New Jersey Driver Manual: Essential Rules and Safety Tips
Car Condition
Backup Lights
When driving in reverse, backup lights should be on. It is against NJ law to have any backup lights on while moving forward.
Brake Lights
If a vehicle’s brake lights are not working, someone may crash into it from the back. A motorist should have someone help them check the brake lights. Replace broken light covers, as they may have a glare that affects the motorist behind.
Horn
A horn should not be overused, but a motorist should check it often to make sure it works. Use the horn to signal when passing or when coming out of a blind alley, curve, or driveway.
Steering
On straight, level roads, a vehicle should hold a straight course. The front end should not vibrate (shimmy). The steering should respond to a motorist’s turns without too much play in the steering wheel.
Tail Lights
They signal other motorists in the dark and prevent accidents.
Hand Signals
Right Turn
Hand and arm upward.
Left Turn
Hand and arm straight out.
Mirrors
It is very important to use your mirrors when stopped at an intersection, when slowing down, or stopping suddenly.
Drinking and Driving
Coffee, fresh air, or a shower cannot help you sober up. Only time can do this.
If your BAC is above .05, your risk of getting in an accident is doubled.
Mandatory Penalties
Examples of possible penalties for a first-time offense of driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10 percent or more include a $1,000 annual surcharge for three years and up to 30 days imprisonment.
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is the most common type of parking on city streets in the state of NJ.
Following Distance
The minimum safe following distance for a vehicle traveling at 50 mph under ideal conditions is 5 car lengths.
Traveling 40 mph on wet pavement requires 8 car lengths.
Gas Pedal Problems
If the gas pedal in your vehicle gets stuck, keep your eyes on the road while quickly shifting to neutral, steering off the roadway, turning the engine off, and calling for help.
Intersections
Controlled Intersections
An intersection is controlled if there are traffic signals or signs in any direction or controlled by a police officer.
At a controlled intersection, a motorist must yield for certain conditions. At a multi-stop intersection, a motorist must yield to the motorist on the right if both motorists get there at the same time. When making a left turn at an intersection, a motorist must yield to oncoming traffic and stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk.
Uncontrolled Intersections
An intersection is uncontrolled when two or more roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device. As a motorist nears a crosswalk that is not controlled, he/she must reduce speed and be ready to stop if any traffic is coming from the right or left. As a general rule, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
What should be done if two cars enter an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously? The driver to the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Driver’s License
Class D is intended for a basic non-commercial driver license.
Implied Consent Law
The implied consent law means drivers agree to take a breath test.
Pedestrians in a Crosswalk
A motorist must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Failure to stop carries a fine of up to $500, up to 25 days in jail, community service, a license suspension of up to 6 months, and 2 points.
Speed Limits and Fines
Motorists pay double fines for exceeding the 65 mph limit by 10 mph or more. Double fines also apply to most other moving violations committed.
Blind Intersections
A motorist should always slow down or stop completely to make sure there is no cross traffic before proceeding.
Pavement Markings
Solid Lines
Solid lines on a motorist’s side of the center line mean do not pass.
Tire Blowout
The proper response to a blown tire is to steer straight, take your foot off the gas, and do not use the brakes.
Speed Control
A good rule is to keep up with the flow of traffic at any legal speed.
Speed limits in New Jersey:
- 25 mph: School zones
- 35 mph: Suburban business areas
- 50 mph: Non-posted rural roadways
- 55 mph: Highways and interstates
HOV Lanes
A white diamond-shaped symbol in a lane is reserved for high occupancy vehicles (HOV) only.
Point System
The point system is used as a way for the MVC to keep track of a motorist’s driving record. You are most likely to receive points on your license when you drive recklessly.
If you have gained several points on your license, completing a program such as the Driver Improvement Program may help reduce them.
If you accumulate 6 points on your license in 3 years or less, you may be subject to a surcharge of $150 and $25 for each additional point.
Up to 3 points will be subtracted from your driving record for every year that you go without a violation or suspension.
Emotional State and Driving
Since emotions play a large role in driving, when you are angry, upset, or overly excited, it is always better to put off driving until you have had time to cool down.
Parking
Facing Downhill
When parking a vehicle facing downhill, the handbrake should be set, and the vehicle should be turned towards the curb.
Facing Uphill
When parking a vehicle facing uphill, the handbrake should be set, and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned away from the curb.
Brake Failure
If your brakes fail, shift to a lower gear and pump your brakes.
Headlights
You are required to use your headlights when driving from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
Provisional License
A provisional license is good for 1 year.
Drivers under 21 will be subject to a penalty if found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .01 or higher.
The current blood alcohol content (BAC) level for drivers over 21 is .08.