NJ GDL Decals (Kyleigh's Law): Who Needs Them, Where They Go, the Fine
Who must display the red GDL decals in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, every driver under 21 with a special learner permit, an examination permit or a probationary license must display two red reflective GDL decals (Kyleigh's Law). One goes on the upper left corner of the front license plate and one on the upper left corner of the rear plate. A pair costs $4 at an MVC agency. Driving without them is a violation with a $100 fine.
Where these rules come from
New Jersey sets the decal rule in Kyleigh's Law (P.L. 2009, c.37, effective May 1, 2010). This guide follows the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Graduated Driver License page, the New Jersey Driver Manual (2026) and the MVC road test page, as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (nj.gov/mvc) before you drive.
Who needs the red GDL decals in New Jersey?
Drivers under 21 who hold one of three credentials: a special learner permit (age 16, for a student in a behind-the-wheel course at a high school or a licensed driving school), an examination permit (age 17 and older) or a probationary license. These are the stages of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program.
The decals go on any vehicle the driver operates. That includes a parent's car, a friend's car or a borrowed car, not only your own. At 21 or older, the hour, passenger and decal limits do not apply to an examination permit or probationary license holder.
Where do the GDL decals go on the car?
- 1Use two decals
Each decal is red and reflective, 1.5 inches by 1 inch, and made of removable 3M Dual Lock material. You need one for each license plate.
- 2Front plate
Put one decal on the upper left corner of the front license plate.
- 3Rear plate
Put the other decal on the upper left corner of the rear license plate.
- 4Check both before you drive
Both decals must be visible. The question on where to place the two GDL decals tests this rule.
How much do GDL decals cost and where do you buy them?
A pair costs $4, for a first set or a replacement set. Decals are sold in pairs only, so a lost or damaged decal means a new $4 pair.
You buy the first pair when the MVC issues your permit or probationary license. If you did not buy them then, buy a pair at any MVC agency or Licensing Center. Anyone can buy them: the permit holder, the probationary driver or a parent.
What is the fine for driving without GDL decals?
The fine is $100 for a permit or probationary license holder under 21 who drives without the decals. The MVC GDL page cites N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.8 for it.
The same $100 fine applies when a GDL driver breaks any other GDL limit, such as the curfew or the phone ban. The Driver Manual says that a GDL violation may bring a $100 fine or a suspension of the driving privilege. The GDL violations and penalties guide covers the full list.
New Jersey GDL decal facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who needs decals | Drivers under 21 with a special learner permit, examination permit or probationary license |
| Where they go | Upper left corner of the front plate and upper left corner of the rear plate |
| Size and color | 1.5 inches by 1 inch, red, reflective, removable |
| Cost | $4 per pair, first or replacement |
| Who can buy | Anyone: the permit holder, the probationary driver or parents |
| Fine for no decals | $100 |
| At 21 or older | The decal limit stops |
Do you need the decals for the road test?
Yes, if you are under 21. Red reflective decals must be on the plates of the car you use for the road test, and the road test checklist asks for 2 red GDL decals, properly mounted. The MVC can refuse a car without the required decals for the test. The NJ road test guide lists everything else to bring.
When to put the decals on and when to take them off
Other GDL limits that come with the decals
The same drivers under 21 have other GDL limits. You may not drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless you carry a certification from your employer or religious official that shows a need to drive for work or religion. The question on the restricted driving hours tests this rule.
You may not use a hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless device. You may carry one passenger (plus dependents) unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
Key takeaways
- Drivers under 21 with a special learner permit, an examination permit or a probationary license must show two red reflective GDL decals on any car they drive.
- One decal goes on the upper left corner of the front plate and one on the upper left corner of the rear plate.
- A pair costs $4, sold in pairs only, and anyone can buy it at an MVC agency or Licensing Center.
- The fine for driving without the decals is $100, and a driver under 21 needs them on the car for the road test.
- Next step: practice the GDL rules on the free New Jersey basic auto learner permit practice test.
NJ GDL decals: common questions
Can my parents buy the GDL decals for me?
Yes. Anyone can buy GDL decals: the permit holder, the probationary driver or a parent. A pair costs $4 at any MVC agency or Licensing Center, for a first set or a replacement set. The decals are sold in pairs only, with one decal for the front plate and one for the rear plate.
Do my parents have to take the decals off when they drive?
Yes, if they are not subject to Kyleigh's Law. The MVC says drivers who are not subject to the law should remove the decals before they operate the vehicle. The decals are made of removable 3M Dual Lock material, so they come off the plates and go back on before the teen drives again.
What if I lose one GDL decal?
Buy a new pair. Decals are sold in pairs only, and a replacement pair costs $4, the same as the first set, at any MVC agency or Licensing Center. Do not drive without both decals on the plates: a permit or probationary license holder under 21 who drives without them can get a $100 fine.
Do I need GDL decals with a special learner permit at 16?
Yes. The special learner permit is the age-16 permit for a student in a behind-the-wheel course at a high school or a licensed driving school. The Driver Manual lists "Must display decals on license plates" among its restrictions, the same as for the examination permit and the probationary license.
Do I still need the decals after I turn 21?
No. If an examination permit or probationary license holder is 21 or older, the hour, passenger and decal restrictions do not apply. This also covers an adult who gets a first examination permit at 21 or older. A driver who is not subject to Kyleigh's Law should remove the decals before driving.
Do I need an appointment to buy GDL decals?
No. At an MVC Licensing Center, the purchase of red reflective decals is a walk-in service, so you need no appointment. A pair costs $4. If you did not buy decals when the MVC issued your permit or probationary license, you can get a set this way before your next drive or your road test.
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