New Jersey Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of New Jersey. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALNew Jersey law does not prohibit driving barefoot. There are no statutes or regulations mandating footwear for drivers. Driving barefoot is legal as long as the driver maintains control of the vehicle.
State Law
No restrictions on possession of footwear while driving.
Practical Considerations
No restrictions on sale or purchase of footwear related to driving.
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALNew Jersey prohibits lane splitting. Motorcycles are required to operate within a single lane and may not pass between lanes of stopped or moving traffic. The New Jersey Statutes do not provide any exceptions for lane splitting.
Lane Splitting Rules
N/A
Lane Filtering Rules
N/A
Penalties
Violations can result in fines and points on the license under reckless driving or improper lane usage laws.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
RESTRICTEDLicense plate covers and frames are allowed only if they do not conceal or obscure the state name, registration number, or expiration date. Partially obscured plates are not grounds for a stop if markings remain recognizable.
Usage Rules
Legal if not obscuring required information; illegal if obscuring state name, registration number, or expiration date
Purchase & Sale
Legal to sell
Penalties
Traffic violation fines for obscuring required plate information
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
ILLEGALRadar detectors are illegal in New Jersey under NJ Statutes Title 39:4-50. The law prohibits the use or possession of radar detectors in motor vehicles on public roads.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Illegal to possess or use radar detectors in any motor vehicle on public roads.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
Sale or distribution intended for vehicle use is prohibited.
Penalties
Fine up to $100; possible vehicle impoundment.
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALRadar jammers are federally illegal in all states including New Jersey under FCC regulations. There have been no recent legislative changes in New Jersey regarding laser jammers.
State Law
Radar jammers: federally illegal. Laser jammers: legal
Federal Law
Laser jammers may be sold; radar jammers illegal
Penalties
Federal penalties for radar jammers. Laser jammers are unregulated.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
LEGALRight turn on red is legal in New Jersey after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. New Jersey law permits a right turn on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it.
General Rule
Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
LEGALStudded Snow Tires are legal in New Jersey. The regulation was re-adopted in 2021, but the core provisions and dates have been consistent for many years.
Usage Rules
Legal during winter season only
Seasonal Restrictions
Legal
Penalties
Fines for use outside the permitted season.
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDNew Jersey law requires front side windows to have at least 70% VLT, which is one of the strictest in the country. Rear side and back windows may be tinted to any darkness. Reflective tint is prohibited. Medical exemptions are available. These rules are codified in New Jersey Statutes Title 39:3-74.2.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession allowed if vehicle complies with tint limits or has medical exemption.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of tint films is legal; installation must comply with state standards.
Penalties
Fines up to $100 and mandatory removal of illegal tint.
Age Restriction
None