New Jersey is a no-fault state with 35/70 + PD 25k + PIP 15k minimum liability. Here's exactly what the law demands, what it costs to ignore it, and how SR-22 filings work — with statutes cited.
| Coverage NJ law requires | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability — per person | $35,000 |
| Bodily injury liability — per accident | $70,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 |
| PIP | New Jersey is a no-fault state: standard policies must include personal injury protection, |
| UM/UIM | The 2022 law behind the increase also applies to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage |
Effective January 1, 2026. Source: NJ Department of Banking and Insurance - Bulletin No. 25-06 · N.J.S.A. 39:6B-1 et seq. (compulsory insurance) as amended by P.L. 2022, c. 87; penalties at N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2
First offense: Fine of $300 to $1,000, possible community service, license suspension (commonly one year), and Motor Vehicle Commission surcharges of $250 per year for three years (N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2; Rosenblum Law summary).
Repeat offenses: Second or subsequent offense: fine up to $5,000, mandatory 14-day jail term, two-year license suspension, and insurance eligibility points (N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2; Rosenblum Law summary).
License impact: Mandatory suspension periods apply on conviction (about one year for a first offense, two years for a repeat), plus MVC surcharges (Rosenblum Law summary of N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2). (source: N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2 (Rosenblum Law summary))
New Jersey does not use SR-22 filings for in-state drivers; insurance-related violations are handled through court penalties, license suspensions, and Motor Vehicle Commission surcharges instead. Drivers who move to NJ with an SR-22 obligation from another state may still owe that filing to the other state.
Typically required after: . Filing period: 0 years in most cases. Non-owner option: ask a licensed professional about alternatives.
Need one filed? Our SR-22 service page explains the process; a licensed professional at (866) 370-6395 can usually file the same day.
PIP (medical expense benefits) is mandatory on New Jersey standard and basic policies; the statutory minimum is $15,000 per person per accident, with up to $250,000 available for certain severe injuries (NJ Department of Banking and Insurance).
A lower-cost 'basic policy' with reduced coverages remains available, but it provides far less protection than the standard policy minimums shown here (NJ Department of Banking and Insurance).
Policies written or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 must meet the new 35/70/25 minimums (NJ DOBI Bulletin No. 25-06).
License and registration consequences: Mandatory suspension periods apply on conviction (about one year for a first offense, two years for a repeat), plus MVC surcharges (Rosenblum Law summary of N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2).
| City | Population | Median income | 30+ min commute | No-vehicle households |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 310,178 | $52,060 | 50.7% | 34.3% |
| Jersey City | 294,078 | $97,710 | 64.2% | 40.3% |
| Paterson | 158,735 | $55,997 | 26.1% | 26.1% |
| Elizabeth | 137,302 | $66,555 | 37.3% | 20.6% |
| Toms River | 94,956 | $100,137 | 40.4% | 6.1% |
| Trenton | 90,338 | $52,537 | 34.0% | 26.7% |
| Clifton | 89,379 | $98,237 | 38.5% | 10.0% |
| Bayonne | 71,553 | $83,887 | 52.5% | 23.2% |
| Camden | 71,496 | $40,546 | 30.0% | 30.8% |
| East Orange | 70,090 | $60,830 | 52.2% | 32.9% |
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates.
310,178 residents
294,078 residents
158,735 residents
137,302 residents
94,956 residents
90,338 residents
89,379 residents
71,553 residents
71,496 residents
70,090 residents
70,002 residents
69,585 residents
66,463 residents
61,006 residents
58,668 residents
56,345 residents
55,855 residents
55,236 residents
52,004 residents
46,057 residents
45,838 residents
44,192 residents
40,614 residents
40,067 residents
Every legal claim on this page traces to:
Laws change. We refresh state pages on a rolling schedule and date-stamp every change; verify with your state before acting.