What a 15-day license suspension means in New Jersey

A 15-day license suspension in New Jersey means you cannot legally drive for 15 consecutive calendar days. During this time, your driving privilege is revoked — you cannot operate any motor vehicle on public roads, even if you own multiple cars or have a commercial license. The suspension is enforced through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), which records the suspension in your driving record and notifies law enforcement.

The 15-day suspension is one of the shorter suspension periods New Jersey uses. It typically results from specific violations or circumstances, and the clock starts on the date the MVC officially imposes the suspension, not the date you receive notice. You cannot drive to work, to the store, or for any purpose during those 15 days.

Key Takeaways

  • A 15-day suspension prohibits all driving for 15 consecutive calendar days and appears on your driving record.
  • Common reasons for a 15-day suspension include a first refusal to take a breath test, certain traffic violations, or accumulating too many points in a short period.
  • The suspension begins on the date the MVC issues it, not when you receive the notice in the mail.
  • You must wait the full 15 days before you can drive again; there is no way to shorten the suspension period.
  • After the suspension ends, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance before your license is restored.

Common reasons New Jersey imposes a 15-day suspension

New Jersey assigns a 15-day suspension for several specific violations. A first refusal to submit to a breath or blood test — refusing the roadside breathalyzer or the chemical test at the police station — triggers a 15-day suspension automatically. This is separate from any DUI charge and happens whether or not you are convicted of driving under the influence.

You may also receive a 15-day suspension for accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within a 12-month period. Points are assigned for violations like speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents. Some traffic violations, such as certain unsafe passing or improper lane changes, can also result in a 15-day suspension on their own, depending on the circumstances and your driving history.

A suspension can also be imposed if you are convicted of a traffic offense while your license is already suspended or revoked. The MVC may also suspend your license for 15 days if you fail to pay a traffic fine or fail to appear in court for a traffic violation.

When the suspension starts and how long it lasts

The 15-day suspension period begins on the date the Motor Vehicle Commission officially imposes it. This is not necessarily the date you receive a notice in the mail — mail can take several days to arrive. The MVC date is what counts. You can find the exact start date by checking your MVC driving record online through the New Jersey MVC website or by calling the MVC directly.

The suspension lasts exactly 15 consecutive calendar days. Weekends and holidays count toward the 15 days; the suspension does not pause or restart. Once the 15th day passes, your suspension ends automatically at the end of that day. However, you cannot legally drive until you have confirmed the suspension has been lifted and, in most cases, until you have paid any required reinstatement fee.

What you need to do before you can drive again

After the 15 days have passed, you must take steps to restore your driving privilege. First, check your MVC driving record to confirm the suspension has ended. You can do this online at the MVC website or by phone. Do not assume the suspension is over just because 15 days have passed; verify it through the MVC.

Next, you will likely need to pay a reinstatement fee. New Jersey charges a fee to restore a suspended license, and the amount varies depending on the reason for the suspension. As of recent years, reinstatement fees range from around $100 to $250, though you should confirm the current fee with the MVC. You must also provide proof of valid auto insurance before your license is fully restored. If you do not have insurance, you cannot legally drive.

Once you have paid the fee and provided proof of insurance, the MVC will restore your license. You can then drive legally again. If you drive before the suspension is lifted or before you have paid the reinstatement fee, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a separate criminal offense in New Jersey.

How a 15-day suspension affects your driving record and insurance

The suspension appears on your official driving record maintained by the MVC. This record is visible to insurance companies, employers who check driving records, and law enforcement. A suspension stays on your record for several years, even after it has ended. Insurance companies use driving records to set rates, and a suspension typically results in higher premiums when you renew your policy.

You should notify your insurance company once the suspension is lifted and your license is restored. Some insurers require notification; others will discover it through their own record checks. If you were suspended for refusing a breath test or for a DUI-related offense, your insurance rates may increase significantly, and some insurers may drop you entirely. You may need to obtain coverage through the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association, which provides insurance to drivers who cannot find it on the open market.

What happens if you drive during the suspension

Driving with a suspended license in New Jersey is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is typically charged as a disorderly person offense, which can result in fines up to $500, jail time up to 30 days, or both. A second offense within ten years is a fourth-degree crime, with fines up to $10,000 and potential jail time. A third or subsequent offense is a third-degree crime with even steeper penalties.

Law enforcement can stop you for any reason and check your license status. If they discover you are driving with a suspended license, you will be arrested or cited. Your vehicle may be impounded. You will face criminal charges separate from the original violation that caused the suspension. This is why it is critical to wait until the suspension is officially lifted before driving.

How to check your suspension status with the MVC

You can check whether your 15-day suspension is still active or has ended through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The easiest method is to visit the MVC website and use the online driving record lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number and other identifying information. The online system shows your current license status, any active suspensions, and the dates they began and ended.

You can also call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to speak with a representative who can tell you the status of your suspension. Have your driver's license number ready. Some MVC locations also allow you to check your record in person, though calling or using the online tool is faster. Do not rely on the date you received the suspension notice in the mail; always verify the official MVC records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work or for essential purposes during the 15-day suspension?

No. New Jersey does not allow any driving during a suspension, even for work, medical appointments, or other essential needs. The suspension is absolute. You must find alternative transportation — carpooling, public transit, taxis, or ride-sharing services — for the full 15 days.

Does the 15-day suspension count weekends and holidays?

Yes. The suspension runs for 15 consecutive calendar days regardless of weekends, holidays, or any other circumstances. If your suspension begins on a Friday, it will end 15 days later on a Sunday. The calendar does not pause.

What if I receive notice of the suspension after the 15 days have already passed?

The suspension period is based on the date the MVC imposed it, not the date you received notice. If the MVC imposed the suspension on a certain date and you did not receive notice until later, the 15 days have already been running. Check your MVC driving record to find the official start date and confirm whether the suspension has ended.

Can I get the suspension shortened or removed?

No. A 15-day suspension cannot be shortened, waived, or removed early. You must serve the full 15 days. However, if you believe the suspension was imposed in error or if there are extenuating circumstances, you can request a hearing with the MVC to contest it, though this must typically be done before the suspension begins.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after the suspension ends?

Reinstatement fees vary by the reason for suspension and change periodically. Fees typically range from $100 to $250. Contact the MVC directly or check their website for the current reinstatement fee that applies to your situation. You must pay this fee before your license is restored.