Laws Covering Vehicle Registration Chapter 9

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Chapter 9

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New Jersey Driver MaNual www.njmvc.gov

laws Governing Vehicle Title and RegistrationTitlesRegistrationlicense PlatesHandicapped Plates/PlacardsVehicle InspectionInsuranceInsurance fraud

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VehicleInformation

Inadditiontosafelynavigatingtheroadways,amotoristmustalsounderstandtherequirementsforvehiclesthathe/shedrives.

VEHIClE TITlE anD REGISTRaTIOnNew Jersey residentswho buy a new or used vehiclemust title, register, andinsure it before driving it on public roads (N.J.S.A. 39:3-4, 39:10-11, 39:6B-1,39:6B-2).NewJersey lawstatesa vehicleclassifiedunder theLemonLawmust have that classification on the title (N.J.S.A. 39:10-9.3). For informationabouttheLemonLaw,contacttheLemonLawUnitoftheDivisionofConsumerAffairsat(973) 504-6200. Ifamotoristmoves intothisstate,the lawrequireshis/hervehicletobetitledandregisteredwithin60days;sooner,iftheout-of-stateregistration expires before then (N.J.S.A. 39:3-17.1). The titled owner (personwhosenameappearsonthetitleastheowner)orapersonwithauthoritytoactonthevehicleownersbehalf1isrequiredtovisitanMVCagencytoprocessthetransaction. An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle will be valid for fouryears.Allotherregistrationsaretypicallyvalidforoneyear2(N.J.S.A.39:3-4).

1Visitwww.njmvc.govforspecificinformationonwhoisauthorizedtoactontheownersbehalf.2Visitwww.njmvc.govforexceptions.

how to titLe A new vehicLe Obtainthetitlethroughthedealershipwherethevehiclewaspurchased.

Obtainthemanufacturerscertificateoforiginassignedtotheowner,ensuringthatthedocumenthasthesalestaxsatisfiedstampontheback(ifpurchasedfromadealerauthorizedtocollectNewJerseysalestax).

ThedocumentscanbetakentoanyMVCagency.Theownermustpaytherequiredtitlingfee.IfthedealerisnotauthorizedtocollectNewJerseysalestax,thebuyermustpaysalestaxwhentitlingthevehicle.

how to titLe A useD vehicLe Completethereversesideofthetitlewiththebuyersname,address,date

ofsale,mileageodometerreading,saleprice,buyerssignatureandsellersinformationandsignature.

Presentthesignedtitleandpaytherequiredtitlingfee.

Thebuyermustpaysalestaxonthepurchasepricewhentitlingthevehicle.

Note:Toavoida$25penaltywhenbuyingausedcar,thetitlemustbepresentedtoanMVCagencyfortransferwithin10businessdaysofthesale(N.J.S.A.39:10-11.1).

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how to rePLAce A titLeif the title is lost or stolen,aduplicatetitlecanbeissuedatanyMVCagencyorbymailfora$25fee(N.J.S.A.39:10-12).

Thetitledowner(personwhosenameappearsonthefrontofthetitle)willneed:AcompletedApplicationforDuplicateCertificateofOwnership(ISM/SS-52)1

Acurrentregistrationcertificateorinsuranceidentificationcardforthevehicle

Alienreleasefromthelienholderifthevehiclewasfinanced

if the title is damaged, defaced or illegible,areplacementtitlecanbeissuedatanyMVCagencyorbymailfora$20fee(N.J.S.A.39:10-16).

Thetitledowner(personwhosenameappearsonthefrontofthetitle)willneed:ThedamagedtitleAcompletedApplicationforDuplicateCertificateofOwnership(ISM/SS-52)1

1 ISM/SS-52 can be obtained at any MVC agency, online atwww.njmvc.gov or by calling (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (outofstate).

Ifsomeoneotherthanthetitledownerisapplyingforareplacementorduplicatetitle,pleasecontacttheMVConlineatwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-freeinNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500(outofstate)foradditionalrequirements.

how to comPLete An initiAL reGistrAtion CompleteaNewJerseyVehicleRegistrationapplication(BA-49)atanyMVC

agency.Providethenameofthevehiclescurrentinsurancecompanynameandthepolicynumberontheapplication.

Showproofofvehicleownership.Foranewvehicle,amanufacturerscertificateof origin and a dealers certificate of sale are proof. For a previously ownedvehicle,atitlesignedbythepreviousownerisproof.Foraleasedvehicle,getapowerofattorney fromthe leasingcompany.Forout-of-statevehicles thatareleasedorfinanced,securetheoriginaltitlefromthelienholderorleasingcompany. Visit www.njmvc.gov or call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in NewJersey)or(609) 292-6500(outofstate)formoreinformation.

