With the millions of drivers that use New Jersey’s roads each day, it is no wonder that traffic offenses are a common occurrence. Although many traffic violations are minor, there are some that carry serious consequences, especially if you accumulate excessive points on your license.
The average driver will likely get at least one traffic ticket over their driving career. With that said, many treat a traffic citation like a minor inconvenience with a small fine they must pay. However, choosing to pay a ticket each time could be detrimental to your driving record, especially when you get one too many. At that point, you could be facing severe legal consequences and high insurance premiums. You may even lose your driving privileges. This is when you need to consult with a traffic ticket lawyer right away.
The most common traffic tickets and their fines include:
- Driving or parking an unregistered vehicle: All vehicles that you operate must be registered with New Jersey.
- Driving with expired license: You can be charged with driving with a restricted license or failing to possess a driver’s license.
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving is unsafe driving, which can consist of speeding or swerving in between lanes. The fine may vary upon severity.
- Speeding: The penalty for speeding depends on how fast you are going over the posted speed limit. The fines increase for higher speeds.
It is important to know that New Jersey’s Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has a point system that accounts for a driver’s history, basically keeping track of their violations and citations. Every time a driver is cited, by either a moving or non-moving violation, a certain number of points will accumulate on their record.
Here is a short list of some common violations and the points that are assigned to them as of 2022:
- Disregarding traffic signs or signals: 2 points
- Speeding 1 to 14 mph over limit: 2 points
- Speeding 30 mph over limit: 5 points
- Causing an accident resulting in injury: 8 points
- Reckless or aggressive driving: 5 points
- Racing on the highway: 5 points
- Passing in no passing zone: 4 points
- Wrong way on a one-way street: 2 points
The more points that are added up, the more severe penalties that are given. Extra fines and penalties are imposed as well as the fine of the ticket itself. A surcharge will incur if you receive six or more points within three years, and then charged annually. If you receive 12 or more points, your license will be suspended. Additionally, you may receive higher insurance premiums as well, as your insurance company is notified every time you receive a citation. Eventually, your insurance company may drop you and refuse coverage, as you may be seen as a liability.
Freehold Traffic Ticket Lawyers at Ellis Law, P.C. Help Those Facing Traffic Violations
One traffic ticket may seem minor but let them accumulate and you could be in some serious legal trouble. If you have a traffic citation, before pleading guilty, contact the Freehold traffic ticket lawyers at Ellis Law, P.C. right away. We can review your case and discuss the best options for you. Call us at 866-672-8816 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in Freehold, New Jersey, we proudly serve all clients of Freehold, Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County.
