I Got a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey - What Do I Do?

Receiving a traffic ticket in New Jersey can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re unsure about how to handle the situation. Whether it’s for speeding, running a red light, or any other traffic violation, it’s important to understand your options and the potential consequences of a ticket. Ignoring the ticket or failing to address it properly could lead to more severe penalties, including fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, or even a suspended license.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what to do if you get a traffic ticket in New Jersey, and explain your options for responding to it.

Step 1: Review the Ticket Carefully:

The first step after receiving a traffic ticket is to carefully review all the details on the ticket. Make sure that the information is accurate, including:

• Your name and address;

• The date, time, and location of the offense; and

• The violation you are being charged with.

  
  

Check if the officer has correctly noted the violation, the location, and any other important details. If there is an error on the ticket, such as the wrong violation or incorrect personal information, you may be able to contest the ticket.

Step 2: Understand the Violation and Penalties:

Different traffic violations carry different penalties, including fines, points on your driver’s license, and the potential for a license suspension. Common violations and their penalties in New Jersey include:

• Speeding: Fines vary depending on how far over the limit you were speeding. Points may also be added to your driving record.

• Running a Red Light: This can result in fines and points on your license.

• Reckless Driving: This is a serious violation that can lead to hefty fines, a license suspension, and potential jail time, depending on the circumstances.

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): DUI violations carry severe penalties, including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time.

  
  

In addition to the violation itself, accumulating too many points on your driving record can lead to an increase in insurance premiums, and may even result in a license suspension.

Step 3: Decide How to Respond:

After reviewing the ticket and understanding the penalties, you will need to decide how you want to respond to the ticket. In New Jersey, you have several options for handling a traffic ticket:

Pay the Fine and Accept the Points:

If you believe you were in the wrong and don’t want to contest the ticket, you can choose to pay the fine. When you pay the fine, you are admitting guilt and accepting the associated penalties, including points on your driving record. You can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person, depending on the instructions on your ticket.

Keep in mind that paying the fine may result in an increase in your insurance premiums and may affect your driving privileges if too many points accumulate on your license.

Request a Court Hearing to Contest the Ticket:

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, or if you think you have a valid defense, you can request a court hearing to contest the ticket. During the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present evidence or testimony to challenge the violation.

You’ll typically have to enter a plea of not guilty and request a court date to contest the ticket. It’s important to be prepared with any evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, or expert testimony that can help support your case.

If you’re successful in contesting the ticket, you may avoid the fine, points, and other penalties.

Attend Driver Improvement Program (If Eligible):

In some cases, if you are facing a violation that carries points, you may be eligible to attend a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). This program allows you to remove points from your driving record, which can help prevent a license suspension or an increase in your insurance premiums.

In New Jersey, a DIP is available for certain violations. You can inquire with the court whether you are eligible to take the course. Completing the course can help you avoid the negative consequences of accumulating points.

Hire an Attorney to Help with the Ticket:

If the ticket involves serious penalties, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI), or if you simply want to make sure your case is handled properly, hiring a traffic ticket attorney may be a wise decision. An attorney can:

• Help you understand the potential consequences of the ticket;

• Negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the violation or fines; and

• Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight the ticket and protect your rights.

  
  

An experienced traffic attorney can often help you achieve a better outcome, such as reducing the fine or preventing points from being added to your driving record. This can be especially important if you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or need to maintain a clean driving record for other reasons.

Step 4: Know the Consequences of Ignoring a Traffic Ticket:

It’s essential not to ignore a traffic ticket, as doing so can lead to serious consequences. If you fail to respond to the ticket within the required time frame, you may face:

• Additional fines: Ignoring a ticket can result in an increase in fines and penalties.

• A warrant for your arrest: If you fail to appear in court, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

• License suspension: Ignoring traffic tickets can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.

• A criminal record: In certain cases, especially with more severe violations like DUI, failing to respond may result in criminal charges.

  
  

It’s always best to address the ticket promptly and follow the appropriate steps to avoid these consequences.

Step 5: Pay Attention to Your Driving Record:

After resolving the ticket, it’s important to monitor your driving record to ensure that the penalties are properly recorded. If you’ve contested the ticket and won, make sure the violation is removed from your record. If you’ve completed a Driver Improvement Program or other requirements, check that the points have been removed.

If you notice any discrepancies on your driving record, contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to have them corrected.

Conclusion:

Getting a traffic ticket in New Jersey doesn’t have to be the end of the world, but it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to address the situation. Whether you choose to pay the fine, contest the ticket in court, or hire an attorney, acting promptly and understanding your options is key to managing the consequences effectively.

If you’ve received a ticket in New Jersey and need legal advice or representation, contact Garber Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.