Showproofthattherequiredsalestaxhasbeenpaid,orpaythetaxattheagency.

Note: InNew Jersey, amotoristmust be at least 17 years old to register a vehicle(N.J.S.A.39:10-11.1).

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reGistrAtion renewALTheMVCmails renewalnoticesat least60daysbefore theannual registrationexpires.Ifarenewalformisnotreceivedbymail,therenewalmaybecompletedinpersonatanyMVCagency,orcontacttheMVCtohaveanapplicationmailed.Itisthemotoristsresponsibilitytokeephis/hervehicleregistrationcurrent.Thereisafinefordrivingwithoutacurrentregistrationdocument.

Registration renewalsmaybeconductedquicklyandeasilybyphoneoron theWeb,24hoursaday.Botharefreeservices.Apersonaladdresschangecanbemadeonlinewhilerenewing.

Calltoll-free(877) 368-6548.

Goonlineatwww.njmvc.gov.

Forboth,apreprintedregistrationrenewalwithPIN,validinsuranceIDcardandcreditcardarenecessary.ThePINisasecurityfeature.Ifthepre-printedformislost,amotoristwillnotbeabletorenewonlineorbyphone.

If renewingbymail,fillout therenewalformandmail totheMVCwithacheckormoneyorder.Pleaseallowenoughtimeforprocessingbeforetheregistrationexpires.

Note:TheMVCnolongerissueslicenseplateregistrationdecalstopassengervehiclesornon-commerciallight-truckowners.

titLe AnD reGistrAtion correctionsTitleand registrationcorrectionsmaybemadeatanyMVCagencyor regionalservice center.Please call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free inNew Jersey) or (609)292-6500(outofstate)forspecificinstructions.

lICEnSE PlaTES (N.J.S.A.39:3-33)Motorists will receive two matching licenseplatesuponregisteringavehicle.Oneplateisprovidedwhenregisteringatrailer,mopedormotorcycle.Forpassengervehicles,oneplateshouldbeattachedtothefrontofthevehicleandtheothertotherearatleast12inchesbutless than48 inchesabove theground.Bothplates must be clean and visible. The rearplatemustbelightedsoitisvisiblefrom50feetatnight,evenwithreflectorizedplates(N.J.S.A.39:3-48b).Usinglicenseplatecoversorholdersthatobscureorconcealanyletteringonthelicenseplateisaviolation,withafineofupto$100.

License PLAte fActs Reportlostorstolenplatestolocalpolice.Retainacopyofthecomplaint.

Replacelostordamagedplateswithin24hoursatanyMVCagency,andturnintheoldplatesatanyMVCagencyormailthemtotheMVC,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403.

Transfer the plates to your new vehicle. Most plates are transferable. Visitwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-free inNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate)fordetails.

Ifamotoristsellshis/hervehicleanddoesnottransfertheplatestoanothervehicle,he/sheshouldturnintheoldplatesatanyMVCagencyormailthemtotheMVC,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403.Areceiptwillbeprovided.Itshouldbekeptinasafeplace.

ObtaininformationaboutpersonalizedplatesfromanyMVCagencyatwww.njmvc.govorcall(888) 486-3339(toll-freeinNewJersey)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate).

Amotoristmayplaceonlyvalidplatesonhis/hervehicle.Forgedorcounterfeitlicenseplatesonanymotorvehiclemayresultinafineofupto$500,upto60days imprisonmentora licensesuspensionofup tosixmonths,orboth(N.J.S.A.39:3-33,39:3-38).

Ifamotoristterminatesvehicleinsurance,theplatesmustbereturnedtotheMVC(N.J.A.C.13:21-5.10b).

hAnDicAPPeD PLAtes/PLAcArDs/cArDs(N.J.S.A.39:4-206and39:4-205)Handicappedlicenseplatesandarearviewmirrorplacardareavailabletodisabledpersonsatnochargetoallowthemtoparkinspecificallydesignedspaces. Amotoristmay obtain an application online atwww.njmvc.gov or request

onebycalling(888) 486-3339 (toll-free inNJ)or(609) 292-6500 (outofstate).ApplicationsmayalsobeobtainedatanyMVCagency.Alongwiththeapplicationamotoristwillreceiveinstructions,FAQsandachecklisttoassistincompletingtheapplication.

