ASSEMBLY, No. 2367

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 26, 1996

By Assemblymen GIBSON, ASSELTA, Augustine, Assemblywoman Bark and Assemblyman Lance

An Act concerning certain motor vehicle points and amending P.L.1982, c. 43.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. Section 5 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.9) is amended to read as follows:

    5. Points recorded against a licensee shall be reduced at the rate of three points for each 12 consecutive months in which the licensee has not committed any violation either resulting in the assessment of points or in the suspension of driving privileges. Points recorded against a licensee shall also be reduced by three points, where the licensee attends and satisfactorily completes an approved license improvement course; provided, however, that no licensee may receive point reduction credits for completion of the same or a similar course within two years of having completed the original course. Points recorded against a licensee shall also be reduced by two points if the licensee attends and satisfactorily completes an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course pursuant to section 55 of P.L.1990, c.8 (C.17:33B-45), except that no licensee may receive point reduction credits for completion of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course within [five] three years of having completed a previously approved motor vehicle defensive driving course. No point totals shall be reduced below zero. Computation of the time periods used in granting point reduction credits shall in all cases be based upon the respective dates of commission of the offenses for which the licensee was convicted and assessed points.

(cf: P.L.1990, c.8, s.54)

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill amends the statute that reduces by two the number of motor vehicle points assessed against a driver's record by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the completion of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course only once every five years.The bill allows such a reduction if the driver completes another such a course after only three years. In so doing, the bill makes this provision similar to P.L.1995, c. 308 (C.17:33B-45.1), which requires private passenger automobile insurers to reduce insurance rates for insureds for a three-year period after completion of such a course.

Provides DMV point reduction for completion of defensive driving course once every three years.