New Jersey Driver's Handbook, Section 3: Seat Belts, Car Seats and Your Car
Seat belt and child seat laws, keeping your car in good condition, steering, signals, driving in reverse and parking.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, 2026. Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. New Jersey Driver Manual
Key rules
- Not wearing a belt is a primary offense for the driver, front passengers and anyone under 18; the driver answers for passengers under 18. p. 40
- Children under 8 and under 57 inches ride in a harnessed seat or booster in the back; under 2 and 30 pounds, rear-facing. p. 42
- Tires need at least 1/16 inch of tread, and a horn should be heard from 200 feet. p. 46
- Clear all snow and ice from your car before driving, or face a $25-$75 fine even if nothing flies off. p. 47
- Idling is limited to three minutes in most situations. p. 50
- Signal at least 100 feet before every turn and know the hand signals: arm down to stop, up for right, straight out for left. p. 54
- Park within six inches of the curb; facing downhill turn the wheels toward the curb, uphill away from it. p. 58