BANKRUPTCY CAN WIPE OUT NEW JERSEY MVC & DMV SURCHARGES AND CAN GET YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE BACK!
By Daniel L. Reinganum, Esq.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Commission) in New Jersey rarely has much compassion for people struggling with debt and assessed for moving violations. In New Jersey, people found guilty of certain moving violations are subject not only to fines, penalties, and court costs that they have to pay to the municipality where they were cited, but they then get a nasty and unexpected bill from the State of New Jersey.
The total cost of these Surcharges gets very high, very quickly. Below is an example of the additional cost just for surcharges for some common violations, which are imposed for three years:
Charge: Annual Surcharge: Total Cost:
Driving While Intoxicated (DUI / DWI)………………………….$1,000………………………..$3,000
Driving With A Suspended License……………………………..$250…………………………..$750
Driving Without Insurance……………………………………….$250……………………………$750
Driving Without a License or on a Suspended License………$100……………………………$300
Having More Than 6 Points……………………………………..$150 + $25/per point…………$450+
If you can’t pay these surcharges, then the DMV suspends your license!!! Most people need to be able to drive in order to get to work, buy groceries, and take care of their family. Someone that drives on a suspended license can then get pulled over for…you guessed it…driving on a suspended license. Which leads to even more surcharges!!! It is a vicious cycle.
The craziest part of the entire DMV Surcharge scheme is that the money doesn’t even go to the state! The money is paid to insurance companies!
Bankruptcy Can Eliminate DMV Surcharges and Help You Get Your License Back!
Fortunately, there is a tool available for everyone to get their license back: a bankruptcy filing. The Bankruptcy Laws say that once a case is filed, there is a freeze on creditor attempts to collect debts. Not allowing a license to be reinstated because of outstanding MVC Surcharges is viewed as an attempt to collect a debt. If the only reason that your license is suspended is for unpaid surcharges, then you should be able to get your license reinstated within two weeks of filing, simply by going to DMV and paying the license restoration fee.
Disclaimer:
The article above: (1) does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, (2) is not intended as a solicitation, (3) is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice, and (4) is not a substitute for personalized legal advice from a qualified attorney. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel about your specific matter.
