What is Considered a Traffic Violation in NJ?

New Jersey considers any action that goes against state laws while operating a vehicle to be considered a traffic violation. Traffic violations are issued by local city and county officers to offenders. These are a few of the most common types of traffic violations that you might face when in New Jersey.

Speeding/Careless and Reckless Driving

The type of speeding ticket that you receive will depend on the speed limit laws in your location and how much faster than the legal limit you were going. For example:

• Speeding 1-14 mph over the speed limit: Leads to a two point ticket
• Speeding 15-29 mph over the speed limit: Leads to a four point ticket
• Speeding 30 mph or more over the speed limit: Leads to a five point violation and the possibility of a reckless driving ticket

In New Jersey, 12 or more vehicle points can lead to a license suspension. Speeding fines can also be doubled in certain areas or under certain circumstances, like an individual driving 20 mph over the speed limit or a driver speeding in a construction zone. New Jersey also increases fines and points in school zones.

Uninsured Driving

The state of New Jersey requires that all drivers carry vehicle insurance. Failing to do so can lead to a traffic violation and individuals can be subject to the following:

• Expensive fines
• License suspension
• Jail time
• Community service

The individual charges will vary, depending on whether or not it is the driver’s first offense. The judge may take into account other details of the violation, as well.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes any activity that could divert the attention of the driver to another source. This might include texting, eating, drinking, or even interacting with other passengers. Drivers in New Jersey with a distracted driving traffic violation could face:

• First offense: Fines between $200- $400
• Second offense: Fines between $400- $600
• Third offense: Fines between $600- $800, three motor vehicle points, and a 90-day suspension

The state of New Jersey has implemented multiple distraction-free driving campaigns in an attempt to cut down on distracted driving. This means that New Jersey drivers who fail to put their phones away while driving could face expensive fines and license suspension.

Tailgating Violations

Tailgating is recognized as a situation in which the driver follows too closely to the vehicle in front of them. Whether this is due to aggressive driving or driver inexperience, the driver could face a traffic violation as a result. New Jersey drivers who face a tailgating charge could end up with:

• Legal fines between $50- $200
• A minimum of five motor vehicle points
• Court fees
• Driver surcharges

Some drivers, depending on the details of the traffic violation could also end up with jail time or an increase in their insurance rates. Other traffic violations that you could receive in New Jersey include driving on a suspended or revoked license, racing on the freeway, improper crossing, failure to yield, hit-and-run, illegally driving by a school bus, and commercial driver violations.

Contact Garber Law, P.C. for Your New Jersey Municipal Court Defense Consultation

Do not deal with Municipal Court crime charges alone. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a New Jersey Municipal Court crime, you need to speak with our experienced criminal attorneys. Garber Law, P.C. has experience handling a wide variety of criminal cases. You need a lawyer who will be compassionate but aggressive in defending your rights. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have evening and weekend appointments available and will also make off-site and prison visits. Contact us online or call us at 856-282-0398 in Camden County, New Jersey, or in Philadelphia at 866-556-2962. We try cases in New Jersey including Trenton, Mercer County, and Burlington County.