Tuesday, March 30, 2010

How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey : Tips of Bob Ciasull

Every state has its requirements for vehicle registration. The process can be a little overwhelming if you aren't prepared with the correct information. Want to simplify your registration process be aware of When, Where and What to bring with you to register a vehicle in New Jersey. The New Jersey Vehicle Commission has outlined the laws and procedures to register a vehicle in the state of New Jersey as follows:

When

If you are a New Jersey Resident and you have purchased a new or previously owned car you must register within 10 days of purchase. If you are a new resident and have moved to New Jersey from another state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle with the state of New Jersey. If you purchase your vehicle from a dealership, they will handle all the paper work required to register at the time of purchase.

Where

First time vehicle registrations must be done in person at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office. See their website for locations and hours. Future renewals and payments can be done in person, by mail, on-line or by telephone. Registrations are valid for the following time frames:
  • New Car Registration – Valid for 4 years

  • Used Car Registration – Valid for 1 year

  • Leased Car Registration – Must be valid and paid for the entire lease period

What to bring with you if you to registering your vehicle for the first time
  • Current NJ Drivers License or ID proof

  • Insurance Proof

  • Original Out of State Title and Proof of Sales Tax (if new resident registration)

  • Social Security or Exemption Proof

  • Current Odometer Reading

  • Completed Titling Form ISM/SS-7 and registration Form BA-49 from MVC offices.

  • Liens on Vehicle – must have submitted Application ISM-SS-54 to lean holder to release title prior to registration to MVC.

  • Leased Vehicle – Must contact Leasing Company to Release title and registration to MVC prior to registration.
Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and wants you to have all the information necessary to register your car with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. When you purchase a car from a Bob Ciasulli Dealership, your registration paperwork will be handled by his team.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Bob Ciasulli : Generally Asked Questions by New Jersey Drivers

Current New Jersey drivers, new drivers and parents of teenagers ask these questions to get the facts about New Jersey Driving laws.

What is the Graduated Drivers License System?

There are three stages to the New Jersey Graduated License System. They are the Student Learner Permit, the Provisional License and the Basic Drivers License.

What is a Student Learners Permit?

  1. Must be applied for at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with a valid ID

  2. Signed letter of permission from a parent or guardian.

  3. Must be 16 years of age

  4. Pass the knowledge test

  5. Present proof of enrollment in a state of New jersey approved drivers training class

  6. Drive 6 months with Adult supervision

  7. If under 21 cannot drive between the hours of 11:01 pm – 5:00 am

  8. May not use any wireless electronic devices /cell phones

What is the Provisional License?

  1. Must be applied for at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with a valid ID

  2. Must be at least 17 years of age to apply

  3. Must have 1 year of unsupervised driving

  4. Cannot drive between the hours of 12:01 am – 5:00 am

  5. May not use any wireless electronic devices /cell phones

What is the Basic Drivers License?

  1. Must be applied for at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with a valid ID

  2. Must be at least 18 years of age to apply

  3. Must have 1 year of unsupervised driving with provisional drivers license

  4. Must pay for Basic Drivers Licensing Fee

  5. Must have 3 types of Insurance (see MVC for specifics)

What are the New Jersey Cell Phone Laws?

New Jersey drivers are by law forbidden to use cell phones while at the wheel of a vehicle. Hands free devices are allowed if they do not interfere with driving. There is a $100 fine for any use a cell phone without a hands free device. Laws have recently been amended to include a TEXTING Band while driving, fines also apply.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in Northern New Jersey and wants you to have all the information necessary about New Jersey Driving Laws. Bob Ciasulli promotes safe driving in New Jersey.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Valuable Tips of Bob Ciasulli for Preparing Your Car for Spring

Myself Bob Ciasulli and I am the owner of numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey. During the previous winter months, you have no doubt experienced wet roads, ice, snow, and harsh winter weather conditions. Although it still feels like winter, spring is right around the corner so Myselfgoing to tell you how to best prepare your car or vehicle for the warmer temperatures.


  1. Check your tires. After winter, your tires have no doubt suffered a lot of wear and tear and as a result are worn down or have lost air due to cold temperature changes. Before spring rolls around, check your tires to make sure they're not low. I say this because under-inflated tires can affect your car’s handling, braking abilities, and tread as well. For safer driving (and to save on gas), get your tires checked before spring.

  2. Clean your tires. Not only to keep them looking good, but salt and de-icers can cause damage and create air leaks if left caked on to your wheels.

  3. Your windshield wipers. Snow, hail, salt, and freezing temperatures can really take a toll on the effectiveness of your windshield wipers. If these conditions have made your wipers stiff, cracked, or ineffective, make sure to buy new wipers before spring. One key indicator that your wipers aren’t doing what they’re supposed to is that they leave behind residue or “streaks”. A good pair of windshield wipers is essential for good road visibility. If you can, invest in a good pair. You won’t regret it.

