Many people assume a traffic ticket is a minor inconvenience, something you just pay and move on from. In New Jersey, that assumption can be costly. Traffic violations add points to your license, increase your insurance premiums for years, and can even lead to license suspension or jail time for serious offenses. The Law Office of Hector I. Rodriguez has been defending drivers in New Jersey's municipal courts for over 42 years.
New Jersey's Point System
New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) assigns points for moving violations. Accumulating 6 or more points triggers a surcharge of $150 plus $25 for each point over six. Reaching 12 points results in license suspension. Even a single speeding ticket can carry 2 to 5 points depending on how far over the limit you were traveling. Those points stay on your record for years and compound your insurance costs far beyond the original fine.
Common Traffic Offenses We Defend
- •Speeding (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98): 2 points for 1-14 mph over the limit, 4 points for 15-29 mph over, and 5 points for 30+ mph over. Fines range from $85 to $260 depending on speed and zone, with doubled fines in construction and school zones.
- •Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96): 5 points, fines up to $200 for first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses, and up to 60 days in jail. A reckless driving conviction can also be used against you in civil liability cases if an accident was involved.
- •Driving While Suspended (N.J.S.A. 39:3-40): A criminal level offense that carries additional license suspension, fines of $500+, and potential jail time of 10 to 90 days depending on the reason for the original suspension.
- •Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Depending on the severity, this can be charged as a traffic offense or an indictable crime. If injuries were involved, penalties include up to 180 days in jail and license suspension of one year.
- •Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97): 2 points, fines up to $200, and up to 15 days in jail. Often charged alongside accidents, careless driving convictions can significantly impact insurance rates.
- •Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 2 points per violation. Automated red light camera tickets carry fines but no points, though traditional officer issued tickets do carry points.
Why Hire an Attorney for a Traffic Ticket?
The financial impact of traffic violations extends far beyond the initial fine. Insurance surcharges from points can cost thousands of dollars over several years. A single reckless driving conviction can raise your annual premium by 20% or more. And for CDL holders, even minor violations can threaten your livelihood. An experienced attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge (such as unsafe driving, which carries zero points) or get the charge dismissed entirely by identifying procedural or factual issues.
The Municipal Court Advantage
Mr. Rodriguez has presided over traffic cases as a municipal court judge. He knows what arguments resonate with judges and what evidence they expect to see. He understands the procedural requirements that officers must follow when issuing citations, and he knows when those requirements have not been met. This firsthand knowledge of how municipal courts operate from the bench gives his clients a distinct advantage.
Do Not Just Pay the Ticket
Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt. It adds the full points to your record and triggers all associated consequences. Before you pay, call us for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your driving record.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Contact the Law Office of Hector I. Rodriguez for a free, confidential consultation. With 42+ years of experience as a former prosecutor and judge, we bring a perspective that few attorneys can match.