New Jersey: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for New Jersey on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how New Jersey compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	2 years
Property damage	6 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$35,000 / $70,000 / $25,000
Fault system	Choice no-fault (you pick limited or full right to sue)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	10 working days (acknowledge and start investigating)
Accept or deny	Reasonable time
Pay	30 days after proof of loss (first-party property); 10 working days for agreed settlements

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000
Filing fee	$35 plus $10 mail service per defendant
Lawyers	Allowed

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	Total loss formula

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $500 damage
Deadline	Immediately

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	1 for a serious defect; 3 attempts; or more than 20 calendar days
Coverage period	2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever first

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	6.625%
Combined average	6.60%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Universal
Who must wear one	All riders (universal law)

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	49.1¢ per gallon
Diesel	56.1¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers

Drivers uninsured	14.1%
UM/UIM coverage	Uninsured and underinsured motorist required

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Recreational and medical