New Jersey Auto Insurance Laws
Each state creates and enforces their unique insurance laws; this includes the protocol for registering vehicles, the minimum amount of coverage that is allowed and even what insurers can be licensed. One of the most densely populated areas in the U.S is New Jersey. This northern area is also home to one of the highest rates of car theft in the country. Let us focus on a few primary New Jersey auto insurance laws that every driver should be aware of and be respectful with that. Based on the information published by the NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance, these are the policy guidelines for residents in the garden state.
All drivers who have a registered vehicle in the state of NJ must carry active liability insurance that meets or exceeds the state’s mandatory coverage requirements. This includes:
* PIP coverage or personal injury protection of $15,000 per incident and per person.
* Liability coverage for property damages with a minimum of $5,000/accident.
Note: While bodily injury protection is not mandated, it is recommended to get at least $10,000 in coverage.
State policymakers suggest drivers should consider getting additional coverage if they have assets that need protecting and a family that could be impacted significantly in a serious car crash. Remember, the minimum guidelines are just a starting point, and each resident should assess his or her insurance needs carefully.
NJ Penalties for Driving Uninsured
Operating a vehicle in the state of NJ that is uninsured is against the law. The state has strict penalties for anyone who is caught driving without coverage. Fines start at $300 and go to $1,000 or more. There are also other severe penalties often imposed for first-time offenders, like having your drivers license suspended and even jail time in some instances. If drivers get caught a second time, the penalties are even more harsh.
A judge may impose a 14-day stint in prison and an increased penalty, up to $5,000. Additionally, violators will have their license suspended for a minimum of two years, will be forced to pay for expensive court costs and may be required to volunteer for community service programs. As you can see, NJ insurance regulators enforce the laws there vigorously, so it does not make any sense ever to get into a car without having the proper New Jersey Car Insurance. Get insured for less today with good to go car insurance.
Cell Phone use and Texting while Driving is against the Law in New Jersey
NJ drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a hand-held cellphone or smartphone device, this includes texting while driving and, of course, searching on the web behind the wheel. Due to an increase in vehicle crashes involving cell phones and distracted drivers, these laws are strictly enforced now with fines that start at $100.
DUI Laws in New Jersey
NJ has stringent laws for intoxicated drivers. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has a limit of 0.08% BAC or blood alcohol concentration level. Drivers that are above that level will be punished. This includes:
* Up to a one-year license suspension
* Expensive fines that could cost over $1,000 in most cases
* A jail sentence of up to 1 month
NJ SR-22 Insurance
There are no requirements in NJ for drivers to file sr-22 ins forms. However, if you are entering the state from another area where you are required to carry a sr-22, you might need to file one from your state’s DMV. These documents are used after someone has been convicted of a DUI or other traffic offenses.
Cheap Auto Insurance in NJ
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