New Jersey (NJ) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Every 9 minutes in the state of New Jersey, a teen crashes. Between 2003-2007, more than 400 New Jersey teen drivers and passengers were killed in car crashes. In an effort to reduce the number of teen car crashes and fatalities, the state of New Jersey adopted the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. It even updated the system recently to increase everything from practice time to nighttime driving restrictions.

The system addresses the top 9 reasons teens crash more often than any other group of drivers. These include: overconfidence, passenger distractions, driving at night, impaired (drunk) driving, talking on a cell phone or texting, speeding, failing to buckle up, failure to anticipate potential dangers, and ignoring car maintenance.  Continue reading to learn more about New Jersey’s GDL and the consequences of violating the conditions of the system.

New Jersey Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

To begin the path to full licensure in the state of New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years of age. You will begin by completing the Permit Phase. During the Permit Phase you must:

•    Pass a written test
•    Pass a vision screening test
•    Complete a parent/guardian teen orientation
•    Complete a minimum 6 hours behind-the-wheel-training (this is optional for permit holders ages 17-20
•    Complete a minimum 50 hours of certified practice driving, to include 10 hours at night
•    Display a GDL identifier on the vehicle

Once you have satisfied all requirements under the Permit Phase, you will advance to the Probationary Phase. You must be at least 17 years of age to advance to this stage, and you must:

•    Pass a skills/road test
•    Hold the probationary license for 1 year
•    Display a GDL identifier on the vehicle

To obtain permit and/or license, you must provide the following documents to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC):

•    Two forms of identification, including one picture ID
•    Social security card
•    Proof of address
•    Cash, check or money order to cover the application fee ($10 permit, $24 license)

New Jersey Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Under the conditions of the Permit and Probationary Phases, the teen:

•    Must limit passengers to 1 under the age of 25
•    Cannot drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
•    Must wear seatbelt at all times, as well as all other passengers in the car

During the Probationary Phase, teens are allowed to drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. if accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older for employment or religious activities, as well as emergency situations.

If the teen violates any of the conditions of the permit or probationary phases, full licensure will be delayed for 60 days, for a first offense. In addition, you will have to attend an MVC approved driver improvement program. A second offense carries a 60-day license suspension and a 120-day postponement of licensure. A third offense carries a 90-day license suspension and a 180-day postponement of full licensure. Passenger and seat belt violations carry an additional $100 fine.

New Jersey Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of New Jersey, drivers under the age of 21 cannot talk on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. New Jersey passed its cell phone law in March 2004, and updated it in March 2008 to include a ban on text messaging. If you get caught texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, you will receive a ticket and you will have to pay a $100 fine. Adults are allowed to use hands-free devices only.

New Jersey Teen DUI Laws

In the state of New Jersey, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.01% or higher. This means, New Jersey has a true zero tolerance policy. Underage drinking and driving could cost you your driving privileges for up to 3 months, a car insurance fee of an additional $1,000 per year for up to 3 years, and attendance in a drunk driver resource center. You may have to spend 6 hours per day, for 2 consecutive days at the resource center. The cost for attendance is $100.

New Jersey Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of New Jersey, you must carry auto insurance. The state does not set mandatory limits, but it does require specific types of coverages. All drivers must carry liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.  The state also sets “recommended” amounts of coverage to help protect you, your family, and other drivers on the road. It is important to note that the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel. Because of this, New Jersey auto insurance companies strongly recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the recommended coverage amounts. The recommended coverage amounts under a basic minimum policy are $10,000 bodily injury liability coverage for all persons per accident, $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 personal injury protection per person per accident, and up to $250,000 for permanent or significant injury as defined in the policy.

Under a standard policy, coverage amounts are $15,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person per accident, $30,000 for all persons per accident, $5,000 for property damage, $250,000 personal injury protection per person per accident, and up to $250,000 for permanent or significant injury as defined in the policy regardless of selected limit. If you plan to add a teen driver to your existing policy, instead of purchasing a separate policy, your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year, with an average of $2,171 a year.