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Traffic Tickets

Over 20 years experience successfully defending clients facing serious charges, helping to keep their driving privileges.

  • Failure to Maintain Lane:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-88

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Fines and court costs
    • Insurance increase
    • Points added to driving record

    Failure to maintain lane charges are commonly issued after allegations of weaving, improper lane changes, or drifting between lanes.

    • Careless Driving:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-97

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Fine between $50 and $200
    • Up to 15 days in jail
    • Court costs and insurance consequences

    Careless driving is one of the most common traffic offenses in New Jersey and is often issued in connection with motor vehicle accidents.

    • Reckless Driving:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-96

    MVC Points: 5 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    First offense:

    • up to $200 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail

    Second offense:

    • up to $500 fine and/or up to 3 months in jail
    • Significant insurance consequences

    Reckless driving is considered a serious traffic offense and may expose drivers to substantial penalties and license consequences.

    • Speeding Tickets:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-98

    1–14 MPH Over the Speed Limit–

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    15–29 MPH Over the Speed Limit–

    MVC Points: 4 Points

    30 MPH or More Over the Speed Limit–

    MVC Points: 5 Points

    Possible Penalties Include:

    • Traffic fines
    • Court costs
    • Insurance increases
    • Possible license suspension for excessive speed
    • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Property Damage:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(b)

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Fines up to $400
    • Possible license suspension
    • Court costs and insurance consequences

    Drivers involved in an accident involving property damage are required to stop and provide identifying information.

    • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Personal Injury:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(a)

    MVC Points: 8 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Fines up to $5,000
    • Possible jail exposure
    • Possible license suspension

    Leaving the scene involving bodily injury is considered a very serious offense in New Jersey.

    • Driving While Suspended:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:3-40

    MVC Points: No MVC Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • First offense: $500 fine
    • Additional license suspension
    • Repeat offenses may result in jail time
    • Additional penalties if suspension was related to DUI

    Driving while suspended can carry severe penalties, especially for repeat offenders.

    • Tailgating / Following Too Closely:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-89

    MVC Points: 5 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Traffic fines
    • Insurance increases
    • Court Costs
    • Improper Passing:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-85

    MVC Points: 4 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Traffic fines
    • Court costs
    • Insurance consequences
    • Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign or Traffic Signal:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statutes:

    N.J.S.A. 39:4-144 (Stop Sign)

    N.J.S.A. 39:4-81 (Traffic Signal)

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Traffic fines
    • Court costs
    • Insurance increases
    • Unsafe Lane Change:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-88(b)

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Traffic fines
    • Court costs
    • Points on driving record
    • Use of a Handheld Cell Phone While Driving:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3

    Third or Subsequent Offense

    MVC Points: 3 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Fines up to $800
    • Possible license suspension
    • Insurance consequences
    • Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian:
    Statute, Points, & Possible Penalties

    Statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-36

    MVC Points: 2 Points

    Possible Penalties:

    • Fines
    • Insurance increases
    • Court costs
    New Jersey MVC Point System

    Accumulating points on your driving record can lead to additional penalties from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

    Potential MVC Consequences

    – 6 or more points within 3 years may result in MVC surcharges

    – 12 or more points may result in license suspension

    – Insurance companies may substantially increase premiums after point-bearing violations

    Traffic Ticket Defense Options

    Depending on the facts of the case and your driving history, it may be possible to:

    – Reduce points

    – Negotiate amended charges

    – Avoid insurance increases

    – Seek dismissal when appropriate

    – Resolve cases through plea negotiations

    Every traffic ticket case is different and should be evaluated individually.

    Disclaimer:

    The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Penalties, fines, and consequences may vary depending on the circumstances of the offense, prior driving history, and the court handling the matter.