Traffic violations in New Jersey may seem minor, but their impact on your driving privileges and insurance rates can be significant. From accumulating points on your driving record to facing surcharges or license suspension, the consequences of even small infractions can quickly escalate.
This guide explores how traffic violations affect your driving privileges, the points system in New Jersey, and how violations can raise your insurance premiums. Whether you’ve received a speeding ticket or a more serious violation, understanding the potential consequences and how to address them is critical for protecting your driving record and financial stability.
Common Traffic Violations in New Jersey
New Jersey enforces a wide range of traffic laws to promote road safety. Some of the most common violations include:
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit is one of the most frequently cited violations and can lead to fines and points on your record.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals can result in points and increased insurance rates.
- Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers others is considered a serious offense and can lead to significant penalties.
- Driving Without Insurance: This violation carries steep fines, potential license suspension, and mandatory surcharges.
- Cell Phone Use While Driving: Texting or using a handheld device while driving is illegal and carries fines and points.
Each of these violations carries specific penalties, including fines, court costs, and points on your driving record, which can compound over time.
How the New Jersey Points System Works
New Jersey uses a points system to track driving infractions. Points are added to your record for each moving violation, and accumulating too many points can lead to penalties, including license suspension.
Points for Common Violations
- Speeding (1–14 mph over the limit): 2 points.
- Speeding (15–29 mph over the limit): 4 points.
- Speeding (30 mph or more over the limit): 5 points.
- Running a red light: 2 points.
- Tailgating: 5 points.
- Reckless driving: 5 points.
Penalties for Accumulated Points
- 12 or More Points: Automatic license suspension.
- 6 or More Points in 3 Years: Surcharge of $150 plus $25 for each additional point over 6.
Drivers can reduce points on their record by taking approved defensive driving courses, which subtract two points upon completion.
The Impact of Traffic Violations on Driving Privileges
Traffic violations can lead to more than just fines and points—they can jeopardize your ability to drive altogether.
License Suspension or Revocation
Accumulating 12 or more points, failing to pay fines, or committing severe violations like DUI can result in the suspension or revocation of your license.
Probationary Drivers
New drivers with a probationary license face stricter penalties. A single violation can require participation in a driver improvement program to avoid suspension.
Habitual Offenders
Repeated violations over a short period can classify you as a habitual offender, leading to longer suspensions or permanent revocation of driving privileges.
Losing your driving privileges can disrupt your daily life, making it essential to address traffic violations proactively to avoid these consequences.
Traffic Violations and Insurance Rates
One of the most significant long-term effects of traffic violations is the impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view violations as indicators of risky behavior, often leading to higher rates.
How Insurance Companies Respond
- Minor Violations: A single speeding ticket may increase premiums slightly but will likely have a limited long-term impact if it’s an isolated incident.
- Serious Violations: Reckless driving, DUI, or driving without insurance can cause rates to spike dramatically or result in coverage denial.
- Points on Your Record: Insurance companies often use the New Jersey points system as a factor in calculating risk, with more points leading to higher premiums.
Surcharges and Fees
In addition to higher premiums, certain violations result in mandatory surcharges. For example:
- DUI: Annual surcharge of $1,000 for three years.
- Driving without insurance: Annual surcharge of $250 for three years.
Defending Against Traffic Violations
If you’ve received a traffic citation in New Jersey, you have options to protect your driving privileges and insurance rates. Hiring an experienced attorney to handle your case can help reduce or eliminate penalties.
Benefits of Legal Representation
- Contesting Tickets: An attorney can challenge the evidence or argue for reduced penalties in court.
- Avoiding Points: Successful defense can result in the dismissal of charges, preventing points from being added to your record.
- Reducing Fines: Negotiating with the court can help reduce fines or replace penalties with alternatives like defensive driving courses.
How to Avoid Future Traffic Violations
Preventing traffic violations is key to maintaining your driving privileges and keeping insurance costs low. Consider these tips:
- Follow Traffic Laws: Adhere to speed limits, obey traffic signals, and practice safe driving habits.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road and avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions while driving.
- Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for your commute to avoid the temptation to speed or take risks.
- Defensive Driving Courses: Regularly completing these courses can improve your driving skills and reduce points on your record.
The Importance of Hiring a Traffic Violation Lawyer
Addressing traffic violations without legal guidance can be challenging, especially for serious offenses. A traffic violation lawyer can:
- Analyze Your Case: Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Negotiate Penalties: Work to reduce points, fines, or other consequences.
- Represent You in Court: Advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
For New Jersey residents, partnering with a knowledgeable attorney ensures you understand your rights and options, helping you navigate the legal process with confidence.
Did You Receive a Traffic Violation in New Jersey? Protect Your Driving Record | Contact Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law Today
Don’t let a traffic violation jeopardize your future. Traffic violation attorney Mark H. Jaffe offers dedicated and skilled legal representation to drivers facing fines, points, and potential license suspension across New Jersey, including in Cherry Hill, Hamilton Township, Toms River, Vineland, Egg Harbor Township, Princeton, Freehold, New Brunswick, and Edison.
With personalized attention and a deep understanding of New Jersey traffic laws, he will fight to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your driving record. Call Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law today at 866-930-1914 or fill out our contact form for a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case and safeguarding your driving privileges.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
