NJ08666-0141.(Includecopiesof6PointsofIDVerificationandproofofaddresschange).

• Submitthechangeonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.

• Call(888) 486-3339(toll-freeinNewJersey)or (609) 292-6500(outofstate).

Allmotoristswhomakeaddresschangesviamail,Websiteorphonewillreceiveaddresschangeverificationstickersinthemail.Thestickeristobeattachedtothebackofthedriverlicenseandtothebackofanyvehicleregistrationsinthemotorist’sname.

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nAme chAnGesIfamotoristchangeshis/hernamelegally(throughadivorce,marriage,adoptionorbylegalnamechange)orchangesthenameofhis/hercorporation,thenamechange must be reported to the MVC within two weeks (N.J.S.A. 39:3-9a).PersonalnamechangesmayonlybemadeinpersonatanMVCagencyorregionalservice center.U.S. passports cannot be used as proof of legal name change.Proofofaddressand6PointsofIDVerification(N.J.A.C.13:21-8.2)arerequired,includingacertifiedcopyofthedocumentforthenamechange.IfanewSocialSecuritycardwiththenewnamehasnotbeenreceived,themotoristshouldcontacttheSocialSecurityAdministrationat(800) 772-1213.

corPorAte nAme/ADDress chAnGes Corporatenamechangesorchangesofaddressmustbemadebymail.Acompanyofficermust,withinsevendays,writeandsignaletteroncompanyletterheadthatincludesthe:

• Corpcodenumber

• Formerandnewcompanyname

• NewcompanyaddressinNewJersey(P.O.boxandstreet)

• Phonenumber

• Previousaddress(ifapplicable)

• Proofofageandidentificationofcompanyofficer

• Name-changepapersfromtheTreasuryDepartment’sCommercialRecordingSection.

Thisinformationmaybesubmittedto:MVCDatabaseCorrectionUnitP.O.Box141Trenton,NJ08666-0141

lOST OR STOlEn PERMITS, nOn-DRIVER IDSanD lICEnSESNew Jersey law requires that a motorist carry a validated permit when he/shepracticesdrivingandavalidlicensewhendriving(N.J.S.A.39:3-29).Intheeventthatthepermitislostorstolen,anyMVCagencywillissueaduplicatepermitforanyclassvehiclefor$5.Amotoristmustprovideproofthathe/sheis17yearsorolderandhaveproofofidentity,asdescribedintheprecedingpages.Alicenseddrivinginstructormustapplyfortheduplicateifthemotoristisunder17yearsold.

Alostorstolendriverlicenseornon-driveridentificationcardshouldbereportedtothepolice.Theapplicantmustappearinpersonatanyagencytoobtainaduplicatelicenseoridentificationcard.Toensurethatsomeonedoesnotsecureadocumentinanotherindividual’sname,theapplicantmustshow6PointsofIDVerification.Thereplacementfeeforalostorstolenlicenseoridentificationcardis$11.

PERMIT, nOn-DRIVER ID anD lICEnSE CORRECTIOnSIfamotoristrequiresachangetohis/hernameoraddressorotherpersonaldata,theMVCwillcorrectthepermit,non-driverIDordriverlicense.Followthechartonthispage.Proofsmustbeoriginaldocumentsorcertifiedcopieswiththerequiredstateormunicipalraisedseal.Ceremonialdocuments,suchasbaptismcertificatesorreligiousmarriagecertificates,arenotvalidproof.

Replacementfeesare$11forduplicates,replacements,permitsandnon-driver IDs.Handicappednon-driverIDsare$7foraduplicateand$9forachange.

item reASon proof

Name Marriage/CivilUnion Birthcertificateorcertifiedcopy,plusmarriageorcivilunioncertificate

Divorce Birthcertificateorcertifiedcopy,marriageorcivilunioncertificate,divorcedecreenotingnamechange

Dateofbirth Adoption Birthcertificateorcertifiedcopy,courtadoptionpapers

Legalchange Birthcertificateorcertifiedcopy,certifiedcourtorder

Correction Birthcertificateorcertifiedcopy,Department of State birth certificate,U.S. passport, alien registration card,U.S.citizenshippapers,activemilitaryIDcard,U.S.adoptionpapers,militarydischargepapers(DD214),U.S.naturalizationcertificate

