Traffic Violation Defense New Jersey

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Traffic Violation Lawyer in New Jersey

Were you ticketed for a traffic violation or moving violation in New Jersey? Don’t assume that paying the citation is your only option for resolving the situation. You may have defenses available to contest the violation and obtain reduced fines or points. You may even be able to have the charges against you dismissed. Let New Jersey traffic ticket and traffic violation lawyer Steven Ellman help you explore potential resolutions to your case.

For over 35 years, attorney Steven Ellman has dedicated himself to securing favorable resolutions and verdicts for clients facing traffic violations and other charges. He provides compassionate, focused legal representation aimed at resolving his client’s cases as efficiently and effectively as possible, allowing them to move forward with their lives with minimal disruption. Steven Ellman will explain the legal process to you in detail and will work tirelessly to pursue the best possible outcome.

Reach out to the Law Office of Steven Ellman for an initial case review and to discuss your legal options for resolving your citation. Let New Jersey traffic ticket attorney Steven Ellman defend your interests and protect your rights during this challenging time.

What Are Common Traffic Violations in New Jersey?

The Law Office of Steven Ellman can help you resolve traffic violations involving the following.

Speeding – Speeding involves driving a motor vehicle faster than the statutory speed limit for the type of public road or faster than the posted speed limit on the road. (39:4-98)
Improper Passing – Drivers usually must pass slower traffic on the left, except when traffic is moving in two or more substantially continuous lines or when passing a vehicle preparing to make a left turn. (39:4-85)
Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in the Crosswalk – Drivers must yield to all pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or crossing through an intersection. (39:4-36)
Driving Through a Safety Zone – No motorist may drive through a marked safety zone unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer or where authorized by road signs. (39:4-41)
Highway Racing – Drivers may not operate a motor vehicle for a wager or to set a speed record. (39:4-52)
Failure to Obey Directions of an Officer – Drivers must abide by the directions of any law enforcement or traffic safety officer directing traffic on a road or highway. (39:4-57)
Failure to Observe Traffic Signals – Drivers must obey all traffic signs and signals, including traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, and crossing pedestrian warning lights. (39:4-81)
Improper Passing of a School Bus – Motorists in both directions of travel must stop at least 25 feet from a school bus that has stopped to embark or disembark children. Those traveling in the opposing direction of travel need not stop for a school bus on a divided highway separated by an island or other physical traffic dividers but must reduce speed until they pass the bus or any children. (39:4-128.1)
Wrong-Way Driving – Drivers may not travel in the wrong direction down a one-way street. (39:4-85.1)
Improper Passing in a No-Passing Zone – Drivers may not pass a vehicle traveling in the same direction on a two-lane road with one lane in each direction unless authorized by traffic signs or road lines. (39:4-86)
Tailgating – Drivers must leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle ahead, depending on speed, traffic, road, and weather conditions, to be able to safely slow down and come to a stop if the vehicle ahead brakes. (39:4-89)
Reckless Driving – Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard of the rights and safety of others in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger other persons or property. (39:4-96)
Careless Driving – Driving negligently or without due caution in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger other persons or property. (39:4-97)
Unsafe Driving – Driving a vehicle in any manner likely to endanger other persons or property. (39:4-97.2)
Use of a Handheld Cell Phone While Driving – Motorists may not use a cell phone or other handheld electronic communications device except in a hands-free mode, or to report a criminal act, traffic accident, or road hazard to authorities. (39:4-97.3)
Improper Turns – Drivers shall not make right or left turns, U-turns, or turn around in the road except where authorized and where turning will not impede traffic. (39:4-115, 39:4-123, 39:4-124, 39:4-125, 39:4-127)
DUI – Drivers may not operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or intoxicating drugs, which includes operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more, or 0.04 percent or more for commercial drivers, or any blood alcohol content for motorists under 21. (39:4-50)
Driving on a Suspended/Revoked License – No motorist may operate a vehicle on a public road or highway without a valid driver’s license. (39:3-40)
Driving Without Insurance – Drivers may face penalties for operating a motor vehicle, registered or principally garaged in New Jersey, on a public road or highway without a standard or basic auto insurance policy required by state law. (39:6B-2)
Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Motorists involved in a collision with another vehicle, another person, or fixed property must immediately stop at the scene of the crash or must immediately return to the scene after leaving to summon emergency assistance for any injured persons. (39:4-129)

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What Are Common New Jersey Traffic Violation Penalties?

