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Racing on a Highway Violations

Author: admin  //  Category: Fines, NJ Traffic Laws, Other, Speeding Tickets, Traffic Tickets, Violations

Many people watch fun car-racing movies and enjoy the thrill they feel from them. Some of these people think it might be possible to take their own cars out and race them in order to recreate that thrill in real life.  Unfortunately, unlike in the movie world, these actions can have very real and deadly consequences.  Below is an outline of the penalties that one could incur if they chose to race their own car on a highway in the state of NJ:

There are two statutes in the Motor Vehicle Code that makes it illegal to race on a highway.N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 makes it a motor vehicle offense to operate a vehicle on a highway for a wager or in a race or for the purpose of making a speed record. This violation is a disorderly persons offense. It is also a disorderly persons offense to arrange, manage, encourage, assist in, hold, or attempt to hold any such race or speed race even.

FINES AND COSTS

A driver who is convicted of N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 must pay a fine of not less than $27, nor more than $102 for a first offense.

For a second or subsequent offense of N.J.S.A. 39:4-52, the driver must pay a fine of not less than $102, nor more than $202.

SUSPENSION FOR RACING

In most racing cases the Municipal Court Judge will suspend a driver’s license for 30 days. A Municipal Court judge has the option of suspending the driver’s sentence for up to 2 years. The suspension period is left up to the discretion of the court. The key issue for the court to decide is whether the suspension was willful. Upon conviction of racing on the highway the driver will be assessed five points.

Source: http://www.newjerseytrafficlawcenter.com/

The bottom line is: Racing on public streets/highways is dangerous as well as very illegal.  Leave it to the professionals and the Hollywood movie teams!

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Laws About Improper Passing in NJ

Author: admin  //  Category: Fines, NJ Traffic Laws, Other, Violations

A driver may be guilty of improper passing in one of several ways. First, if the driver passes a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction on the left rather than the right, the driver commits the violation. If the driver passes a vehicle proceeding in the same direction on the right, the driver is also guilty of improper passing, unless the other vehicle is about to make a left turn or there are at least two lanes of traffic proceeding in that direction. A driver may not drive to the left of the center of the highway to pass a vehicle move in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic far enough ahead to permit safe passing. Finally, a driver must not cross a “No Passing” solid line on the highway unless directed to do so by a traffic or police officer.

 

DO NOT PASS:

  • On a hill or a curve, or at any time sight lines are impeded.
  • At a street crossing or intersection.
  • At a railroad crossing.
  • On narrow bridges, or in an underpass and tunnels.
  • When a sign prohibits passing or center lines restrict passing.
  • When behind a vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross.

 

Read the full article about regulations and fines by Clicking Here

 

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Tips to Avoid NJ Shore Traffic

Author: admin  //  Category: Other

Nearly every citizen in the great state of New Jersey will head “down the shore” at some point during the hot summer months.  This is because the Jersey Shore is a beautiful beach destination that anyone in New Jersey can reach in a short period of time, no matter where you live.  The problem is this: New Jersey is a densely populated state and between Memorial and Labor Days, the roads in the state become very crowded.  This raises the risk of accidents and high blood pressure!  Follow the link below to read a helpful article full of “insider” tips for avoiding traffic jams so you can get to (and from) the beach safely, quickly and happily!

 

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Confused About the Legality of Radar Detectors?

Author: admin  //  Category: NJ Traffic Laws, Other

Millions of Americans buy and use radar detectors in their private vehicles every year.  But you may have heard rumors or myths being spread about whether or not these devices are legal to use.  The short answer is, yes, radar detectors are legal for use in all 50 US states in private vehicles.  The exception to this rule is Military bases, where mounted/visible radar detectors are prohibited.  Radar detectors are also prohibited in commercial vehicles over 10,000lbs by the federal government and New Jersey is one of a few states that has set it’s own laws about commercial use of radar detectors.  To find out more about the legality of radar detectors and similar devices such as radar jammers and laser jammers, follow the link below:

http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=32145

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Young N.J. Drivers Engage In Risky Behavior

Author: admin  //  Category: cell phone laws, Cell Phones, News, nj cellphone laws, NJ Traffic Laws, Other, Young Drivers

New Jersey’s least experienced drivers are engaging in increasingly risky behavior behind the wheel. The troubling revelation comes in a recent study by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind, co-sponsored by the state’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

The overall percentage of New Jersey drivers who report having sent a text message while driving has flattened out at 1 in 4 (25 percent). However, the study finds that among drivers under age 30, those who admit to texting while driving increased 8 points from a year ago (64 percent vs. 56 percent). The sobering fact is that younger drivers are more than twice as likely (17 percent) as any other age group to say they send texts “very often” while driving.

