New Jersey § 2c:20-2

Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2c:20-2, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2c:20-2.

a. In addition to any other disposition authorized by law, a person convicted under

the provisions of this chapter of theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle shall

be subject: (1) For the first offense, to a penalty of $500, and the court, in its discretion, may suspend, revoke, or postpone the person's

driving privileges for a period not to exceed one year ; (2) For a second offense, to a penalty of $750, and the court, in its discretion, may suspend, revoke, or postpone the person's

driving privileges for a period not to exceed two years; and (3) For a third or subsequent offense, to a penalty of $1,000, and the court, in its discretion, may suspend, revoke, or postpone the person's

driving privileges for a period not to exceed 10 years. In deciding the duration of any suspension, revocation, or postponement of the person's

driving privileges pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection, the

court shall consider the circumstances of the theft or unlawful taking of the motor

vehicle and whether the loss of driving privileges will result in extreme hardship

and alternative means of transportation are not readily available . b. The suspension or postponement of the person's license to operate a motor vehicle

pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall commence on the day the sentence is

imposed. In the case of any person who at the time of the imposition of sentence is less

than 17 years of age, the period of the suspension of driving privileges authorized pursuant to this section , including a suspension of the privilege of operating a motorized bicycle, shall

commence on the day the sentence is imposed and shall run for a period as fixed by

the court not to exceed one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense , or 10 years for a third offense calculated from the day after the day the person

reaches the age of 17 years. If the driving privilege of any person is under revocation, suspension, or postponement

for a violation of any provision of this Title or Title 39 of the Revised Statutes

at the time of any conviction or adjudication of delinquency for a violation of any

offense defined in this chapter or chapter 36 of this Title, the revocation, suspension,

or postponement period imposed pursuant to this section shall commence as of the date of termination of the existing revocation, suspension,

or postponement. Upon conviction the court shall collect forthwith the New Jersey driver's licenses

of the person and forward the license or licenses to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission along with a report indicating the first and last day of the suspension or postponement

period imposed by the court pursuant to this section. If the court is for any reason unable to collect the license or licenses of the

person, the court shall forward a report of the conviction or adjudication of delinquency to be filed with the chief administrator . That report shall include the complete name, address, date of birth, eye color,

and sex of the person and shall indicate the first and last day of the suspension

or postponement period imposed by the court pursuant to this section. The court shall inform the person orally and in writing that if the person is convicted

of personally operating a motor vehicle during the period of license suspension or

postponement imposed pursuant to this section the person shall, upon conviction, be

subject to the penalties set forth in R.S.39:3-40 . A person shall be required to acknowledge receipt of the written notice in writing. Failure to receive a written notice or failure to acknowledge in writing the receipt

of a written notice shall not be a defense to a subsequent charge of a violation of R.S.39:3-40 . If the person is the holder of a driver's license from another jurisdiction, the

court shall not collect the license but shall notify the director who shall notify

the appropriate officials in the licensing jurisdiction. The court shall, however, in accordance with the provisions of this section, revoke

the person's non-resident driving privileges in this State. c. All penalties provided for in this section shall be collected as provided for the

collection of fines and restitutions in section 3 of P.L.1979, c. 396 ( C.2C:46-4 ), and shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:64-6 as if the collected monies were the proceeds of property forfeited pursuant to the

provisions of chapter 64. However, the distributed monies are to be used for law enforcement activities related

to auto theft.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2c:20-2

What does New Jersey Statutes § 2c:20-2 cover?

Section 2c:20-2 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Jersey § 2c:20-2?

A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2c:20-2" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Jersey law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.

How does New Jersey § 2c:20-2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.