New Jersey Traffic Tickets: Common Offenses, Points & Penalties

Navigating traffic laws in New Jersey can be challenging, especially when faced with a traffic or speeding ticket. The New Jersey Traffic Code summarizes specific violations and penalties, including fines and demerit points under the NJ state’s Motor Vehicle Points System. While paying the fine is the simplest option, if you do not pay a traffic ticket can lead to increased penalties, higher insurance rates, or license suspension. By understanding your alleged violation and exploring your options the experienced traffic ticket lawyer can help you minimize consequences.

Let us discuss with you all that you need to know about traffic offenses and their corresponding points, penalties, surcharges and suggestions according to New Jersey’s 2025 Revised Statutes.

Common Traffic Violations in New Jersey

These offenses cover a range of violations that can happen both within and outside of New Jersey.

Out-of-State and General Violations

NJSA Section	Violation Description	Points	Estimated Fine ($)
39:5D–4	Moving violation committed out-of-state	2	85
39:4–96	Reckless driving	5	200
39:4–97	Careless driving	2	85
39:4–97a	Destruction of agricultural/recreational property	2	85
39:4–97.1	Slow speed blocking traffic	2	85
39:4–97.2	Driving in an unsafe manner	4	200
39:4–97.3	Use of a handheld cellphone or electronic device	3	100

These laws are designed to ensure safer roads for everyone. By staying mindful and driving responsibly, you can enjoy smoother and stress-free travel.

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Pedestrian Right-of-Way and Yielding Violations

Statute (NJSA)	Offense	Points	Estimated Fine ($)
39:4–35	Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk	2	54
39:4–36	Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk; passing a yielding vehicle	2	54
39:4–66.1	Failure to yield to pedestrians or vehicles entering/exiting a roadway	2	85
39:4–90	Failure to yield at an intersection	2	85
39:4–91–92	Failure to yield to emergency vehicles	2	85
39:4–144	Failure to observe stop or yield signs	2	85

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Improper Passing and Lane Usage Violations

Improper lane usage or passing can lead to accidents. Avoid these mistakes to keep your record clean:

Statute (NJSA)	Violation	Points	Fine ($)
27:23–29	Moving against traffic	2	85
27:23–29	Improper passing	4	130
39:4–83	Failure to keep right at an intersection	2	85
39:4–84	Failure to pass to the right of a vehicle	5	200
39:4–85	Improper passing on the right/off roadway	4	130
39:4–85.1	Driving the wrong way on a one-way street	2	85
39:4–86	Improper passing in a no-passing zone	4	130
39:4–88	Failure to observe traffic lanes	2	85

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Speeding Violations

Statute (NJSA)	Speeding Violation	Points	Fine ($)
39:4–98	Exceeding speed limit by 1-14 mph	2	85
39:4–98	Exceeding speed limit by 15-29 mph	4	130
39:4–98	Exceeding speed limit by 30 mph or more	5	200

Note: By following speed limits, you not only avoid fines but also enjoy a safer and more pleasant driving experience.

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Key Points About Managing Points and Penalties in New Jersey

A clean record keeps insurance rates lower and saves money in the long term.

Avoid License Suspension:

• Reaching 12 points on your driving record will result in a license suspension.

Earn Point Reductions by Safe Driving:

• For every year of driving without a ticket or suspension, you can reduce 3 points from your record.

Take Advantage of Driving Courses:

• Enrolling in a New Jersey defensive driving course reduces your point total by 2 points every five years.

• This proactive step is highly beneficial if you are near the 12-point limit, helping prevent a potential suspension.

Minimize Financial Impact:

• Traffic fines vary from $50 to thousands of dollars according to the violation’s seriousness and the driving history.

• Avoiding tickets helps you save on costly fines and reduces financial strain.

Lower Insurance Rates:

• Traffic offenses often lead to increased insurance premiums, as penalized drivers are seen as higher-risk.

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What Are Surcharges in New Jersey?

Surcharges could be defined as additional penalties placed for very serious traffic offenses or the accumulation of too many points in a short time. Such fees may be one-time charges or annual fees for as long as three years depending on the violation.

Offense	Annual Surcharge (USD)	Duration
Accumulating 6+ points within 3 years	$150 + $25 per extra point	3 years
Driving without a license or with an expired license	$100	3 years
Driving with a suspended license/uninsured vehicle	$250	3 years
First or second DWI	$1,000	3 years
Third DWI within 3 years of last offense	$1,500	3 years
Refusing blood alcohol level test	$1,000	3 years

Note: Failure to pay surcharges will result in a license suspension, and point reductions through safe driving or courses do not apply to surcharge totals.

Hire a New Jersey Traffic Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer can help you understand the details of your traffic violation, clarify your rights, and collaborate with you to develop the best strategy to minimize the impact of a violation. Contact below lawyers today for a free consultation.

Law Firm	Contact Number
Rosenberg | Perry & Associates	Perry & Associates
Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A	877-435-6371
Bergen County Traffic Lawyer	(201) 289-8614

Frequently Asked Questions