  4. Vaccuum. This one is a no-brainer. Especially if you own a convertible (and even if you don’t leave the top up), you should take the time to vacuum. This is important for other vehicles as well—in the winter, snow, water, and other forms of moisture can remain in your car. Come spring, you’re going to want to vacuum it out to prevent mold, and get rid of residual condensation. Also, there’s nothing wrong with having a clean car.

  5. Your hoses and belts. Winter weather can really damage the belts and hoses of your vehicle. It is very important to check for cracks or damage and catch them early. If you wait, it’ll result in a far more expensive repair. You will also avoid breaking down on the side of the road at a future time.

  6. Check your filters. Winter is notorious for clogging air filters, even if they were recently replaced.

  7. Wash your car. You should have been washing your vehicle all winter long to remove harsh road salt and de-icers, but if you haven’t, do it before spring. Using a wash mitt (and not a regular sponge as those trap gravel and sand and can scratch your finish), wash all dirt, grime, salt, and residue off your car. And please, don’t use dish detergent.

  8. Waxing. Wax your car well after its “spring cleaning” to ensure it’ll look great and be protected in the upcoming months.

Remember, vehicles are big investments and taking the time to prepare them for spring is absolutely necessary. Winter damage, particularly salt can decrease their value and performance. Take the time protect your vehicle and you’ll enjoy years of safe driving.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These valuable tips are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Driving Test Tips for Teens : Bob Ciasulli

I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. I’m on a mission to inform both teens and their parents what they can do to pass their driving tests safely and protect themselves on the roads. The following information won’t allow you to pass your driving test as quickly as possible, but it’ll let you know what to expect. Don’t focus on passing your test, instead try to gain as much driving experience as possible. Your nervousness and the pressure of passing your test on your first attempt will fade.

If you’re unaware of what your driving test will consist of, expect around 20 minutes of overall driving. You’ll have to perform easy maneuvers such as right turns, left turns, stops at various intersections, backing up in a straight line, driving in traffic, changing lanes successfully, and sometimes driving on major roads or freeways. Be prepared: parallel parking and “K” turns are also in some driving tests.

Driving Test Tips: If you follow these useful driving test tips carefully, you’ll increase your chances of passing your exam.

First and foremost, remain confident. Your instructor won’t pass you unless you demonstrate you are ready—both by how you complete the test and how you handle yourself.

Ensure you are rested, alert, and ready to follow directions. Eat breakfast and get enough sleep—when you’re concentrating on the road and your examiners instructions, you’ll increase your chances of passing.

You can arrange to take your test before at the test center—this will familiarize you with the area, route, and prepare you for your driving test.

If you believe you’ve made a mistake, don’t let it get to you. You’re allowed to make a few minor errors and still pass your driving test. Trying to count your errors isn’t good though—relax and pay attention to your instructor.

Driving Test Mistakes: Driving test tips on what to avoid…

Here are a few common driving test mistakes. Read these so you don’t find yourself making these errors.

Stopping completely. Even though you’re driving on a practice course or in a parking lot, you should still come to a complete stop when directed to. You must demonstrate that you’ll stop at stop signs, traffic intersections, and streets in other real life scenarios. Remember not to “roll” through intersections during your driving test. The same goes for when you’re driving alone—always slow down to a complete stop. Many students fail because of this.

Confidence. As mentioned, confidence is a big factor in you passing your driving test. If you’ve been instructed to change lanes but are too cautious to do so or if you’re overconfident and don’t check your mirrors and put on your turn signal, you will fail. If you’re feeling anxious, resist the urge to drive under the speed limit. If you believe it is “safer”, remember this isn’t the case. Slow driving is an automatic fail—remember to maintain the proper speed limit.

Remember, if you want to avoid making driving test mistakes you must put in hours of practice. Practice does make perfect and is the best advice for those learning how to drive. Don’t stress it—relax, keep your eyes on the roads and follow all instructions. Good luck!

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These teen driving tips in New Jersey are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Bob Ciasulli Offers Tips For Parents and Teens

Myself Bob Ciasulli and I owns numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey. Like other parents everywhere, Myself concerned with the teens and young drivers on the roads today. Myself on a mission to inform both teens and their parents what they can do to protect themselves on the roads. The combination of teen inexperience, common distraction, speer pressure, and the inability to properly assess risk are all factors that contribute to teen accidents. Sadly, more than 10 young drivers (aged 15-20) are killed in vehicle crashes every day, and 745 critically injured. I want you to be safe. Parents and teens, read on to learn how to reduce your son’s and daughter’s exposure to driving risk and help them develop safer driving skills and defensive driving habits.

