Traffic tickets are a common experience for drivers in New Jersey. From speeding to technical violations, it’s easy to find yourself facing a citation. While the immediate reaction might be to simply pay the fine and move on, understanding the long-term consequences of a traffic ticket in NJ is crucial. Ignoring these consequences or simply pleading guilty can lead to increased insurance rates, points on your license, license suspension, and even criminal charges in certain situations. Before you pay that ticket, consider the benefits of consulting with an experienced Nj Traffic Lawyer.
Why Hiring an NJ Traffic Lawyer Can Be Your Best Move
Most drivers have received a traffic ticket at some point. The typical response is to pay the fine quickly to avoid further hassle. However, buried in the fine print of that citation is a crucial detail: paying the ticket is an admission of guilt. This is akin to pleading guilty in a criminal case and can have repercussions you might not anticipate.
While traffic infractions aren’t felonies, they are still violations of the law. Allowing a traffic violation to go on your driving record can have several negative impacts:
- Employment Background Checks: Driving records are routinely checked by potential employers, especially for jobs involving driving. A history of traffic violations can significantly hinder your job prospects.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies heavily scrutinize driving records. Multiple traffic tickets signal higher risk, leading to substantial increases in your car insurance rates. Maintaining a clean record for three years or more is key to affordable insurance.
- Criminal Misdemeanor Charges: Repeated serious traffic violations, such as speeding or running red lights, can escalate to criminal misdemeanor charges. This can result in a criminal record, far more serious than just a traffic ticket.
- Driver’s License Suspension: Accumulating too many points on your license from traffic tickets can lead to suspension of your driving privileges. This can severely impact your daily life and responsibilities.
Recognizing these potential long-term consequences makes it clear why consulting an NJ traffic lawyer is a wise decision. It’s not just about the immediate cost of the ticket; it’s about safeguarding your future driving privileges, insurance rates, and even your employment. Challenging a traffic ticket with legal representation is an investment in protecting yourself from these negative outcomes.
Common Traffic Violations in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
New Jersey traffic law covers a wide range of violations. Here are some of the most frequent reasons drivers receive traffic tickets:
- Driving with a Suspended License: License suspension in NJ can result from serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving, or even administrative issues like unpaid child support or failure to appear in court. Driving with a suspended license carries severe penalties, including substantial fines (up to $2,250) and potential jail time (up to five years).
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run): After any car accident, exchanging information with the other driver is mandatory. If injuries are involved, you must remain at the scene until emergency services arrive. Leaving the scene, especially if someone is injured or without providing information, is a serious offense with significant legal consequences.
- Driving Without Insurance: New Jersey requires all drivers to maintain liability insurance. Driving without valid insurance will result in a traffic ticket and potential further penalties.
- Improper Passing: Passing a school bus is strictly prohibited, and many areas are designated as “no passing zones.” Violating these rules will lead to a traffic ticket.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph can result in a speeding ticket. Fines increase with higher speeds, especially if speeding contributes to an accident.
- Distracted Driving: Using a handheld cell phone for texting or other purposes while driving is illegal in New Jersey and subject to ticketing.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, making illegal turns, and disobeying other traffic signs are all ticketable offenses.
- Seatbelt Violations: New Jersey law mandates seatbelt use for all drivers and passengers, and proper child safety seats for young children. Failure to comply results in a fine.
- Tailgating (Following Too Closely): Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you is considered tailgating and can result in a traffic ticket.
- Expired Vehicle Registration: Driving with an expired vehicle registration in New Jersey carries a fine.
These tickets can lead to fines, points on your New Jersey driver’s license, and mandatory safe driving programs. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. For severe or repeated violations, jail time is even a possibility. Therefore, it’s essential to address every traffic ticket seriously and promptly. Ignoring them can lead to further complications, including license suspension for unpaid tickets.
Received a Traffic Ticket in NJ? Know Your Options and Take Action
Every traffic ticket in New Jersey includes instructions on how to pay the fine or contest the citation. For minor offenses, the options are usually limited to paying the fine or challenging it in court. More serious violations often require a mandatory court appearance where you must enter a plea.
While some minor infractions, like a ticket for a broken taillight, might be resolvable by simply fixing the issue and showing proof in court (along with a “no contest” plea), situations involving potential license suspension demand professional legal help.
Losing your driver’s license can be incredibly disruptive, impacting your job, family responsibilities, and daily life. An NJ traffic lawyer can be invaluable in these situations. They can negotiate with the court to potentially reduce charges, minimize points, or even prevent license suspension. In some cases, they may be able to secure restricted driving privileges, allowing you to maintain essential transportation.
Furthermore, if you are facing a civil lawsuit related to a car accident in addition to a traffic ticket, an NJ traffic lawyer becomes even more critical. Your lawyer can advise you on how to navigate your traffic court case to avoid jeopardizing your defense in the civil suit. For instance, pleading guilty in traffic court can automatically establish fault in the related civil case. In such situations, a “no contest” or “not guilty” plea, guided by your lawyer, might be the more strategic approach.
Former Prosecutors On Your Side: Fighting for You in NJ Traffic Court
Our team at internetlawyers.net consists of experienced NJ traffic lawyers, including former prosecutors with over 200 years of combined experience in New Jersey municipal courts. Having prosecuted cases in over 25 municipalities throughout the state, our attorneys possess a deep understanding of the New Jersey legal system and the tactics that achieve favorable outcomes. This unique perspective, having fought on both sides of traffic cases, gives our clients a significant advantage.
Don’t Just Pay the Fine – Fight Your NJ Traffic Ticket with an Experienced Lawyer
Many people mistakenly believe that they have no option but to plead guilty and accept the consequences of a traffic ticket. However, with the backing of a skilled NJ traffic lawyer, you can significantly improve your chances of reducing points, avoiding license suspension, and even having your ticket dismissed altogether. Our firm’s strong presence in municipal courts across New Jersey is well-recognized, and prosecutors know we are committed to achieving the best possible results for our clients.
Don’t let a traffic ticket negatively impact your life. Call us today, toll-free, at 1 (877) 450-8301 for a free consultation and discover how an NJ traffic lawyer can help you fight your ticket and protect your driving future.
