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NJ Traffic Circle Rules

Author: admin  //  Category: NJ Traffic Laws, Traffic Circles, Traffic Tickets

In New Jersey you will find many traffic circle intersections. A traffic circle or rotary is a type of circular intersection in which traffic must travel in one direction around a central island. Traffic entering the circle has the right-of-way and drivers in the circle must yield.

The NJ traffic rules are, there are no rules:

“There are not set rules for driving into, around and out of a traffic circle in New Jersey,” the manual states. “Common sense and precaution must prevail at all times.”

So it is important to know the basic rules of all traffic circles.

1. Before arriving at the traffic circle, figure out which exit you will be taking as it will determine which lane you should use. If you are using the first or second exit, stay on the outside of the circle. If you are making a left through the circle or doing an essential U turn, take the inside lane until the exit before you need to leave. You can exit a traffic circle from the inside lane if you make a lane change just before, check for traffic and use a signal.

2. Drivers in the left lane inside the circle have the right of way. Drivers in the right lane inside the circle should be exiting the circle. In point 1, I mentioned that you could use either lane to navigate the circle but that the left lane should be used if you are heading to an exit that is past the 2nd one. If you chose to use the right lane, you MUST yield to traffic that is in the left lane that need to exit the circle.

3. When entering the circle, wait for cars to pass and enter.

If you get confused try to remember this:
1. Cars on the inside lane of the circle (left lane) have right of way
2. Cars on the outside lane of the circle (right lane) must yield to cars on the inside of circle who are exiting
3. When entering a circle, yield to oncoming traffic.

Courtesy rules:

Being courteous means allowing for the ‘zipper’ effect for incoming circle traffic when it is sensible to do so.

HAND SIGNALS ARE YOUR FRIEND! Use them to wave people you are allowing into a circle but keep in mind they may see oncoming outer lane traffic they must yield to so if it takes longer than 3 seconds for them to respond or move just go and don’t hold up traffic trying to be polite.

Maintain your speed but don’t exceed 25mph around a traffic circle. WIth 12 different traffic flow options, speeding through a circle is a great way to get in an accident.

When in doubt, stay in the middle lane of a circle, the far right lane is for exiting, not cruising.

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NJ School Bus Traffic Rules

Author: admin  //  Category: NJ Traffic Laws, Other, School Bus Laws, Traffic Court, Traffic Tickets, Violations

The best way to fight a speeding ticket is to not get one at all. One of the biggest hot zones is a school zone or around school busses.  Police will rarely write warning and judges are very strict about these tickets and not risking the lives of children.  Here are some school zone and school bus rules you should be aware of.

Do not pass or closely approach a school bus with flashing red lights.

School Buses

  • All vehicles must stop for school buses at least 25 feet away on any public or private road (separated by lines)  or parking lot when a bus uses its flashing red lights or when it has stopped.
  • Slow down to 10 mph if traveling on a dual highway, if on the opposite side of a safety island or a raised median.
  • School buses are equipped with yellow, amber or red flashing lights. Yellow or amber lights before the bus stops, and red lights go on when it has stopped. Do not depend on these lights if traveling behind a school bus. These lights could be malfunctioning.
  • When the bus stops, motorists traveling behind or approaching the bus must stop at least 25 feet from the school bus. Watch for children, and then proceed slowly, at 10 mph.
  • If a school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or let off children, pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph.

The fines for the improper passing of a school bus are $102 to $252. A driver convicted of this offense can be sentenced to up to 15 days of jail, or 15 days of community service.

In most improper passing school bus cases, a driver will lose driving privlidges for 30 days. A driver is assessed five points for improperly passing a school bus.  In some cases it can be reduced to 2 points but a judge, but rarely if ever is a school bus passing offense reduce to zero points.

Rule of thumb – when in doubt … STOP!

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How to Detect a Speed Trap

Author: admin  //  Category: Speeding Tickets, Traffic Tickets

There are a few ways you can detect a speed trap and avoid or prepare for them.

1. Trapster is a mobile app where users share real time information. See Trapster.com

2.   Use a Radar Detector.  (If your state allows them).

3.  Watch other drivers – if they are slowing down for no apparent reason, there may be a speed trap ahead.

4.  Be aware of speed limit changes.  Cops often wait for drivers that fail to recognize speed limit changes, especially when a road expands to more lanes yet the limit decreases.

5.  Use caution on national holidays and around major events – where people gather, so do police.

6.   School zones are the number one hot spot for speed traps.

7.  Take note where you see a speed trap, odds are it will reappear often.

8.  If another driver flashes their headlights at you, it may be a courteous way of saying there is a cop fishing for speeders ahead.  Raise your awareness.

9.  Be aware when coming around sharp turns or cresting on a hill, when you can’t see the road ahead.  Cops know you can’t see them by the time they radar you.

10.  When going from a rural road into town or to a populated area, always watch for speed traps.

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