Address Moved Bankstatement,utilitybill,officialgovernmentmail

SocialSecurity Correction SocialSecuritycard

Weight,height Correctionorchange Nonerequired

Sex Medicalsexchange Amendedcertifiedbirthcertificate

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aMERICanS wITH DISaBIlITIES aCTTheMVCcomplieswiththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA),the lawthatstates government agencies cannot deny programs and activities to anyonebecauseofdisabilities.Everyonewhousesgovernmentservicesshouldhavetherighttoindependentaccesstoinformation.Oneexampleisthatdisabledpeoplecanaccessinformationaboutpermits,licenses,vehicleinspectionandregistration,drivinglawsandregulations.SomeprogramstheMVCprovidesare:

•Teletypedigitaldisplay(TDD)machinephoneaccesstogeneralinformation

•Two24-hourgeneralinformationlines

•MVCWebsite

•PhysicalaccesstoMVCfacilitiesandparking

•ClearandconcisepublicationsinEnglish(someinSpanish)

•Oral,writtenandautomateddrivertesting

•Availabilityofplacardsandlicenseplatesfordisabledpersons; non-driveridentificationcards

ORGan DOnaTIOn Possessingadriverlicensecansavelivesthroughorganandtissuedonation.Oneorganandtissuedonorcansaveorenhancemorethan50lives.TheStateofNewJerseyandtheU.S.governmentpassedtheUniformAnatomicalGiftAct,whichallowsanindividualtodonatehis/herorgansupondeath.

An individual’s decision to be an organ donor can make a difference in livesthroughoutNewJerseyandacrossthenation.Rightnow,tensof thousandsofpeopleareawaitingorgantransplants,whilethousandsmoreareinneedoftissueandcornealtransplants.Theshortageofdonorsissoseverethateveryday,18peoplediewaitingfororgansthatcouldsavetheirlives.Youcangivethegiftoflifesimplybyagreeingtobecomeadonor.

Saying“yes”toorganandtissuedonationisanimportantdecisionforeveryone,includingthemorethan4,200NewJerseyanswhoarewaitingfororgans.Learnmoreaboutbeinganorgandonor.Gettheanswersandhavethepowertogiveothersthemostpreciousgift:life.

Most people do not realize that all major religions support organ donation andconsideritthegreatestgiftapersoncangive.Anyonecandecidetobeadonor,even in cases of hepatitis and diabetes. There are no costs to the family fordonation,anditwillnotaffectfuneralarrangements.Age,gender,race,ethnicityorwealthdonotaffectwhoreceivesavailableorgans.

Whenapplyingforadriverlicenseforthefirsttimeandeachtimeitisrenewed,MVC staff will ask if the applicant would like the Organ Donor designation toappearonhis/herlicense.Iftheindividualis18yearsorolderandagreesbysayingyes,he/sheislegallyconsentingtothedonationoforgansandtissue.Thisisanimportantdecisiontosharewithfamily.

Formoreinformationaboutorganandtissuedonation,pleasevisitwww.donatelifenj.org.

VOTER REGISTRaTIOnTo expedite the voter registration process, the MVC sends voter registrationapplicationswithalldriverlicenserenewalsandchangesofaddress.Inafurthereffort to encourage all qualified citizens ofNew Jersey to register to vote, theMVC has voter registration applications at all its agencies. These applicationscan be used by eligible residents while conducting licensing transactions. Theinformationcollectedfromthevoter registrationapplication is transferred to theNewJerseyAttorneyGeneral’sDivisionofElectionsforinputintothestatewideVoterRegistrationSystem.

MaPSMapsareusedbymotoriststoguidethemintheirtravels.TheN.J.DepartmentofTransportationpublishesanofficialtransportationmapandguideforhighwaysandpublictransit.Italsocontainsusefultipsonawidearrayofcultural,recreationaland historical attractions that make New Jersey special. To obtain a map, call(800)Jersey-7(800-537-7397).

Motoristsshouldkeepmapsoftheirdestinationsintheirvehiclesandshouldknowhowtoreadthem.Mapsareeasytouse.Forexample,tofindatown,amotoristmayusethemap’sindex,whichnotesaletterandnumberafterthetown’sname.Themotoristcanthenmatcheachtothenumbersandlettersonthesidesofthemap.Thelinesthatcrossthemapfromthatnumberandlettercombinationformadefinedarea.Thiswillhelplocateatowninthatsquared-offareaofthemap.

