Frequently Asked Questions!

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    The following list of questions have been taken from one or more defensive driving classes. If you don't see your question listed here, please contact me and I'll try to get an answer to you.


    How long will it take for Trenton to process the paperwork from the Defensive Driving class?

    We only have one car. If both me and my spouse take this course, will we get a 10% insurance reduction?

    We only have one car. Will we still get the insurance discount if only one of us takes the course?

    If I am tired, will I get a ticket for pulling over to the side of a highway?

    Do I have to "obey" yellow speed signs?

    What if I lose my Completion Certificate and need another copy?

    How can I contact the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission?

    Is it legal to drive barefoot?

    Are under body lights legal?

    Can an officer from one town pull me over in another town?



















  • How Long will it take for my drivers abstract to be updated in Trenton?
    It will normally take 6 to 8 weeks for Trenton to receive and process paperwork from a defensive driving class. Contact the DMV to find out if your points have been adjusted.
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    We only have one car. If both me and my spouse take this course, will we get a 10% insurance reduction?
    Not necessarily, There will only be a 5% reduction given. HOWEVER, this reduction will be given on the car on which the class participant is listed as PRICIPAL DRIVER. Therefore, if each PRINCIPAL DRIVER takes the couse, you will receive 5% on each of those cars!
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    We only have one car. Will we still get the insurance discount if only one of us takes the course?
    The insurance discount will only be given as long as the driver listed as PRINCIPAL DRIVER of the insured vehicle completes the Defensive Driving Course. This means that you both do not need to take the course, however it is highly recommended that you do.
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    If I am tired, will I get a ticket for pulling over to the side of a highway?
    According to my Police contacts, the answer is NO. HOWEVER you must pull as far off of the highway as possible. If your car is in a dangerous position you could contribute to an accident and be charged. Also, you may not "nap" in a no stopping zone. If you are tired because you have been drinking, by all means pull over and sleep.
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    Do I have to "obey" yellow speed signs?
    The yellow speed signs are RECOMMENDED speeds, therefore technically no you don't HOWEVER if you chose to disregard the recommendation and are in a an accident, you can (and probably will) receive a ticket for careless driving.
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    What if I lose my Completion Certificate and need another copy?
    To obtain a copy of your completion certificate, send a $5.00 check payable to "Garden State Safety Council" to:
    Garden State Safety Council
    176 Terry Road
    Smithtown, NY 11787

    Be sure to include:
    • Name
    • Current Mailing Address
    • Phone Number
    • Motorist ID # (Drivers License #)
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    How can I contact the Motor Vehicle Commission?
    You may contact the MVC by calling one of the numbers listed below.

    For general questions or "customer service", dial: 609-292-6500

    For violations or restoration, dial: 609-292-7500
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    Is it legal to drive barefoot?
    YES.

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    Are Under Body Lights Legal?
    No. According to my police sources, under body lights are illegal. Period. I specifically asked whether they were still illegal if you couldn't see the tubes and they said yes. The car should never get through DMV inspection. They did say however that most of the time they don't enforce it unless the driver is a trouble maker. Specifically, title 39:3-50 addresses what is acceptable and what is not regarding light. Especially applicable is item "c" (39:3-50(c)) which reads: "No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any street or highway equipped with any device or lamp thereon capable of or displaying a light of any other color than permitted by this section except: An authorized emergency vehicle, an authorized school bus, or a vehicle authorized a permit by the director (of the DMV)" The only colors they allow are white, amber or yellow on the front and amber or red on the back (white for reverse lights).
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    Can an officer from one town pull me over in another town?
    Yes. A police officer has statewide juridiction. However if a citation is to be written, the officer will call for another officer from the town in which you were stopped and the ticket must be issued on that towns ticket form.

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