QualifiedindividualswillcompletePart1oftheapplication;theirphysicianswillcompletePart2,whichestablishesandcertifieseligibilityundertheprovisionsofthelaw.ThecompletedapplicationisthenmailedtotheMVCforprocessing.

Qualifiedindividualsmayreceiveonesetofplatesandoneplacard(N.J.A.C.13:20-9.4).

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Toobtainatemporaryplacard: Amotoristmustgotothechiefofpoliceinthemunicipalitywherehe/she

residestogetanapplication. Themotoristmusthavehis/herdoctorcertifytheneedfortheplacard. Themotoristmustreturnthecompletedapplicationtothepolicedepartment

witha$4fee,payabletoMotorVehicleCommission. Uponpayment,thepolicedepartmentwillissueatemporaryplacard. Temporaryplacardsaregoodforsix(6)monthsandmayberenewed,if

needed,foranadditionalsix(6)months.

Whenthevehicle isparked, thehandicappedplacardmustbedisplayedonthevehiclesrearviewmirror.Itmustberemovedpriortodriving.

LicenseplatesandplacardsforeligiblepersonsareissuedwithanIdentificationCardandaretobeusedexclusivelyforandbythepersonnamedontheIdentificationCard.Thecardisnon-transferableandwillbeforfeitedifusedbyanotherperson.Abuseofthisprivilegeiscauseforrevocationofboththelicenseplates/placardandcard(N.J.S.A.39:4-205).

Upon the death of the eligible person, the handicapped plates/placard andIdentificationCardmustbereturnedtotheMVC.TheymaybesurrenderedatanyMVCAgencyormailedtotheMVCOfficeofCustomerAdvocacy,P.O.Box403,Trenton,NJ08666-0403,withaletterofexplanation.

Platesmustberenewedeveryyear,andplacardsmustberenewedeverythreeyears. Upon receipt of an application for renewal, the MVC may require theapplicanttosubmitastatementfromaphysicianrecertifyinghis/herqualificationasprovidedunderN.J.A.C.13:20-9.1a4.

Fraud or abuse of handicapped plates and placards will not be tolerated. It isimportantthatapplicantsandcertifyingphysiciansknowthatunderNewJerseylaw,makingafalsestatementorprovidingmisinformationonanapplicationtoobtainorfacilitatethereceiptoflicenseplatesorplacardsforpersonswithdisabilitiesisafourth-degreecrime.Apersonwhohasbeenconvictedofanoffensemaybesubjecttoafine,nottoexceed$10,000,andtoatermofimprisonment,whichshallnotexceed18months(N.J.S.A.2C:21-4a).

VEHIClE InSPECTIOnAll gasoline-fueled vehicles, except new vehicles, registered in New Jerseymust pass state safety and emissions inspections every two years at a stateinspectionfacilityorastate-licensedprivateinspectionfacility(N.J.S.A.39:8-2c,N.J.A.C.13:20-7.2).

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Newgasoline-fueledvehiclesmustpasstheirfirstMVCinspectionfouryearsafter7.4b). they are initially registered (N.J.S.A. 39:8-2c and N.J.A.C. 13:20-28.6,13:20.TheMVCinspectsdiesel-fueledpassengervehiclesandtrucksregisteredunder10,000poundsforsafetyonly,buttheMVCmayrequirethesevehiclestoundergooccasionalroadsidespotinspections.High-riseandreconstructedvehiclesmustbetakentospeciallyequippedinspectionstationsinWinslow,AsburyParkandMorristown.Call(888) 486-3339formoreinformation.

Tobeeligibleforinspection,allmotoristsmustbringavaliddriverlicenseandvalidNewJerseyregistrationandinsurancedocumentsforthevehicletobeinspectedateitherastate inspectionstationorastate-licensedprivate inspectionfacility.Without the proper documentation, the vehicle will not pass inspection.WhenmovingtoNewJerseyfromanotherstate,amotoristmusthavehis/hervehicleinspected within 14 days after registering it (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.4). For motorvehicleinspectioninformation,pleasecall1-888-nJmotor (1-888-656-6867) orvisitwww.njmvc.gov.

Since September 1, 2007, customers wishing to obtain off-cycle vehicleinspectionsmustvisitaprivate inspectionfacility(PIF),whichwillchargeafee.Onlythosevehiclesthatarewithintwomonthsoftheexpirationdateindicatedontheinspectionstickerwillbeinspectedatacentralizedinspectionfacility(CIF).

the insPection ProcessUpon inspection, the New Jersey emissions inspectorwilldeterminethevehiclesenginetypeandprepareitfortesting.Tocomplywithstateandfederalsafetystandards,theMVCteststhevehiclesbrakesuspension,steering,wheel alignment and safety features (headlights, taillights,tires,horn,windshieldwipersandturnsignals).

