Category Archives: Criminal Defense

Municipal Court Plea Agreement

James R. Pastor, Esq. of Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC appeared in Woodbridge Township Municipal Court located at 1 Main Street, Woodbridge, New Jersey beforfe the Honorable Spencer Robbins, J.M.C.  The prosecutor was Harold Parra, Esq.

Client was charged with driving while suspended under N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 and if found guilty, faced a 6 month suspension of his driving privileges.  Mr. Pastor was able to successfully negotiate a plea agreement to a lesser charge of driving with an expired license under N.J.S.A. 39:3-10(a) and the client did not lose his license.

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Call us today at (908) 561-5577 or contact us. Your initial consultation will take place over the phone, and you can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.

New Jersey Traffic Ticket Surcharges FAQs

With overpopulation and millions of drivers on the road, New Jersey is strict on enforcing driving laws. Sometimes, too strict. One plague to the NJ traffic violations organization is its system of tacking on additional surcharges to already skyrocketing fines. With an extra surcharge, you can find yourself paying double the amount of the original ticket. To learn more about fighting traffic tickets and surcharges, contact a NJ traffic defense lawyer.

What is a surcharge?

When do I have to pay a surcharge?

  • If you accumulate six or more points within three years from your last posted violation, you will receive a $150 Surcharge plus $25 for each additional point. According to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s website, additional violations that qualify for surcharges (billed yearly for three years) include:
  • $100 for unlicensed driver or driver with expired license ($300 total)
  • $250 for driving with a suspended license ($750 total)
  • $100 for failure to insure a moped ($300 total)
  • $250 for operating an uninsured vehicle ($750 total)
  • $1,000 for first and second driving while intoxicated (DWI) ($3,000 total)
  • $1,500 third DWI (if it occurs within three years last offense) ($4,500 total)
  • $1,000 for refusing to take test to measure blood alcohol concentration ($3,000 total)

Are surcharges one-time fees?

No. Once you pay your initial surcharge, you will be billed yearly for two more years. So, you pay one surcharge per year for three years total.

What are points on my license?

If you are convicted of certain moving violations, you receive an assigned number of points on your license. Points are tracked by the MVC. After you receive six points in a three year period, you are charged a three-year surcharge. If you receive more than 12 points, your license will be suspended.  Points are deducted from your license for every year you remain violation-free.

How many points do I get for each violation?

OffensePointsOffensePoints
Improper passing4Unlawful use of median strip2
Operating constructor vehicle in excess of 45 mph3Operating motorized bicycle on a restricted highway2
More than one person on a motorized bicycle2Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk2
Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk; passing a vehicle
yielding to pedestrian in crosswalk
2Driving through safety zone2
Racing on highway5Improper action or omission on grades and curves2
Failure to observe direction of officer2Failure to stop vehicle before crossing sidewalk2
Failure to yield to pedestrians or vehicles while entering or leaving
highway
2Driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or
signal
2
Operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk2Failure to obey direction of officer2
Failure to observe traffic signals* (Red Light Camera- 0 pts.)2*No points assessed for red light camera violation0
Failure to keep right2Improper operating of vehicle on divided highway or divider2
Failure to keep right at intersection2Failure to pass to right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction5
Improper passing on right or off roadway4Wrong way on a one-way street2
Improper passing in no passing zone4Failure to yield to overtaking vehicle2
Failure to observe traffic lanes2Tailgating5
Failure to yield at intersection2Failure to use proper entrances to limited access highways2
Failure to yield to emergency vehicles2Reckless driving5
Careless driving2Destruction of agricultural or recreational property2
Slow speed blocking traffic2Driving in an unsafe manner (points only for third or subsequent
offense within five years of most recent 39:4-97.2 conviction)
4
Exceeding maximum speed 1-14 mph over limit2Exceeding maximum speed 15-29 mph over limit4
Exceeding maximum speed 30 mph or more over limit5Failure to stop for traffic light2
Improper turn at traffic light3Failure to stop at flashing red signal2
Failure to stop for police whistle2Improper right or left turn3
Improper turn from approved turning course3Improper u-turn3
Failure to give proper signal2Improper backing or turning in street2
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing2Improper crossing of bridge2
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing by certain vehicles2Improper passing of school bus5
Improper passing of frozen dessert truck4Leaving the scene of an accident – no personal injury2
Leaving the scene of an accident – Personal injury8Failure to observe stop or yield signs2
Racing on highway5Moving violation committed out-of-state2

 

What happens when I don’t pay my surcharge?

Your license may be suspended if you fail to pay your surcharge. You can pay by check or online.

Contact Us Today

Call us today at (908) 561-5577 or contact us. Your initial consultation will take place over the phone, and you can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.