When you make financial plans for yourself, one of the last things that you would expect to drag you under are surcharges for motor vehicle violations. Sadly, it is a reality for many New Jersey drivers to experience the wrath of the point system administered by the New Jersey Surcharge Violation System (NJSVS).
How Do Vehicle Surcharges Work?
The NJSVS assesses hefty annual fines to drivers who accumulate points for committing the following violations within three years of their last violation:
· “Serious” traffic violations;
· Violations that resulted in a criminal conviction, like driving while intoxicated and re-offenses;
· Driving without a license, driving with an expired license, or driving with a suspended license;
· Operating a vehicle without insurance; or
· Refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test when driving.
These vehicle surcharges are assessed in addition to court fines, legal fees, and other penalties. For some unfortunate drivers, these surcharges can add up to thousands of dollars in debt. And worse, the consequences for failing to pay off surcharges can include the suspension of the driver’s license, as well as garnishment of that driver’s wages. This all compounds the driver’s financial woes as driving and earning income often go hand in hand.
What Are My Options?
Fortunately for drivers who have been placed in a financial hole because of vehicle surcharges, bankruptcy provides qualifying individuals with debt relief from unsecured debts. These are debts-like vehicle surcharges-that are not secured by collateral. This relief includes discharging the debt owed to the state and stopping adverse collection actions like wage garnishment. And significantly, for drivers whose licenses have been suspended for failure to pay surcharges, bankruptcy can put them in a position to get their license reinstated.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If the state of New Jersey has imposed vehicle surcharges that have pushed you to your financial brink, contact Levitt & Slafkes, P.C. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to serving clients in need of debt relief through the bankruptcy courts. We understand how to efficiently and effectively navigate the bankruptcy process, giving our clients the confidence to take control from creditors and take back control of their financial futures. You have options to attain debt relief, and we want to help you. Contact our office today at (973) 323-2953 to schedule a consultation, or reach us online.
We are proudly designated as a debt relief agency by an Act of Congress. We have proudly assisted consumers in filing for Bankruptcy Relief for over 30 years.