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Appendix


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TRaffIC SIGnS, SIGnalS anD ROaD MaRkInGSTrafficsigns,signalsandroadmarkingsaresetuptocontroltheflowoftraffic,makingstreetsandhighwayssaferformotorists,bicyclistsandpedestrians.Asafedriveralwayswatchesforandobeysalltrafficsignals,signsandroadmarkings.Duringheavytrafficorinanemergency,apoliceofficermaydirecttraffic.Apoliceofficer can overrule traffic signals. Law enforcement orders or directions mustalwaysbeobeyed.

Courtpenaltieswillbeimposedforstealingordamagingairport,trafficorrailroad-crossingsignsorequipment.

trAffic siGnALsWhen trafficsignalsarehungvertically, the red light isalwayson top.Theyellowis inthecenter.Thegreenlight isthird in line.Ifthereisagreenarrow, it isalwaysonthebottom.Whenthe lightsarehorizontal, red isalwaysontheleft.

reD LiGhtA motorist must stop before the intersection or crosswalk andremainstoppeduntilthelightchangestogreen.

yeLLow LiGhtA motorist should stop before entering the intersection orcrosswalk, unless his/her vehicle is so close to the intersectionthat it cannotbestoppedsafely.Ayellowarrowmeans thesignal ischangingfromgreentoredandgivesthemotoristachancetostopsafely.

Green LiGhtA motorist should proceed through the intersection. Yield to pedestrians andvehiclesstillintheintersectionandwhenturningleftorright.Beforemakingaleftturn,yieldtoapproachingvehicles.

Green ArrowWhenshownaloneorincombinationwiththeredsignal,proceedonlyasshownbythearrow.Becautiousandyieldtopedestrians.

fLAshinG yeLLow LiGhtSlowdownandproceedwithcare.


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fLAshinG reD LiGhtStop.Yieldtotrafficandpedestrians.Goonlywhensafe.

unLit siGnALStopifasignaldoesnothaveanyofitsbulbsworkingandnooneisdirectingtraffic.Itisconsideredafour-waystopsign.Lookleftandright.Yieldtotrafficcomingfromtherightorleft.Becarefulandgoonlywhensafe.

orAnGe, steADy rAiseD-PALm symboLPedestriansmustnotleavethesidewalkorentertheroadwaywhenfacingthelight.Thosealreadyintheroadwayshouldquicklygotoasafespot.Pedestriansalreadywithinthecrosswalkwillhavetimetocrosstheintersectionbeforethesignal changes.Thosewhohavenot yet left the sidewalkor curb shouldnotentertheroadway.

white, steADy PeDestriAn siLhouette/countDown PeDestriAn siGn with steADy PeDestriAn siLhouettePedestriansfacingthesignalmaycrosstheroadwayinthedirectionofthesignal.NewJerseylawrequiresturningmotoriststoyieldtopedestrianscrossingonthissignalandtopedestriansinthecrosswalk.

Pedestrianpush-buttonsarelocatedatcertaintrafficsignals.Ashorttimeafterthebuttonispushed,theflowoftrafficattheintersectionchangestoalongergreenforthesidestreet.

Traffic engineers use color, such as an optional yellow-green or a standardyellow,forthepedestriancrossingandbicyclewarningsignswhichareofutmostimportance.ThesesignsalertNewJerseymotoriststhattheymustsharetheroadwithpedestriansandbicyclistsandyieldtothem.

TRaffIC SIGnSSignsaredividedintothreebasiccategories:

•Warning:Warnmotoristsofhazardsaheadthataredifficulttosee.

•guidance:Guidemotoriststoadestinationbyclearlyidentifyingtheroute.

•regulatory:Regulatetrafficspeedandmovement.

Thesignsaremanufacturedindifferentshapesandcolorstoconveyaparticularmessage.Examplesofthevarioussigntypes,shapesandcolorsarefoundinthediagramonpage170.

1Whenthemaximumsafespeedaroundacurveorturnislowerthanthepostedspeedlimit,anadvisoryspeedsignisusedwiththeproperwarningsign.

wArninG siGnsWarningsignsareforroadconditionsthatneedcautionandforspecifichazardsthatmay be encountered during certain road operations.Someof thewarningsignsalertmotoriststoroadconditions,schoolcrossingsorcurvedroadways.Thesignsareyellowanddiamond-shapedwithablacksymbolorwordmessage.

roAD worK siGnsRoadworksignsalertmotoriststoavarietyoftemporaryroadwayconditions.Itisimportanttolookfor:

•Orange,diamond-shapedsignsthatwarnthemotoristoflaneclosings,laneshifts,flaggers,unevenpavementanddetours.Roadworkmaytemporarilycloselanesordivertthem,changingtrafficpatterns

•Reducedspeedlimitsignsthatarepostedalongsideorangeworkzonesigns.InNewJersey,alltrafficfinesaredoubledinworkzones.