Similarly, while overall use of hand-held cellphones while driving (39 percent) has not increased over the past year, the percentage of drivers under the age of 30 saying they “very often” or “sometimes” use their hand-held cellphones while driving increased 10 percentage points (to 23 percent from 13 percent).

“Most drivers seem to have gotten the message that driving while talking or texting is a bad idea,” said Dan Cassino, the principal investigator, “but that doesn’t make the roads much safer if the least experienced drivers are more likely to be paying attention to something other than the road.”

There was also a decrease in the percentage of drivers under the age of 30 who report always wearing their seat belts when driving (83 percent), down 8 points from last year (91 percent). This decrease re-establishes the youngest age group as the least likely to buckle up when driving, after they had achieved parity in the measure last year.

Drivers under 30 are also less likely than others to use their seat belt when they are passengers. They are 11 points less likely than others to say that they always buckle up in the front passenger seat (79 percent) and 11 points less likely to say that they do so while in the back seat (40 percent). This too is down significantly from the 2010 figures (87 percent and 57 percent, respectively). “It is troubling that our youngest, most inexperienced drivers are the least likely to wear seat belts,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of New Jersey’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “For inexperienced drivers not to buckle up is a potentially deadly combination.”

One in 4 New Jersey drivers (26 percent) say they drive over 65 miles per hour on state highways “most of the time,” with another 1 in 4 (25 percent) saying that they do so “often.” One in 4 (25 percent) also say that they drive over 70 “most of the time” or “often.” Again, younger drivers cause concern: 64 percent say they regularly speed on highways, up from 56 percent a year ago. In addition, a third of drivers (34 percent) between 17 and 29 say they regularly go over 70 miles per hour on the highway, while only 22 percent of those aged 45-59 and 16 percent aged 60 and over say they do so.

About 1 in 5 New Jersey drivers (18 percent) admit to having consumed alcohol before driving, unchanged from last year’s figure. Once again, though, young drivers are significantly more likely than other age groups to say that they had driven after drinking, with 24 percent saying that they had done so, up 9 points from last year.

“Alcohol is a factor in 25 percent of our fatal crashes in New Jersey,” Poedubicky said. “A key reason for this is the mistaken belief on the part of people that they are OK to drive after having a few drinks.”

The number of drivers who have been involved in a crash has remained unchanged since 2008. About 1 in 6 drivers (16 percent) say they have been in a collision in the past three years. However, the figures include a significant increase in the proportion of drivers under 30 who say they have been in a collision: 28 percent, up from 21 percent last year.

One reassuring note may be that younger drivers may recognize their driving flaws, as they are significantly less likely (53 percent) than all other age groups to say they are “above average” drivers. “It’s good that younger drivers recognize that they’re not as good as others on the road,” said Cassino, “but it doesn’t seem to be leading them to drive any more carefully.”

The Fairleigh Dickinson University survey was co-sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and carried out by telephone from April 14, 2011, to May 17, 2011,using a randomly selected sample of 1,002 New Jersey residents aged 17 and over who report they drive regularly, including an oversample of drivers under the age of 30. It has a margin of error of +/-3 percentage points.

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Move Over Law

Author: admin  //  Category: Fines, NJ Traffic Laws, Other, Traffic Tickets, Violations

The new law requires motor vehicle operators to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights. Such vehicles include police, fire and medical services vehicles, and also highway maintenance, tow trucks and official motorist aid vehicles displaying amber emergency lights. Where possible, drivers are required to move over to create an empty lane next to the emergency vehicle. When safely changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit prior to passing emergency vehicles. Drivers should also be prepared to stop, if necessary.

Fines for violating this law run from $100 to $500 and will be determined by the municipal court in which the violator is charged.

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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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Tips to Fight a Speeding Ticket in New Jersey

Author: admin  //  Category: Car Insurance, Fighting a Traffic Ticket, Fines, Getting Pulled Over, NJ Traffic Laws, Other, Speeding Tickets, Traffic Tickets, Violations

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Getting a Speeding Ticket in NJ can be a real hassle; instead of saving time by driving over the speed limit, when it comes down to it, you are doing the complete opposite. Speeding tickets mean time spent pulled over waiting for the Police Officer, a possible lengthy vehicle search, the cost of the speeding ticket, and of course, the rise in your car insurance premiums. There are ways, however, that you can go about fighting a Speeding Ticket in NJ.


First of all, never admit to your personal guilt of anything. Often times when you are pulled over, the first question the Officer will ask is how fast do you think you were going? Don’t incriminate yourself, if you admit to speeding at this point in the encounter, there really is no way of fighting it; in essence you’ve already plead guilty to the charge, and have no choice but to pay the ticket.


