To drive a vehicle on the New Jersey roadways, you must carry
your valid driver license, a valid permit or a provisional license.
If
your home address is in New Jersey, you must have a New Jersey
license. Report your new address within one week when you
move.
For a legal name change (marriage, divorce, adoption, etc.) report
the change within two weeks.
If you have a valid out-of-state license and
move into New Jersey, you must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days
(Commercial Driver License within 30 days) or before your current license
expires, whichever is sooner. You must take a vision test, show in
English proof of age, identity, address and proof that you are legally in this
country. When you receive your New Jersey driver license you must
surrender your out-of-state license; you may retain your out-of-country
license.
CAR INSURANCE - Be prepared to pay high insurance premiums.
Individuals who reside within NJ are required to maintain the minimum coverage
required by state law. Such coverage is evidenced by a current NJ
Automobile insurance card. This applies to all individuals, including
military personnel and their family members whose automobile is "principally
garaged" within the state. A military member's legal state of
residence or domicile, under the Soldier's and Sailor's Civil Relief Act does
not exempt the member from the insurance laws of New Jersey. Do not assume your
insurance company will be willing or able to insure your automobile in
NJ. The "NJ Insurance Buyer's Guide" is available from insurance
companies who insure drivers in NJ.
NEW JERSEY CHILD RESTRAINT
LAW
Since 1 December 2001, New Jersey's child passenger safety law
requires: That children up to age 8 or 80 pounds must ride in a
safety or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. If there is
no rear seat, the child must sit in the front seat secured by a safety or
booster seat. Children under 8 who weight more than 80 pounds must
wear a seat belt anywhere in the vehicle. Passengers age 8 to 18
(regardless of weight) must wear a seat belt anywhere inside the vehicle.