What the red decals are and the rules every new NJ driver under 21 must follow.
New Jersey GDL drivers must display two red decals on both license plates, cannot drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., are limited to one passenger unless with a parent or guardian, and cannot use any phone — including hands-free.
New Jersey's GDL program comes with specific rules for permit and probationary drivers. Here's what they mean in practice. The official details are on the NJ MVC GDL page.
Drivers in the GDL program must display two reflectorized red decals — one on each license plate — on any vehicle they drive. They cost $4 per pair at a motor vehicle agency, and failure to display them is a $100 fine.
Permit holders follow these rules through the permit and probationary phases. After holding a probationary license in good standing for 12 months (and reaching 18), a driver can move to an unrestricted basic license and remove the decals.
The curfew and phone rules are where new drivers most often slip up. Setting expectations early makes the probationary year smoother.