Traffic Offenses

A ticket for a traffic offense or moving violation may result in payment of fines and surcharges as well as points on your license which could lead to an assessment of insurance eligibility points and a huge increase in your insurance premium.  Also, if you already have points on your license additional points can result in a suspension of your driving privileges.

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has established a point system for various motor vehicle violations. (N.J.A.C. 13:19-10-1)  

Some of the most common violations resulting in points are:

Careless Driving	2
Reckelss Driving	5
Failure to yield/stop	2
Improper Passing	5
Improper Turns	2
Passing a stopped school bus	5
Speeding - 1 to 14 miles over speed limit	2
Speeding - 15 to 29 miles over speed limit	4
Speeding - 30 or more miles over speed limit	5
Tailgating (following too closely)	5

For a complete list of all moving violations with points assessed click here.

If you accumulate too many points on your license, it can lead to a suspension as follows:

Surcharges

In addition to the fines, court costs, and possible points which result from a traffic ticket, the MVC under N.J.S.A. 17:29A-35(b) will assess a yearly surcharge to any driver who accumulates 6 or more points in the previous three years. Any points credited back to your license are ignored when assessing surcharges.  The yearly surcharge starts at $150 for the first 6 points and increases in $25 increments for each additional point.  In addition to surcharges imposed for accumulating too many points, the MVC will impose surcharges on a yearly basis for three years for certain offenses that do not carry any points such as unlicensed driver ($100), driving on the revoked list ($250) or no insurance on a motor vehicle ($250).

A traffic ticket can result in fines and points on your license that can impact your insurance premiums, your wallet and even your driving privileges. A good lawyer can help you find the best deal which results in the lowest fines, fees and points assessed.

Contact Lenahan & Rockwell to speak to one of our experienced Municipal Court attorneys.