Color ShApe # of SideS meSSAge

White Verticalrectangle 4Regulation(suchasspeedsigns)1

Blue Rectangle,square 4Motoristsservicesandinformation

Brown Rectangle 4Publicrecreationandscenicguidance

Green Rectangle 4 Directionguidance

Orange Diamond 4Constructionandmaintenancewarning

Red Octagon 8 STOPsignsonly

Red Triangle 3 YIELDsigns

Yellow Pennant 3 No-passingwarningsigns

Yellow Pentagon 5 Schoolsigns

Yellow Round Railroadwarningsigns

Yellow Diamond 4 Roadwayhazardsigns


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AMotoristshouldreacttoroadworksignsby:•Controllingthedistancebetweenhis/hervehicleandtheoneinfront,as

wellashis/herreactiontime.Alwaysreadthesigns,followdirectionsandpreparetoslowdownorstop

•Stayingalerttothemovingconstructionmachineryintheworkzone.Withpatience,amotoristwillcontributetotheoverallsafetyofmotoristsandworkersintheworkzone

•Watchingforworkersontheroad,whoriskinjury,possiblydeath.Flaggersmaystopandreleasetrafficthroughtheworkzone.Notethatflaggershavethesameauthorityasaregulatorysign,soamotoristmaybecitedifhe/shedisobeystheirdirections.

GuiDAnce siGnsGuidancesignsidentifydestinationsandroutesformotorists;someexamplesareshownonpages174-176.

motorist Service SignsMotorist servicesignshavewhite lettersorsymbolsonabluebackgroundandprovideinformationaboutmotoristservices.Someexamplesareshownonpages174and175.

reGuLAtory siGnsRegulatorysignsaregenerallyrectangular,withthelongerverticaldimension,andhaveblackwordingandbordersonawhitebackground.Someimportantregula-torysignstoknoware:

•Stop:Octagonalsignwithwhitewordingandborderonredbackground

•Yield:Whiteinvertedtrianglewithredwordingandborderwithawhiteborderband

•do not enter:Whitesquarewitharedcirclethathasawhitebandhorizontallyacrossthecenterofthecircleandthewords “DONOTENTER”inwhitelettersontheupperandlowerpartsofthecircle

TwonationalsignsthatindicatewherecertaininterstatetruckscanorcannottravelarenowbeingusedinNewJersey:

•green:Markstheroutesandrampswheretrucksarepermitted;alsomarksthetravelroutetoservicesandterminals

•red:Markstheroutesandrampswheretrucksareprohibited;alsomarkstheendofdesignatedroutes

roAD mArKinGsRoadmarkingshavethesameforceoflawassignsortrafficsignals.

•Yellow center lines:Separatetrafficflowgoinginoppositedirections

•White lines:Separatetrafficgoingthesamewaywhenthereismorethanonelane;showedgesofroads

•dashed lines:Onamotorist’ssideofthecenterlineoftheroadmeanthatpassingispermittedwhensafe

•Solid line:Onamotorist’ssideofthecenterlinemeansdonotpass

•road arrows:Whenusedwithothersigns,showthecorrectdirectionamotoristmustmakeinthatparticularlane

•White dashed lines:Separatetrafficlanesonmulti-lanehighways

•Yellow solid lines:Prohibitpassing.Donotcrossthesolidyellowlinetopass.Stayinthelane.Keeptotherightwhendrivingslowly

•Yellow solid and dashed lines:Controlpassing.Ifthesolidyellowlineisonthemotorist’ssideoftheroad,donotpass.Passonlyifthedashedlineisonthemotorist’ssideoftheroad.Apassmustbecompletedbeforetheyellowdashedlinesbecomesolid

•edge lines:Separatetheshoulderfromthetravellaneandshowtheedgesofhighways;Yellow edge linesseparatetheshoulderfromthetravellaneandshowtheedgeofthehighway

•White crosswalks:Indicatepedestriancrossingareas.Pedestriansshouldusetheseareaswhencrossingtheroad.Atintersectionswherestoplinesaremissingstopbeforethecrosswalkwhenrequiredtostopbytrafficsignsorsignalsorforpedestrians

