Home >>

Traffic Offenses & Penalties in New Jersey

A traffic ticket in New Jersey is more than a nuisance. It can seriously impact a person’s driving privileges and wallet. At the Law Office of Steven Ellman, we are dedicated to helping clients minimize the effects of traffic citations. We have a deep understanding of New Jersey traffic laws and are committed to personalized legal support.

Whether it’s a speeding ticket or another road offense, we can provide the legal guidance you need to protect your rights and keep

you on the road. Trust us to be your ally in fighting traffic charges and securing a favorable resolution. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Traffic Violations in New Jersey

Traffic offenses in New Jersey typically fall into two categories: moving and non-moving violations.

A moving violation occurs when a vehicle is in motion. Examples include offenses like speeding, running a red light, or DWI. Non-moving violations involve stationary vehicles, including parking violations, having an expired registration, or failing to maintain vehicle equipment.

Common traffic offenses in NJ include:

Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits is one of the most common moving violations in New Jersey. Penalties can range from fines to points on a person’s driver’s license, depending on how fast the driver was going.
Running a red light or stop sign: This moving violation not only results in fines and points, but also increases the risk of accidents at intersections.
Driving under the influence (DUI): DWI charges are serious and can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, a driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.
Texting and driving: It is against the law in New Jersey to use a handheld device while driving.
Parking violations: These non-moving violations can include parking in a no-parking zone, parking in front of a fire hydrant, or exceeding the time limit on a parking meter. Penalties typically involve fines.
Expired registration or driver’s license: Driving with an expired registration or driver’s license is a non-moving violation that can lead to fines, loss of driving privileges, or vehicle impoundment.

The New Jersey Points System

The New Jersey Points System tracks drivers’ infractions. Each time a driver commits a violation, points get added to their driving record. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense. However, there are several ways for drivers to remove points from their driving records. The simplest way is to go an entire year without any violations, which removes three points from the driver’s record. Additionally, attending a court-ordered driving improvement program, a state-approved defensive driving course, or a probationary driver program can also lead to points removal.

Drivers in New Jersey must keep track of their points. Accumulating too many points can lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers view drivers with more points as higher risks. Furthermore, getting 12 or more points will result in the suspension of driving privileges.

Here are the points assessed for some common traffic offenses:

Failure to yield at an intersection: 2 points
Failure to stop at a traffic light: 2 points
Leaving the scene of an accident – no injury: 2 points
Destruction of agricultural or recreational property: 2 points
Exceeding the maximum speed by 1 to 14 mph over the limit: 2 points
Improper right or left turn: 3 points
Improper U-turn: 3 points
Improper passing in no passing zone: 4 points
Exceeding the maximum speed by 15 to 29 mph over the limit: 4 points
Tailgating: 5 points
Reckless driving: 5 points
Improper passing of school bus: 5 points
Racing on a highway: 5 points
Leaving the scene of an accident with injury: 8 points

Out-of-state violations also count, resulting in two points on a New Jersey driver’s record.

Consequences of Traffic Violations

Some traffic violations carry stiff penalties with severe repercussions. Depending on the offense, the consequences range from financial penalties to a driver’s license suspension or a jail term. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties for New Jersey traffic violations:

Fines: Most traffic tickets have fines, which vary based on severity.
Insurance surcharges: According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, getting six or more points in three years will lead to an insurance surcharge, increasing premiums.
License suspension or revocation: Serious violations or accumulating too many points can result in temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges.
Jail: An offender might face imprisonment for the most severe offenses, such as DWI or reckless driving.

How a NJ Traffic Defense Lawyer Can Help

New Jersey traffic ticket and offense lawyers work aggressively to minimize the consequences of a ticket on their clients’ lives. The Law Office of Steven Ellman has extensive experience defending clients ticketed for motor vehicle violations throughout the state. He can review the facts of your case to identify the best strategies possible to pursue favorable results, which could include having your charges reduced or your case dismissed entirely. In New Jersey, there are valid defenses to challenge traffic tickets, and you don’t have to pay the price without a fight.

Contact a New Jersey Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer Now

If you received a traffic ticket or are facing another traffic infraction in New Jersey, it’s important to understand your legal options and the potential consequences. Call the Law Office of Steven Ellman today or reach out online for a free consultation.

Tell Us About Your Case

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Traffic Offenses & Penalties in New Jersey

Hands down the best Attorney in South Jersey! I was charged with Careless Driving and DWI. I was broken and devastated. After reading his positive reviews, I chose Steven Ellman. He calmed my nerves and assured me that he would do his best. After months with the court, the DWI charge was dismissed and brought down to careless driving. He was a calming and confident presence in court and always explained the process well. I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. Highly recommended!

- CHRISTOPHER M.