To complywith federal Clean Air Act standards, theMVC inspects a vehiclesemissionssystembasedontheyear,makeandmodelofthevehicle.NewJerseyusesanon-boarddiagnostics,orOBD,test.OBDallowstechnicianstodownloademissions information from an on-board computer found in most vehiclesmanufacturedin1996orlater.TheMVCanalyzesemissionsdatainthiswaytodetermine if thevehiclepasses inspection.Anyvehiclewitha litcheckenginelightwillautomaticallyfailtheOBDtest.

Thefinalstageofthetestwillassurethatthevehiclesgascapissealingcorrectlysothatitlimitstheescapeoffumesintotheenvironment

Afterthevehiclepasses inspection, the inspectorwillplaceanewcertificateofapprovalinthelowerleftcornerofthewindshieldthatshowstheexpirationdate.

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NootherstickercanappearintheleftcornerofthewindshieldunlessapprovedbytheMVCChiefAdministrator.

To properly maintain a vehicle, a motorist should always check its conditionbetweeninspectionsandbeforelongtrips.

Drivingavehiclewithanexpired inspectionstickermay result infinesbetween$100and$200and/orimprisonmentforupto30days.Additionally,theMVCmayrevokeregistrationprivileges(N.J.S.A.39:8-9).

insPection test resuLtsWhenavehiclepasses inspection, itwill receiveacertificateofapproval. If thevehicle fails inspection1, theownerwillhaveup toonemonth from the lastdayof themonth indicatedon the inspectionsticker tomake thenecessary repairsandreturnforre-inspectionatastateinspectionfacilityorstate-licensedprivateinspection facility (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.5).Vehicles overdue for inspection do notreceiveadditional time tomakenecessary repairs (N.J.A.C.13:20-43.12).Thevehiclemaystillbecitedbylawenforcementforequipmentoutofcompliance.

Allemissionrepairsmustbecompletedbyaregisteredemissionsrepairfacility.Ifaprivatestate-licensedgarageislicensedtoonlydoinspections,thefacilitycannotmakeemissionsrepairs.

1SeeInspectionAdvisories

insPection of useD cArs PerN.J.A.C.13:20-7.4,whenausedvehicleispurchasedandhasavalidNewJerseyinspectioncertificateofapprovalproperlyaffixedtothewindshield,thenewownerhastwooptions:

Usethetimeleftonthepreviousownersinspectioncertificateofapproval.Takethevehicleforinspectionwithin14daysafterregistration.

IfthevehicleisfromanotherstateordoesnothaveavalidNewJerseyinspectionsticker,thevehiclemustbeinspectedwithin14daysafterregistration.

insPection ADvisoriesSinceMarch1,2007,theMVChasbeenusing InspectionAdvisoriesto informmotoristsofcertainminorvehicledefectsfoundduringaninspection.Thevehicleisnotgivena rejectionsticker for these items; rather, themotorist is issuedanInspectionAdvisory,notingtheitemsthatrequirerepair.Amotoristthenhas60daysfromthedateoftheinspectiontomakethoserepairs.Ifrepairsarenotmade,themotoristmaybecitedforfailuretomakerepairsandbesubjecttopenalties.At any time, though, a vehiclemay be cited for equipment out of compliance.

Motoristsdonothavetore-inspecttheirvehiclesforadvisoryitems.Thefollowingitems will not be cause for rejection but will cause themotorist to receive anInspectionAdvisory:Missingordefacedlicenseplates(atleastoneundamagedlicenseplatemustbepresented)

Currentregistrationcontainingtypographicalerrorsinthevehicleidentificationnumber(providedthemake,modelyearandlicenseplatenumberontheregistrationisaccurate)

Missingorburned-outlicenseplatelightsHigh-mountedrearstoplightthatismissing,obstructed,inoperativeordoesnotoperateproperly(twostoplightsmustbeoperable)

Headlightsthatarecracked,chippedorcontainmoistureorthatareequippedwithbrushguardsorgrillsovertheheadlights(aslongastheyareoperationalandvisible)

Broken,crackedormissinglensonturn-signallight(providedthatnowhitelightisshowingtotherearofthevehicle)