Instead of answering the Officer’s question with an admission of guilt, respond with a question of your own. Ask the Police Officer if he or she has your speed on radar, and ask him or her how fast you were going according to the radar. Sometimes Police Officers do not use radar at all; instead they may use their “keen eye” to spot potential speeders, and hope that when pulled over, the violator will foolishly admit to speeding.

If you and the Officer have moved past this stage and he or she has already given you a speeding ticket, the next best thing you can do is defend yourself in court. Sometimes, Police Officers will not show up when summoned for a court appearance, especially for something as mundane as a speeding ticket. After all, to appear in court, the Officer has to take time from work, just like you do; this really is the best way to fight any speeding ticket.


Sometimes you will get lucky and the Officer will simply let you go with a warning. Reasons for this vary, and in reality it seldom happens; one should never expect to be let off with only a verbal warning. You can improve your chances, however, by being polite to the Police Officer, cooperating with him or her, and providing all of the information and/or documentation that is required, such as your driver’s license and proof of insurance.

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What to do when pulled over by the Police

Author: admin  //  Category: Car Insurance, Getting Pulled Over, Other, Speeding Tickets, Traffic Tickets, Violations

police-pic-1

It eventually happens to every one of us. Those blue and red lights appear behind us as we are driving along, seemingly minding our own business. When that moment does come, we are often lost in confusion and set into a panic. Whether you are pulled over on a NJ highway, or a small country road, there are steps that everyone should follow. Whether it be a NJ traffic ticket or other infraction, it is possible to minimize or avoid a negative outcome completely, by following the steps below:


1. Pull Over. As soon as you see emergency lights, or hear a siren behind you, pull over to the side of the road as safely and quickly as possible. Keep in mind, initially, the Police Officer may be going to another emergency and is not pulling you over. However, if you think you may have committed a traffic violation, pull over and stop completely. Be sure to look for an area that does not obscure traffic. If possible, pull off far enough out of the flow of traffic, so the Officer is not in danger of being struck by other vehicles. Also, try and find a lit or visible area, especially if you are in a rural or dark area, and use turn signals to indicate your intent to pull over. Do not coast. Come to a stop as soon as possible. If you do not, it may result in the Officer being unsure of your actions and suspect that you may have something to hide.


2. Keep your hands visible and do not make any quick or excessive movements. Officers are trained to suspect the worse and act accordingly. Irrational actions often receive strict reactions from Officers. Most likely the Officer does not know you, especially if you are in an urban area or where there is high traffic, like the NJ turnpike. Excessive movements may cause the Officer to believe you have something to hide and may put the Officer on high alert.


3. Be Polite. Even if you will be late, can’t afford another traffic ticket, or have to use the bathroom, etc…, you must treat the Officer in a polite and respectful manner. Being nervous is fine, but rude is not. You do not have to smile, but saying “sir,” “ma’am,” “please,” and “thank you,” can go a long way. If you show respect you should receive it in return. Above all, never curse. That is one of the biggest forms of disrespect, even if it is in your regular vocabulary, it is not respectful to others, especially to an Officer.


4. Follow Instructions. If the Officer wants you to get out of the vehicle, he will tell you; otherwise, stay in your vehicle. If the Officer asks to see your license and registration, by law you must identify these documents to him or her. When you do not follow instructions, it leads to arguments and foul tempers on both sides; which may lead to leniency with the Officer and possibly even the Judge. Failure to follow instructions almost always results in a traffic ticket, rather than a warning, or sometimes even more serious consequences.


6. Do not lie or make excuses. Honesty goes a lot further than a quickly hatched excuse. Police Officers can easily detect lies, not only by what you say, but by your body language, and by asking various questions to see if you have inconsistent answers. If you lie to an Officer once, no matter how small of a lie it may be, it makes the Officer suspicious of your behavior, and anything else you say after that point will be viewed as a lie in the Officer’s opinion.


7. Talk as little as possible. Do not give elaborate stories or excuses, especially if you are hiding details. If you do not want to get caught in a lie (see step 6), than include as little details as possible. Some people also talk a lot when they are nervous. If you remember to try and keep your answers short and simple, you may appear more calm and collected. Also, remember that everything you say from the moment the Officer approaches your car, may be admissible in a New Jersey Court of Law. Additionally, silence is not an admission of guilt, but may result in the Officer being more suspicious and less accommodating.


It seems like a lot to keep in mind; but in reality, you just need to remember to be polite and respectful to the Officer, while saying as little as possible. If you find yourself facing a traffic ticket in New Jersey, the steps above, should help minimize any consequences you may encounter.

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