•White stop lines:Showwheretostopatstopsignsortrafficsignals

•White special markings:Showspecialconditions,suchasSTOPAHEAD,SCHOOLandRXR,asamotoristalert.Atsomerailroadcrossings,theremaybeacrossbuck,flashinglightsand/orgateloweredacrosstheroadas a train approaches. The pavementmarkings, signs and crossbucks arepassivewarnings;theflashinglightsandloweredgatesareactivewarnings.Amotoristmustalwaysyieldtotrains

•White diamonds:Indicatehighoccupancyvehicle(HOV)lanesreservedforaparticularvehicle typeorvehiclescarryingmultiple riders,as identifiedbypostedregulatorysigns.Suchsignswillalso indicatehoursthatHOVlanesareinoperation.HOVlanesmayalsobemarkedwithwhitediamondspaintedonthepavementofthelane


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sPeciAL wArninG siGnsThesesignsalertmotoriststoslow-movingvehicles.Afluorescentandreflectiveorange triangular sign indicates slow-moving vehicles, such as farm andconstructionequipmentoperatingonpublichighways.Theoperatorsmustobeyalltrafficrulesandplaceaslow-movingvehiclesignonthebackoftheirvehiclestowarnapproachingmotorists.

rumbLe striPsTransverseandlongitudinalrumblestripsaresmallindentationsornarrow,raisedstripsonthehighwayorshoulderthatareputtheretoalertthemotoristthereisadecisionpointahead(suchasafour-wayintersectionaftermilesofuninterruptedtravel).Asthestripsvibratethesteeringwheelandmakeanoise,theywillwakethemotoristwhomayhavedozedofforcaution themotoristabout thedangerahead.Rumblestripswillnotdamageavehicle.Theyaremeanttogetamotoristtodriveslowly.Theyarealmostalwaysusedwithacautionarysign.

sPeeD humPs/sPeeD bumPsOthertypesofspeedcontroldevicesincludespeedhumpsandspeedbumps.Aspeedhumpisalowridgethatrunsacrossastreetandthatisdesignedtoslowdowncars.Aspeedhumpisalonger,flatterversionofaspeedbump,whichismoreraised.

rounDAboutsA roundabout isaone-way,circular intersection inwhich trafficflowsaroundacenter island.Roundaboutsaredesignedtomeet theneedsofall roadusers–drivers, pedestrians, pedestrians with disabilities, and bicyclists. A roundabouteliminatessomeoftheconflictingtraffic,suchasleftturns,whichcausecrashesattraditionalintersections.Becauseroundabouttrafficentersorexitsonlythroughrightturns,theoccurrenceofseverecrashesissubstantiallyreduced.

Sharp Turn Ahead

Winding Road Merge Hill Lane Reduction Ahead

Cross Road Railroad School Slippery When Wet

Hospital Handicapped Yield Ahead Signal Ahead

Workers Flagman Ahead Detour Road Closed

Stop Left Turn Only No Trucks Multiple Turning Lanes

Do Not Enter No U-Turns No Parking Any Time Do Not Pass

Divided Highway Cattle Crossing


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Sharp Turn Ahead

Winding Road Merge Hill Lane Reduction Ahead

Cross Road Railroad School Slippery When Wet

Hospital Handicapped Yield Ahead Signal Ahead

Workers Flagman Ahead Detour Road Closed

Stop Left Turn Only No Trucks Multiple Turning Lanes

Do Not Enter No U-Turns No Parking Any Time Do Not Pass

Divided Highway Cattle Crossing

Advisory Ramp Speed Side Road No Passing Zone Stop Sign Ahead

Two-Lane Traffic Road Narrows Road Closed Reserved Parking

U.S. Route Marker State Route Marker Rest Area Stop Here on Red

County Route Marker Exit Marker Mile Marker No Standing AnyTime

No Pedestrians No Turns Left Turn Only Interstate

Left or StraightOnly

Bus/Car Pool Lane One Way Keep Right

Wrong Way Yield No Right Turn

Advisory Ramp Speed Side Road No Passing Zone Stop Sign Ahead

Two-Lane Traffic Road Narrows Road Closed Reserved Parking

U.S. Route Marker State Route Marker Rest Area Stop Here on Red

County Route Marker Exit Marker Mile Marker No Standing AnyTime

No Pedestrians No Turns Left Turn Only Interstate

Left or StraightOnly

Bus/Car Pool Lane One Way Keep Right

Wrong Way Yield No Right Turn


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