Improperspecialtylights(regardlessofnumber,locationandcondition)includingfog,passing,supplementaldriving,spotlight,cowl,fenderoranyotherauxiliarylights

ExcessiverustorsharpedgesonthevehiclebodyorbumperCrackedorbrokenmirrors(aslongasthemotoristhasadequaterearviewvision)Motorcyclehelmetsthatdonothavereflectivetapeorhelmetsthatarenotreflective

insPection exemPtionsInspections are not required for certain vehicles, such as historic and collectorvehicles(N.J.S.A.39:8-1).Historicvehiclesatleast25yearsold,usedonlyforexhibition/educationalpurposesormanufacturedbefore1945,requireaspecialregistrationandaQQplatedisplayedontherearofthevehicle(N.J.S.A.39:3-27.3,N.J.A.C.13:20-34.2).

Collectorvehiclesdisplaytwostandardlicenseplatesandhaveatriangulardecalonthefrontleftwindshieldthatisvalidfortwoyears.Theownermustprovideproof ofmiles driven annually (3,000miles or fewer) and special insurance(limited-usecollectorvehicle)andrenewthisstatusevery twoyearsor if theownerchanges(N.J.A.C.13:20-43.1,N.J.A.C.13:20-43.2).

Auto rePAir fAciLitiesWhenavehicle isdamaged inanaccidentandneeds repair,amotorist shouldonlyconsiderrepairfacilitiesthatareproperlylicensedtoremove,rebuildorinstallintegralcomponentpartsofanengine,powertrain,chassisorbodyofavehicledamagedinacollision.Beforechoosinganautobodyshop:Checkoutseveralshops.Visitwww.njmvc.govforalistoflicensedautobodyrepairshopsorcall(888)

486-3339toll-freeinNewJerseyor(609) 292-6500fromoutofstate

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Checkfor theequipment that theshopneeds toproperly repairyourvehicle(framemachine,migwelder,paintroom).

AskiftheshopisamemberofthelocalChamberofCommerceoracollisionrepairassociation(Amotoristmaywanttocalloneofthesegroupstoverifytheshopsreputation).

Askaboutassistancewith insuranceclaims. It is illegal forashop tosaveamotorist the cost of the insurance deductible. Insurance fraud violators aresubjecttoapenaltyofnotmorethan$5,000forafirstoffense,$10,000forasecondoffenseand$15,000forathirdoffense(N.J.S.A.17:33A-5).

Requestanestimateinwritingbeforeauthorizingrepairs.Also,obtainawrittenwarrantyontheworkthatwillbedone.Theestimateshouldcontaintheagreed-uponpaymenttermsandtherepaircompletiondateandifauthorizedequipmentwillbeused.

insurAnceMotorvehicleliabilityinsuranceismandatoryintheStateofNewJersey.EveryvehicleregisteredinNewJerseymusthaveliabilityinsurance(N.J.S.A.39:6B-1,39:6B-2).

The type and cost of insurance coverage can vary. Check the Department ofBankingandInsurance(DOBI)Websiteatwww.njdobi.orgtoreviewthemanyinsurancecoveragechoices,orcontactaninsurancecompany.

A New Jersey Insurance Identification Card will be provided for each vehicleinsuredunderapolicy.Thiscardmustremaininthevehiclewiththedriver.Itmustbeshownpriortoinspection,wheninvolvedinanaccidentandwhenstoppedbylawenforcementforatrafficviolationorroadsidespotcheck.

Drivingwithanuninsuredvehiclecanresult infines,communityservice, licenseandregistrationsuspensionandinsurancesurcharges.

insurAnce frAuDTheOfficeofInsuranceFraudProsecutor(OIFP)intheDivisionofCriminalJusticeaggressivelyinvestigatesandprosecutesindividualswhoengageininsurancefraud.Ifapersoncommitsinsurancefraudbyprovidingfalseinformationtoaninsurancecompanywhilemakingaclaimorsubmittinganinsuranceapplication,theOIFPcanfilecriminalchargesthatcanresultinincarceration.Itmayalsoimposecivilfinesupto$15,000foreachviolation(N.J.S.A.17:33A-5).Inaddition,apersonconvictedofinsurancefraudcouldlosehis/herdriverlicense.

Becausefraudincreasesthecostof insuranceforallNewJerseyans,motoristscanhelptheOIFPbyreportingfraud.Visitwww.njinsurancefraud.organdclickon Report Fraud, or call (877) 55-frAUd (877-553-7283). All tips are keptstrictlyanonymousandconfidential.


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Documents

Laws Covering Vehicle Registration Chapter 9