Teenagers represent about 10% of the total US population but are involved in 12% of all fatal car crashes. Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds. Why? Teenagers are the least likely to wear seat belts, most likely to take poorly calculated risks, and most likely to speed and tailgate.

Parents: Here’s How to Keep Your Teen Safe on the Road

As a parent, you have great influence over the safety of your children. Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of your teen.

Setting a good example. How are you driving? Research conducted by AAA found that teens who were involved in traffic accidents had parents with poor driving records. Practicing safe driving habits will encourage your teens to do the same.

No passengers at night. The more friends your son or daughter is driving with, the more likely they are to be distracted, especially at night. Parents, know who your teen is driving with at all times and try to limit nighttime driving with friends. The hours between 9 P.M. and midnight are when teen crash rates are highest.

Distractions. Inexperienced teenage drivers should NOT be texting, calling, or listening to an iPod on the road. The same goes for experienced drivers as well! Most of states have already taken precaution against teen drivers texting, but parents should enforce this rule as well. The more focused your child is on the road, the better.

Put your teen in a safe vehicle: Because your teen is generally the family member with the greatest driving risk, put them in the safest vehicle available. Your teenager no doubt wants to be driving a sports car, but sedans and larger vehicles hold up better in crashes and generally have better safety features—air bags, anti-lock breaks, and more.

Practice. Driving lessons with you or another experienced family member and other supervised opportunities will reinforce good skills and techniques. Get in the car with your teen and encourage proper driving and safe practices. Positive feedback from people who love and care is critical to future success on the road.

Teens, Here Are Some Tips For You:
Wear your seat belt: Obviously injuries can be prevented simply by following this rule. It can save your life in both low speed and high speed crashes. If you’re riding with friends, make them buckle up as well.

The number of people in your car: Don’t allow more people in your car then can comfortably fit and make sure there are enough seat belts to go around. This is not only physically dangerous, but can increase driver distraction.

Go the speed limit: You aren’t experienced enough to quickly react and anticipate other drivers reactions. Not following speed limits is a main factor in teen accidents. Slow down, give yourself a better reaction time.

Red lights: Don’t run them. You put yourself and others in danger.

Turn signals: No one can read your mind—signal your intention to change lanes and give other cars time to react to you. Don’t forget to turn off your turn signal when you’re done.

Intersections: When the light turns green, look both ways before you go. You don’t want to collide with other cars in the intersection.

No drinking. No drugs: Deliberately putting yourself and others in danger—no one should ever drink or do drugs and then drive a vehicle.

Adjust your headrest: To prevent whiplash, move your seat’s headrest to the height directly behind your head.

Both teens and parents need to work collectively towards the common goal of safe teen driving. Experience is key—parents, spend more time with your child behind the wheel to supervise different situations and circumstances. Keep an open dialogue. Communication is key to making your teen feel confident and safe on the road.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey and Bob Ciasulli is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These teen driving tips in New Jersey are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bob Ciasulli Offers Tips to Parents Teaching their Teens to Drive – Second Lession

My self Bob Ciasulli and I own numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey. This is the second part to my tips on teaching your teen to drive. In part one, I gave some general advice to parents for teaching driving in a stress-free way. In that article I stressed having patience, staying calm and talking them through upcoming driving situations. In this second part, I will focus on some proven techniques for teaching good driving habits.

The first time your teen gets behind the wheel don’t assume he or she knows how to operate all the instruments. Go through how to everything works and let him or her adjust everything. Show him or her how to fill up the gas tank, check fluids, tire pressure, and even where and how to change a tire. This will help to make your teen much more comfortable behind the wheel.

The first time your teen drives, take them to a big empty parking lot. Let them use the lines in the parking lot to pretend they are on the road, making turns, keeping a consistent speed, stopping, starting, and using turn signals. Have them try parking, backing up and doing a three-point turn.

After you teen has accomplished parking lot driving to your satisfaction, take them out on a road with minimal traffic where the speed limit is no more than 35 miles per hour. Go through approaches to intersections, and making turns, especially left-hand turns. Tell them how to handle curves with a slow approach, gradual acceleration and proper lane positioning. Next teach merging and passing with the car under control.

After many sessions and lessons on lesser-traveled roads, move on to highways, but do this during non-rush hour times. Plan a routine that allows your team to practice getting on and off ramps numerous times. Also work on lane changing and passing, and discuss how to drive behind and around trucks and busses.

You also need to practice driving at night with your teen, emphasizing how much more dangerous it is to drive at night. Discuss driving in bad weather at this time too.

With patience and a lot of time, you can teach your teen good driving habits, and maybe refresh your own driving habits in the process.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli is the owner of numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey, and Bob Ciasulli is interested in promoting safe teen driving habits. This second lesson on teaching teens safe driving is based on his own observations and government statistics.