Most New Jersey traffic violations carry penalties that include a fine and demerit points on your license. Fines for traffic violations in New Jersey can range from $54 for the least serious offenses, to several hundred dollars for serious violations like driving without a license, driving without insurance, reckless driving, or DUI. Fines can even reach thousands of dollars for second or third or subsequent violations of the same traffic offense within five to 10 years.

Many violations also result in the imposition of demerit points on your driving record. Point amounts include:

Two points

Failure to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk or passing a vehicle yielding to pedestrian
Driving through a safety zone
Operating a motorized bicycle on a restricted highway
Improper action on grades or curves
Failure to follow directions of a traffic officer
Failure to stop one’s vehicle before crossing the sidewalk
Failure to yield when entering or leaving a highway
Driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal
Operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk
Failure to observe traffic signals (no points assessed for red light camera violations)
Failure to keep right
Improper operation of vehicles on a divided highway
Failure to keep right at an intersection
Wrong way down a one-way street
Failure to yield to overtaking vehicle
Failure to observe traffic lanes
Failure to yield at an intersection
Failure to use proper entrances to limited access highways
Failure to yield to emergency vehicles
Careless driving
Slow speed blocking traffic
Speeding one to 14 mph over the limit
Failure to stop at a traffic light or flashing red signal
Failure to give proper signal
Improper backing or turning in street
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing
Improper crossing of a bridge
Failure to observe stop or yield signs
Moving against traffic or unlawful use of the median strip on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway

Three points

Third or subsequent offense of use of cell phone or handheld electronic communications device while driving
Improper turn at a traffic light
Improper right or left turn
Improper U-turn

Four points

Improper passing on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway
Improper passing on the right
Improper passing in a no-passing zone
Third or subsequent offense of driving in an unsafe manner
Speeding 15 to 29 mph above the limit

Five points

Racing on a highway
Failure to pass on the right of a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction
Tailgating
Reckless driving
Speeding 30 mph or more above the limit
Improper passing of school bus

Eight points

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury

Other potential penalties for traffic violations include suspension of driving privileges, imposition of insurance surcharges, and even jail time for serious offenses such as reckless driving or DUI.

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LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Steven Ellman

Steven Ellman is laser-focused on helping his clients resolve their legal issues promptly, receive fair compensation where applicable, and move forward with their lives. He is known for treating all his clients with the utmost respect, listening to their concerns, giving them options, and helping them make informed decisions about how to best proceed with their cases.

CASE RESULTS

Charged Reduced to Reckless Driving

DWI & Reckless Driving (Burlington County) DWI & reckless driving.

Charged Reduced to Reckless Driving

DWI and Multiple Traffic Offenses (Essex County) DWI, reckless driving & careless driving.

I highly recommend Steven Ellman for the job. Lawyer of the century, he’s very professional. Answer all questions, and gets the job done! I was very impressed with the outcome of my situation, and his legal fees are very reasonable. He’s definitely worthy of 20 stars!!

- Keiyan G.

Mr. Ellman and his staff helped me out of a complicated matter and got me a very just solution. He is extremely caring, gracious, and I’m very glad I retained him. Thank you to him and his team.

- Mare K.

I would recommend Steven to anyone in need! He did an amazing job with my case. I got the best possible outcome. He was so patient and understanding with me, answered all of my questions and really came through for me! I will always be forever grateful! Thank you Steven!

- Michelle S.

Why You Need a NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Traffic Violation in New Jersey

You don’t have to just accept the penalties of a traffic ticket. New Jersey criminal defense lawyer Steven Ellman can help protect your rights by:

Investigating the facts and circumstances of your citation or violation to secure evidence that may be helpful for your defense.
Explaining your citation, so you understand the charges against you and your legal options, as well as their possible outcomes.
Identifying potential defense strategies in your case, including contesting the reliability of evidence such as radar speed readings or alcohol breath test results.
Aggressively negotiating for a reduction or dismissal of your charges if the evidence against you does not support the charged violation or if negotiating a plea deal can help you avoid the most serious consequences of a conviction.
Advocating on your behalf in court if you choose to contest your charges.

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Contact a New Jersey Traffic Ticket and Violation Attorney Today

Don’t let fines or points on your license negatively affect your finances and upend your personal life. Contact a New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer from the Law Office of Steven Ellman today for a confidential consultation to learn more about your legal options in Now serves Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey.