Whether you’re renting a car for the first time, driving in New Jersey, or navigating the state’s roads for the first time, it’s essential to understand the driving rules, regulations, and essential tips for a smooth experience. From speed limits and toll roads to driving with children and understanding the state’s unique driving conditions, this comprehensive car rental New Jersey guide covers everything you need to know.
New Jersey Driving Guide
Quick Rules of the Road in New Jersey
Before you get behind the wheel, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of the basic driving rules in New Jersey to avoid fines and stay safe on the road.
- Yield to Emergency Vehicles: Always give way to emergency vehicles and postal vehicles re-entering traffic. This ensures safety for all road users and allows emergency responders to do their jobs effectively.
- School Bus Safety: If you encounter a stationary school bus with flashing red lights, you must stop at least 25 feet away. This law protects children as they board or exit the bus.
- Idling Regulations: It’s illegal to idle your vehicle for more than three minutes unless you’re stuck in traffic or going through a drive-through.
- Headlights Usage: Use your headlights 30 minutes after sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset. Also, use them when visibility drops to 500 feet or less.
- Cell Phone Restrictions: It is against the law to use a handheld cell phone while driving, ensuring that drivers remain focused on the road.
Speed Limits in New Jersey
Understanding speed limits is crucial to avoid fines and stay within the law. Speed limits in New Jersey vary based on road types and locations.
Cars and Trucks in Different Areas:
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- School Zones, Business, or Residential Districts: 25 mph
- Low-Density Business and Residential Areas: 35 mph
- Rural Freeways: 65 mph
- Urban Freeways: 55 mph
- Divided and Undivided Roads: 55 mph
It’s essential to check road signs for specific speed limits, but these general guidelines should help you anticipate the speeds you can drive.
Toll Roads in New Jersey
New Jersey is known for its toll roads and bridges. If you’re traveling on these, make sure to know your route and payment methods.
- New Jersey Turnpike: A major route running from New York City to Philadelphia. This toll road spans across I-95, NJ-700, NJ-495, and I-80. Toll costs for cars start from $0.95, while trucks begin at $3.25. Payment can be made via cash, E-ZPass, mail, online, or by phone.
- Garden State Parkway: This highly accessible toll road runs from Cape May to the New Jersey-New York state line. Toll fees for cars start at $1.90, and trucks also begin at $1.90. Like the Turnpike, you can pay via E-ZPass, cash, or online.
- Atlantic City Expressway: This road connects New Jersey to Philadelphia. Toll costs range from $1.25 to $5.50 for cars, with truck prices starting at $5.50. Payments can be made through E-ZPass or cash.
- Other Notable Toll Bridges:
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Camden to Philadelphia, PA): $5.00
- Betsy Ross Bridge (Pennsauken to Philadelphia, PA): $5.00
- Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Palmyra to Philadelphia, PA): $3.00 with E-ZPass, $4.00 without
Make sure to have cash or an E-ZPass for toll payments as these are common across New Jersey’s highways.
Driving Ages and License Requirements
Understanding the legal driving age and car rental requirements is essential for those new to driving in New Jersey.
- Minimum Driving Age: The minimum age to drive in New Jersey is 16. However, full driving licenses are only granted once the driver turns 18.
- Renting a Car: The minimum age to rent a car in New Jersey is 20 with Hertz. Drivers under 25 can rent vehicles but may not have access to specialty cars, such as the Dream Car® Collection or Prestige Collection.
Essential Equipment to Carry in Your Car
When driving in New Jersey, it’s required to carry certain documents and items in your vehicle to ensure compliance with the law:
- Driver’s Permit
- Proof of Insurance
- Rental Agreement (if renting a car)
Additionally, ensure that your vehicle doesn’t carry any prohibited items, especially if you’re renting from a company like Hertz, which may have specific restrictions in the rental agreement.
Speed Violations, Infractions, and Penalties
New Jersey enforces strict penalties for speeding, which can result in hefty fines and points on your driving record.
- Fines: Speeding violations in New Jersey can result in fines between $85 and $260, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving.
- Points System: Speeding may also result in 2 to 5 points on your driving record. Challenging a speeding ticket in court could add an additional $34 to the fine.
Driving with Children in New Jersey
New Jersey has specific laws when it comes to driving with children to ensure their safety.
- Child Seat Requirements: Children under eight and less than 57 inches tall must be secured in a child seat.
- Rear-facing car seats with a five-point harness are required for children under two and weighing less than 30 pounds.
- Forward-facing car seats with a five-point harness are required for children under four weighing less than 40 pounds.
- Children who have outgrown both rear and front-facing seats should use a belt-positioning booster seat until they’re at least eight years old or 57 inches tall.
- Seat Belt: Once a child is over eight years old or more than 57 inches tall, they should be secured with a seat belt.
Gas Prices and Electric Car Charging in New Jersey
Understanding the cost of fuel and electric car charging can help you budget during your trip.
- Gas Prices: The average gas price in New Jersey is $3.68 per gallon. For example, a small car like a Chevrolet Spark will cost about $0.11 per mile in fuel, while a larger SUV like a Ford Expedition costs around $0.16 per mile.
- Electric Car Charging: If you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV), New Jersey offers over 300 public charging points. Roughly 95% of the state is within 25 miles of a DC Fast Charger, allowing you to charge your car to 60-80 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
Driving Between New Jersey and Other States
New Jersey is conveniently located for travel to surrounding states. Hertz allows you to pick up and drop off cars at various locations across the U.S., making cross-state travel easy. You can visit neighboring states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington D.C. However, be aware that you are not allowed to drive your rental car into Mexico, although international travel to Canada is permitted if informed in advance.
Driving Conditions in New Jersey
New Jersey’s weather can significantly affect driving conditions, particularly in winter and summer months.
- Climate: New Jersey’s average temperature is around 54°F. During winter, you can expect highs of 34°F to 43°F, while summer temperatures range between 82°F and 87°F.
- Severe Weather: New Jersey frequently experiences strong winds, tornadoes, and storms, especially during winter. Always check the weather forecast before hitting the road, particularly during severe conditions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a first-time driver or a seasoned traveler in New Jersey, understanding the state’s driving rules, toll roads, and safety requirements can ensure a smooth experience. Stay informed about speed limits, driving with children, toll payments, and driving conditions to make the most of your journey. And if you’re renting a car, Drive Pro Fleet can help ensure you’re aware of the specific rental requirements to avoid any surprises. Stay safe, follow the rules, and enjoy your time on the road in New Jersey!
