Yes, it is illegal to drive a vehicle that does not have proper car insurance on it in the state of New Jersey.
According to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) all drivers in New Jersey must provide proof of insurance when operating any vehicle. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and suspension. Having insurance is just as important as having a title on your car or registering it with MVC.
NJ law requires liability insurance minimums of 15/30/5. These limit amounts stand for $15,000 per injured person for a total of $30,000 for all people hurt in one accident and $5,000 for property damage from one incident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $15,000 is also required.
In New Jersey, driving without insurance or not being able to show proof of auto insurance when requested is a serious offense with harsh penalties. It is important to realize that you are breaking the law if you drive uninsured. The penalties for driving uninsured are getting more severe in NJ, in addition to risking economic loss by not having insurance protection; you risk fines, suspension of driver's license or registration and even time in jail. In the future, your car could be impounded if you are caught behind the wheel without coverage.
A citation for this violation of the New Jersey law may result in fines, community service, license suspension and surcharges according to the NJ MVC.
The New Jersey statutes state that every owner or registered owner of a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in this state shall maintain motor vehicle coverage, under provisions approved by the Commissioner of Insurance.
According to the information we found, a first time infraction of NJSA 39:6B-2 (driving without liability insurance) includes a fine of at least $300 and up to $1000, community service, MVC surcharges of $250 for 3 years, and the loss of license for up to one year. There are court costs and fees that are required to be paid as well as the penalties listed above.
Make sure that if you are driving a vehicle in the state of New Jersey that you have proper auto insurance on it so that you do not face the penalties noted above.