NJ Traffic Ticket Attorney

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!

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

You’re driving down the street and suddenly you notice the lights flashing in your rearview mirror. You’ve been pulled by a Police Officer for an offense for which you don’t think you are guilty. Was that light really red? When did that stop sign go in? Is the elementary school really in session at 7 p.m., requiring the need for reduced speed “while children are present?”

Often receiving a traffic ticket is a black and white offense. You knew what you were doing (racing to work, talking on your cell phone without a hands-free device, or cruising through a stop sign), and while a smile and apology might get you a warning once in awhile, the probable outcome is a traffic ticket.

Sometimes, however, the situation is not so clear cut. If the violation seems unclear, it is worth looking into further. Offenses which rely solely on the Officer’s judgment or visual range, were a result of a recent change in signage or truck blockage, or were created due to a natural obstacle, such as swerving to avoid an animal in the street, can be challenged.

This requires a careful look at the situation on your part, perhaps even a consultation with a traffic ticket attorney. If you “need” to fight the ticket because of concerns relating to insurance rates, or DMV and court records and want the best chance of dismissal, a traffic ticket attorney may be the best way to go.

If you just want to “try” to fight the ticket, self representation is not a bad idea. Make sure you bring any photos or professional looking intersection drawings that you can create to add credibility to your viewpoint. Consider the small factors, such as paint erosion or new signage. Relive the experience – were you speeding because you were experiencing chest pain and were trying to get to the hospital? Did you ask the Officer for help and receive a rebuff?

All these factors add up and can make or break your judgment. Hopefully you won’t find yourself in need of this advice for a very long time. Drive safe and good luck.