Turner, Singleton Bill to Eliminate MVC Surcharge System Becomes Law

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner and Senator Troy Singleton, which will eliminate the MVC Surcharge System once existing bonds are paid off, was signed into law today.

“New Jersey is one of only four states in the nation which has a surcharge system. For far too long municipalities have relied on the money collected from traffic tickets to fund their expenses. Worse, when these fines go unpaid licenses are suspended, leaving individuals stranded with no way to get to work and earn the money they need to pay back their fines,” said Senator Turner (D-Hunterdon/Mercer). “With today’s signing, we begin to change that. Soon, we will not rely on our state’s most vulnerable to fund our towns and cities. This law will finally put an end to a system that has unfairly targeted poor and minority motorists for decades.”

“Low income and working New Jerseyans have suffered under the surcharge system at the Motor Vehicle Commission for decades now,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This system has placed an unnecessary and unforeseen burden upon our most vulnerable populations, many of who may depend heavily on their cars to get to work. This new law will undoubtedly relieve some of the financial pressure felt by working families in New Jersey.”

The law will eliminate the points-based Motor Vehicle Violations Surcharge System and the surcharges attached to unsafe driving violations following the retirement of bonds and debts tied to the surcharge system.