To make a NJ surcharge payment online, you'll need to have your payment information and the required details ready.
The NJ surcharge payment system is available 24/7, allowing you to make payments at your convenience.
You'll need to provide your account number or license plate number to access your account online.
Make sure you have a valid credit or debit card to complete the payment process.
What Is a Surcharge?
A surcharge is a fee you'll need to pay directly to the MVC after being found guilty of certain traffic-related offenses.
The purpose of New Jersey surcharges is to fund the Market Transition Facility (MTF), which was set up in the early 90s to repay a $705 million bond used to close the state's separate high-risk insurance pool.
You can receive a surcharge for being convicted of a DUI, which applies to both drunk and drugged driving, as well as refusal to submit to a breathalyzer.
All New Jersey drivers convicted of a DUI will receive a surcharge, even if the conviction occurs in another state.
Drivers with multiple DUIs will receive multiple surcharges, even if their license is suspended or revoked.
You can also receive a surcharge if you accumulate six points on your license in a three-year period.
Point reductions don't count for surcharge purposes, so taking a defensive driving course won't help you avoid a surcharge.
It's just about impossible to avoid paying a surcharge by any means, even if you move out of state or no longer have a license or insurance.
New Jersey Credit Card Restrictions for Sellers
New Jersey has strict regulations regarding credit card transactions for sellers. In New Jersey, sellers are prohibited from charging a surcharge on credit card transactions.
If you're a seller in New Jersey, you're required to follow the state's laws regarding credit card transactions. This includes not charging a surcharge on credit card transactions.
The law prohibits sellers from charging a higher price for credit card transactions than for cash transactions. In other words, you can't charge a customer more for using a credit card than if they paid with cash.
New Jersey's law also requires sellers to clearly disclose any fees associated with credit card transactions. This includes fees charged by the credit card company, not the seller.
Sellers who fail to comply with New Jersey's credit card regulations can face fines and penalties. This includes fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
How is Calculated?
The NJ surcharge is calculated based on the specific offense you've committed.
If you've been driving without a valid license, the annual surcharge is $100.
For driving with a suspended license, the surcharge is $250 per year for the next three years.
Driving without insurance will also cost you $250 per annum.
A DUI offense comes with a higher surcharge of $1,500 per year.
Here's a breakdown of the different surcharges:
Note that the surcharge for driving with a suspended license is only $250 per year for the next three years, not a one-time fee.
Violations and Consequences
If you fail to pay your New Jersey surcharge online on time, you'll be charged a late fee of up to $25.
The late fee is in addition to the original surcharge amount, which can range from $100 to $500, depending on the type of offense.
You may also face additional penalties, such as a 9% interest rate on the unpaid balance.
The state of New Jersey has a strict system in place to track and collect surcharge payments, so it's essential to stay on top of your payments to avoid further consequences.
If you're unable to pay your surcharge online, you can contact the New Jersey Courts to discuss alternative payment arrangements.
New Jersey's System
New Jersey's surcharge system is established by the Automobile Insurance Reform Act of 1982.
For first and second DUI offenses, you'll be assessed a $3,000 surcharge by the MVC, payable in three annual installments of $1,000.
This surcharge is in addition to any further surcharges your private auto insurer may impose to maintain your coverage.
For third and subsequent DUI convictions, the surcharge increases to $4,500, payable over three annual installments of $1,500.
You'll need to pay this surcharge to the MVC, and it's essential to stay on top of these payments to avoid any additional penalties.
Timeframe and Deadlines
In New Jersey, MVC surcharges are applied for three years for any given offense. This means you'll have to pay a surcharge for a set period of time.
Each surcharge is charged on its own separate three-year time scale, so you'll have to pay multiple surcharges if you're convicted of multiple offenses. For example, a driver who's convicted of a DUI and then pulled over for driving with a suspended license will have to pay two separate surcharges.
You'll pay a surcharge for a set number of years, not just for a one-time fee. For points-related surcharges, you pay a surcharge based on how many points you've accrued in the last three years. If you keep accumulating points, you'll have to keep paying a surcharge.
Sources
- https://www.cohenseglias.com/news-article/unveiling-new-jerseys-credit-card-surcharge-restrictions-a-sellers-guide-to-navigating-business-impacts/
- https://www.teamlaw.com/blog/will-i-have-surcharge-after-dui/
- https://www.nj-dmv-dwi.com/new-jersey-dwi-penalties-and-consequences/motor-vehicle-commission-surcharges/
- https://njmcdirect.vip/nj-surcharge/
- https://njmcdirect.co/new-jersey-surcharge-violation-system/
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