Traffic ticket fines can be high, but most people understand that points can cause significant problems. They can raise policy premiums, making it harder to get insurance in the future.
When a New Jersey driver is convicted of a moving violation, points are added to their driving record. This happens whether the ticket was given in-state or elsewhere. The highest amount, eight points, is levied when a driver leaves the scene of an accident where someone is injured. Here are other points:
- Five points: Improper passing of a school bus, speeding 30 miles per hour over the limit, tailgating, and reckless driving.
- Four points: Speeding 15 to 29 miles per hour over the limit, improper passing.
- Three points: Improper turns.
- Two points: Speeding one to 14 miles per hour over the limit, careless driving, failing to stop at a traffic light, and leaving the scene of an accident with no injury.
Repeat offenders are often assessed additional points, as are drivers convicted of out-of-state moving violations.
Fortunately, there are a few ways for drivers to get points removed from their licenses:
- Although this will never bring the points down to zero, you can have three points removed for every year that you do not receive a new moving violation.
- Two points are taken off for drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course. This can only be done every five years.
- Three points can be removed if you complete a Driver Improvement Program.
Your insurance provider will likely increase your rate once the points are added, and the percentage depends on the type of violation. Reckless driving can bring it up by as much as 22 percent. Depending on the policy’s specifications, they might offer a decrease for subsequent good driving and point removal.
Many people do not realize that reducing or eliminating points is possible. Most of the time, tickets are negotiable, but saying the right thing can be challenging for those without legal knowledge and experience. Paying the fine and accepting the points might be easier than going to court, but it is seen as an admission of guilt.
There are never guarantees, but a skilled lawyer can accompany you in traffic court and try to negotiate reduced points or complete removal. Sometimes, prosecutors will let ticket holders pay higher fines in exchange for reduced points. In other cases, a lawyer determines that the ticket is not issued correctly or that their client did not break any laws.
Contact a New Jersey Traffic Ticket Lawyer at Ellis Law, P.C. for Help With Fighting or Removing Points From Your Driving Record
Traffic ticket points can be significant problems but can go away with legal help. Contact a New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer at Ellis Law, P.C. for a free consultation. Complete our online form or call us at 732-702-6103 today. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.