Worst and Best Times to Hit the Road on New Year in New Jersey

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in New Jersey bring about celebrations, gatherings, and, of course, traffic. As millions of residents head out to attend parties, visit friends and family, or simply enjoy the festivities, the state’s already congested roads become even more chaotic. Whether you’re driving to the city for a celebration or heading to the shore for a weekend getaway, knowing when to hit the road can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst times to drive during the New Year’s holiday in New Jersey, with traffic trends and tips to make your trip smoother.

Worst Times to Drive on New Year’s Eve (December 31)

1. Late Afternoon to Early Evening (3 PM – 7 PM)

As the sun sets, traffic ramps up on major highways like the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 287. Between 3 PM and 7 PM, many people are leaving work early or heading to their New Year’s Eve destinations. Commuters are often trying to avoid the rush hour traffic and beat the late-night crowd, so this time window sees heavy congestion.

• Key Problem Areas: Expect significant delays on the NJ Turnpike between Exit 6 (Bordentown) and Exit 14 (Newark), and also along Route 287 around Edison and Paramus.
• Traffic Data: According to INRIX traffic analytics, congestion spikes by 20-30% in the late afternoon as people begin traveling to parties, events, and other gatherings.

2. Late Night (10 PM – 2 AM)

While many people are already out celebrating, the roads remain congested as people head home after the countdown. This period is particularly heavy around popular party spots and major highways, as well as near venues hosting midnight events.

• Key Problem Areas: Areas around Jersey City and Hoboken, near the Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge, can experience long delays as people leave celebrations.
• Traffic Data: Traffic reports from NJ 511 and Waze show the heaviest congestion around the metropolitan areas as people funnel out of bars and clubs during the early morning hours.

Best Times to Drive on New Year’s Eve

1. Early Morning (6 AM – 9 AM)

On New Year’s Eve, early risers can find a rare window of opportunity to travel with minimal traffic. Many people are still resting up for the night’s festivities, and the usual commuter traffic hasn’t yet kicked in. Roads are generally clear, making this an excellent time to get a jump start on any New Year’s Eve road trips.

• Key Benefits: With minimal traffic on major roads, you can avoid the stress of clogged lanes and the anxiety of late arrivals.
• Traffic Data: Traffic speed data from Waze typically shows average speeds up to 50% faster during the early morning compared to later hours.

2. Midday (12 PM – 3 PM)

For those who want to make their way to a New Year’s celebration or destination but want to avoid rush hour, midday offers a good window. Between noon and 3 PM, most people are either preparing for evening events or still handling last-minute errands. The highways are generally less congested, with fewer vehicles on the road.

• Key Benefits: Enjoy the calm before the storm, with smoother rides especially along heavily trafficked routes like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

Worst Times to Drive on New Year’s Day (January 1)

1. Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)

New Year’s Day can be unpredictable as many people are still out celebrating, recovering, or heading back home after spending the night at parties or with family. Traffic volumes increase as late risers take to the roads for brunch, family visits, or to travel back from weekend getaways.

• Key Problem Areas: Expect significant delays near major tourist spots, such as the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, and Princeton, especially as people head back after spending the night out of town.
• Traffic Data: According to NJ 511 real-time reports, there’s a sharp increase in congestion between 9 AM and noon as travelers return to their homes or continue with holiday visits.

2. Late Afternoon to Evening (4 PM – 7 PM)

Much like New Year’s Eve, late afternoon and evening are some of the worst times to travel on New Year’s Day. As the holiday weekend wraps up, many head back to work or prepare for the week ahead, causing increased traffic on major roadways. This is the peak period for those returning from holiday travel, especially along routes leading to New York City.

• Key Problem Areas: Heavy delays around Route 17, the Garden State Parkway, and the NJ Turnpike.
• Traffic Data: Similar to the evening rush hour on December 31, traffic data shows an uptick of 30-40% during these hours.

Best Times to Drive on New Year’s Day

1. Early Morning (6 AM – 9 AM)

For those returning from trips or heading out early for a New Year’s Day activity, early morning hours can be the smoothest time to drive. Most people are still asleep or enjoying their holiday break, and the roads are much clearer than during later hours.

• Key Benefits: This early start helps you avoid the heavier travel times that increase as the day goes on. It’s perfect for getting back home or making it to your destination without facing major delays.

2. Midday to Early Afternoon (12 PM – 3 PM)

Once the morning congestion from late-night revelers has died down, midday offers another relatively quiet period for travel. People are typically staying inside after their morning activities or beginning to wind down after a long holiday weekend. You’ll find that highways like the NJ Turnpike and Route 78 are easier to navigate without much delay.

• Key Benefits: With fewer vehicles on the road compared to peak hours, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free journey.

Tips for Avoiding Traffic This New Year

• Use Real-Time Traffic Apps: Stay updated with live traffic reports from apps like Waze, Google Maps, and NJ 511 to reroute if needed and avoid real-time delays.
• Plan for Parking: New Year’s Eve events in places like Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken often bring a shortage of parking. Arrive early to secure a spot or consider using public transport or rideshare services.
• Be Prepared for Weather: Keep an eye on weather forecasts for potential snow or rain, which can slow down traffic. Always have an emergency kit, and make sure your car is winter-ready.

Conclusion

New Jersey’s roads will certainly be busy this New Year’s holiday, but knowing when to drive can make a big difference in avoiding the worst congestion. Whether you’re heading out early to start your day or planning to stay off the road during peak times, being strategic about your travel plans can help you enjoy a much smoother ride. Keep in mind that using apps like NJMCDirect can also help resolve any traffic violations efficiently, leaving you more time to celebrate the start of the year!