New Jersey Traffic Tickets
Getting a New Jersey Traffic Ticket can certainly be a frustrating experience. While a traffic ticket may initially seem like only an inconvenience, a ticket can actually have more serious consequences that can take a toll on your driving record, insurance rates, and even your criminal record.
If you have received a traffic citation in New Jersey, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Sarofiem & Antoun, LLC today to discuss how we can provide the legal representation you need with your traffic ticket case.
Motor Vehicle Violations in New Jersey
New Jersey Statutory Code section 39 covers motor vehicle laws in New Jersey. The section is lengthy and lists hundreds of ways you can commit a traffic violation in New Jersey. Some of the most common of these violations include:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Careless/Reckless Driving
- Driving without a License or Registration
- Driving with a suspended license
- Failing to stop after causing an accident
- Failing to heed a traffic signal or stop at a stop sign
- Failing to signal
- Street racing
- Parking violations
- Car equipment violations (driving without a headlight, driving car in unsafe condition, etc.)
- Failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk
Each of these violations comes with a minimum fine. For example, if you drive without a headlight, you could be facing a $54 fine. If you fail to yield to a pedestrian a crosswalk, you could get a $240 fine. If the offense is more serious such as driving on a suspended license, you could be facing a fine of $500-$1,000 depending on the circumstances. It is important to understand and follow New Jersey traffic rules, as these fines can get pricey very quickly.
New Jersey Speeding Fines
Perhaps the most common of all traffic offenses is speeding. The fines for speeding in New Jersey are based on the speed limit in the area and how fast you were driving–typically, the faster your speed, the higher the ticket. The fines for speeding include:
- Exceeding the speed limit by 1-9 mph: $85
- Exceeding the speed limit by 10-14 mph: $95
- Exceeding the speed limit by 15-19 mph: $105
- Exceeding the speed limit by 20-24 mph: $200
- Exceeding the speed limit by 25-29 mph: $220
- Exceeding the speed limit by 30-34 mph: $240
- Exceeding the speed limit by 35-39 mph: $260
If you are accused of exceeding the speed limit by over 40 mph, that requires a court appearance and can result in more serious consequences. Additionally, where you are caught speeding can make a difference–if you are pulled over for speeding in a school zone, construction zone, or a safe corridor, your fines will go up. If your spreading results in an accident and someone is hurt or killed, you could end up facing serious criminal charges.
New Jersey Points Schedule
Beyond paying fines for New Jersey traffic violations, you also have to be aware of what a traffic violation can do to your driving record. According to the New Jersey Points Schedule, drivers are given points on their driving record when they are found to have committed a violation. Some examples of violations and their points include:
- Racing on the Highway: 5 points
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk: 2 points
- Speeding: 2-5 points (depending on how fast you were going)
- Improper U-turn: 2 points
- Running a Stop sign or Stop Light: 2 points
These are just a few examples of the point values associated with traffic violations. The important thing to remember is that traffic violations can result in these points, and too many points can lead to more serious consequences. For example, if you get six or more points in a three year period, you are given a surcharge, which is an additional fine. If you get 12 or more points, your license can be suspended. These points can also affect your car insurance rates, and you may have to deal with paying more just to have insurance.
What to Do When You Get a New Jersey Traffic Ticket
If you get a ticket for a traffic violation in New Jersey, it is important to know what to do. Fines and points can have a negative impact on your life and driving future, so you want to take action.
You have a couple different options when it comes to handling a traffic ticket. First, you can pay your fine–in this case you plead guilty to the offense, pay the fine, and generally do not have to go to court. The points associated with your offense will go on your driving record.
A second option is to fight your traffic ticket in court. You do not have to automatically plead guilty. You can appear in court and present your side of the story and explain why you should not be guilty of this offense. This may involve going to trial. If you choose to fight your ticket, it can be helpful to have the assistance of a skilled New Jersey traffic ticket attorney who can help you navigate this process.
Get Help With Your Traffic Tickets
If you have been issued a traffic ticket, it is important to take a minute to think about the consequences of the ticket before simply pleading guilty and paying the fine. Yes, a conviction for a traffic violation can mean fines and points, but can also affect you down the road if you ever get another ticket and you could end up facing more serious criminal consequences at a later time. Fighting your ticket may be your best option for your current situation and your future.
The skilled traffic ticket attorneys at Sarofiem & Antoun, LLC understand that traffic tickets can be frustrating. They can talk to you about your situation during a free case consultation and help you determine what the best move is in your specific situation. They can help you navigate traffic court and diligently work on your defense to achieve the best possible outcome. You can contact our office today by calling or texting (201) 792-3333. We are available anytime, day or night, to help you with your defense!