New Jersey § 39:7-3
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 39:7-3, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39:7-3.
Service of process upon the director shall be made by leaving the original and a copy
of the summons and two copies of the complaint, with a fee of $10.00, in the hands
of the director, or someone designated by him in his office, or, in an action commenced in any county other than Mercer county, then the sheriff or other authorized
person may serve the director by mailing such papers to him by registered mail, with the
said fee. Such service shall be sufficient service upon the nonresident chauffeur, operator
or owner, if a. Notice of such service and a copy of the summons with a copy of the complaint are
forthwith sent by registered mail to the defendant by the director, or someone designated
by him in his office; and b. Defendant's return receipt and the affidavit of the director, or such person in
his office acting for him, of the compliance herewith, including a statement of the
date of such mailing and of the receipt of the return card, are appended to the original
of the summons and the other copy of the complaint and filed in the office of the
clerk of the court wherein the action may be pending; or c. Notice of such service with a copy thereof and the original and a copy of the summons
and two copies of the complaint are forthwith sent by registered mail by the director,
or the person in his office acting for him, to the sheriff or other process server
in the jurisdiction in which the defendant resides, with directions that such sheriff
or process server, or someone acting for such sheriff or process server, shall serve
the same upon the defendant in the same manner that service is legally effected in
that jurisdiction, and the return of such sheriff or process server, or the person
acting for such sheriff or process server in such jurisdiction, shall be appended
to or endorsed upon the original summons and a copy of the complaint and returned
to the director, and thereafter filed in the office of the clerk of the court wherein
the action may be pending in this State; or d. Notice of such service and a copy of the summons and complaint may be served on
the defendant personally by any official or private individual, wherever such service
may be made, and, upon service being so made, an affidavit shall be made by the person
effecting such service, showing the person served and the time and place of such service,
which affidavit shall be appended to the original summons and one copy of the complaint
and returned to the director, and be thereafter filed in the office of the clerk of
the court wherein the action may be pending in this State; or e. Notice of such service and a copy of the summons and complaint may be served on
the defendant in any other manner that the court in which the cause is pending shall
deem sufficient and expedient. If, by direction of plaintiff, notice of service is given as provided by paragraph
c. of this section, plaintiff shall, in addition to the fee of $10.00 required by
the first paragraph of this section, deposit with the director sufficient money to
effectuate the same. Upon giving notice to the defendant of the service of process as required by this
chapter, where service of process is made upon the director, he shall file with the
clerk of the court his certificate of the notice given. If notice of service is given as provided by paragraph d. of this section, plaintiff
shall pay the cost thereof.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 39:7-3
What does New Jersey Statutes § 39:7-3 cover?
Section 39:7-3 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 § 39:7-3?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 39:7-3" (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 § 39:7-3 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.