NJ Red Decal Law & GDL Restrictions

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.

The red decals

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.

The restrictions

• Night curfew: no driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Passengers: limited to one additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian (dependents excepted).
• No phones at all: no hand-held or hands-free devices while driving.
• Seat belts: required for everyone in the car.

How long the rules apply

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.