New Jersey · Handbook chapter 9 · 3 min read

Chapter 9: Vehicle information

Titling and registering a vehicle in New Jersey, license plate rules, inspections every two years, mandatory liability insurance, the insurance ID card and what to do when insurance ends.

Why this chapter matters

A few test questions cover the paperwork side of driving: when a car must be registered and inspected, where license plates go and what insurance you must carry. These are short rules with clear numbers.

Title and registration

• A vehicle bought in New Jersey must be titled, registered and insured before it is driven on public roads.
• New residents must title and register their vehicles within 60 days, or sooner if the old registration runs out first.
• The owner (or someone authorized to act for the owner) applies at an MVC Vehicle Center with the registration application, proof of ownership, the insurance company and policy number, and proof that sales tax was paid.
• Proof of ownership is the manufacturer's certificate of origin and the dealer's certificate of sale for a new car, or the title signed by the previous owner for a used one.
• A brand-new vehicle's first registration lasts four years; most other registrations last one year.
• A car classed under the Lemon Law must show that on its title.

License plates

• Passenger cars get two matching plates, one for the front and one for the back. Motorcycles, mopeds and trailers get one.
• Plates must be mounted between 12 and 48 inches above the ground, kept clean and visible.
• The rear plate must be lit so it can be read from 50 feet at night.
• Covers or holders that hide any of the lettering can bring a fine of up to $100.
• Report lost or stolen plates to the police and the MVC, and replace them within 24 hours.
• Forged plates can mean a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days in jail or a six-month suspension.
• If you sell a car and do not move the plates to another, or you cancel the insurance, return the plates to the MVC.

Inspection

• Gasoline passenger vehicles, model year 1996 and newer and more than five model years old, must pass inspection every two years. Many diesel passenger vehicles up to 8,500 lb have the same rule for emissions.
• New passenger cars get a dealer sticker that lasts five years from first registration.
• Commercially registered light vehicles are inspected every year.
• Bring your license, registration and insurance card to the inspection.
• After moving to New Jersey, a car five or more model years old must be inspected within 14 days of registering it.

Insurance

Liability insurance is mandatory for every vehicle registered in New Jersey. Your insurer gives you an insurance ID card for each vehicle; keep it in the car (an electronic version is accepted) and show it at inspection, after a crash and when police stop you. Driving uninsured can bring fines, community service, license and registration suspension and surcharges. If your insurance ends, you must surrender your plates.

Insurance fraud, such as lying on a claim or application, can bring criminal charges, civil fines of up to $15,000 per violation and the loss of your license. Report fraud anonymously to the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.