Having read through a lot of posts in this thread and most of my questions have been answered, but there are still two I need help with: 1. From what I read it appears that this NJ ticket will not result in points on my PA license (and therefore not affect my insurance), is it worth appearing in court to try to get the ticket reduced? Would a quest in point reduction result in a lower fine?
2. How do I actually determine what my violation will cost me? My ticket isn't appearing on the NJ site yet.
I was issued an 83 in a 65 today. This is my first speeding ticket in 16 years(!). The officer didn't actually pull me over, he just flew up behind me (without lights on) so I changed to the right to let him pass, but he followed me (still no lights on) until I pulled into the shoulder. I don't deny being above the 65 mph limit, but doubt very much 83. My old car is happy to be in the 70-75 range, but I have to really coax her to get above 80.
I'm not trying to get out of the ticket, especially since there's no evidence to contradict. What's my best course of action?
1. Moving violation for speeding will be transferred to your local DMV record once it is convicted. I have two separate day speeding, one in Atlantic City Expressway and the other is in Route 322 near Harrisburg, PA and they all transferred to my DMV at Delaware, and my insurance company will count per day's violations speeding in one day will only count one) in calculating the surcharge. you can check your driving record later to confirm that.
2. Usually, the officer will calculate how much you need to pay in the ticket. in NJ speeding ticket, I pay almost $200.00 In PA speeding, I pay $150.00.
Thanks for your reply. According to PennDOT, minor traffic offenses such as speeding, red light, stop sign, etc., will (NOT) appear on your driving record, unless you are a CDL holder. Points will not be assessed to your PA driving record when convicted of a point related offense in a DLC member state.
when we were living in Pa less than a year ago and my husband received a speeding ticket in NJ on Route 80 the violation was not transferred. He paid the fine. My daughter who still has a Pa drivers license probably would have lost her license by now if that were true. All her speeding tickets came from NJ. no points on her license.
So you and your daughter have checked both your driving record at your local DMV and verified that no points has been recorded in your driving record. Here in Delaware, its different. only violation in PA which is not involving speeding, e.g. not obeying traffic sign or cut lane without turning the signal light, will not be transferred the point to DMV here in DE.
i no longer have a Pa license but we have friends that are nj state troopers they told us. When my husband received his speeding ticket the officer informed him that he would not get points. When I received a speeding ticket in Pa (my first and hopefully last) It was less than a month that they notified me I had 3 points. I guess DE is different. the cops also have told my daughter the same thing My husband's friend, a now retired PA police chief, checked a few months after he received his ticket and there were no points
There is one thing that states will share and transfer information on and that's unpaid fines, the offense is irrelevant. You will not be allowed to renew your registration with an unpaid ticket in another state. I have a fundamental problem with this. A state could potentially become the enforcer of a law that doesn't even exist in their state. For instance, a right turn on a red light is not permissible in all states. You could get a ticket for this while out of state and your home state will force you to pay it. It's a little incestuous relationship the states have come up with in order to maximize their collective revenue.
Yes, it is indeed. New Jersey generally gives you two points for out of state offenses no matter what the offense was. Years ago I got nailed for speeding on this back road in the Florida panhandle. They indeed sent NJ the info. Some states don't.
I don't know if Connecticut still does this or not but they used to let you plead no contest which is legally different from guilty. That happened to my brother a decade or two ago. You pay the fine but since you were not legally guilty no points and no reporting to NJ.
Curious world.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Hello all, i came upon your forum with a question of my own regarding the no-point option, I do live in jersey and last night i received a ticket for going 29 over the limit (64 in a 35), I was pulled over in the monmouth county area late at night. The reason behind why i did it - i haven't had much of a good couple of days at all, and i understand its no reason to be flying down the road, but i just wanted to get some shut eye, call it a night, and hope tomorrow would be better.
Here's my predicament - about 5-6 Month's prior i received a two tickets as well, for speeding, & reckless (5 point speeding that was lowered to a 4 point, and reckless was dropped as i had proven i wasnt recklessly driving).
What i'm wondering is if it's possible, may the speeding ticket i've received be pleaded down to a No-Point ticket (as i didnt do this last time) even if i was caught by the officer's radar gun, and explain my situation to the prosecutor (bad couple of days)? Regardless of the previous ticket? Or am in a lot more trouble than i asked for?
Needless to say you've got to find yourself another way to deal with the bad days, but let's get to the immediate problem. (I figure the cop already did the lecture thing....)
One thing you'll find those giving advice in here are pretty consistent about is it can't hurt to try. Sure it could end up with the ticket holding up and getting court costs thrown in to boot, but it's not like they will hit you with an extra two points for trying.
In all probability given the nineteen miles over the speed limit the cop likely already cut you one break because one more gets bonus points. This may be a decent sign. Anyway, you want to talk to te prosecutor. If you happen to have a family member who is a lawyer or actually want to spring for the cost of a lawyer's phone call most will call the prosecutor ahead of time so you know ahead of time if he's going to go along. I was lucky - my brother's a lawyer. If you don't have that you are going to have to get him at court before things start. Just ask a few people - you'll find him.
The odds aren't bad that he'll cut a deal, but then comes the other part - the cop has to OK it. Some might throw in additional lecture on the way to signing off, but unless the cop genuinely hates the prosecutor he'll likely go along.
If you happened to be in Middletown you could be in for some really lucky if the same prosecutor is there. Because there's a huge stretch of Parkway in Middletown this guy is used to cutting deals and does it quickly. I pled guilty to obstructing traffic at 69 in a 55 when I was really going 80. That stretch is now a 65 area and if you do 80 people will pass you. I do 75 there now and it happens all the time.
BTW - one brother of mine beat out my obstructing traffic story when he got pulled over in NY State for speeding. He fought it and they pleaded down to a parking ticket!
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Thank you fezo for the input, i've got a couple of friends i know that have had some run=in's with such problems, one particularly that mentioned to me of three choices that are possibilities (likely ones i believe) of what can happen:
1)A plea of guilty would end up basically with +4 points, and insurance going through the roof, not the best route and not really interested in taking it. 2) Pleading guilty with a reason/Plea bargain which essentially from what i've gathered means that it becomes 0 to up to 2 points, and i'm not ultimately doomed for insurance being raised as they may or may not go easy, and i may end up with no points, 1 point, or 2 points. 3) Plead not guilty - speak to the prosecutor, make a deal as many people instinctively say to do with him, and most times the officer will sign off and the ticket becomes no points, but the amount is doubled.
The thing is - he caught me by the radar gun, which i cant exactly get out of, not to mention i've got 4 points thus far a couple months ago. Which leaves me off with three different options, and a couple of days to figure out what to do (call in and plead not guilty or go to the court date).
Thus my question - which to choose that seems the most likely and possible?
29 miles over??! In a 35??! I don't know. That's going to be a tough one. But you gotta try. Good luck.
By the way, option 2 doesn't work. Don't even try it. You've got option 1 or 3, that's it. I tried option 2 and wasn't even allowed to speak. And since you HAVE to try for a reduction, that only leaves you with option 3.
I'd think long and hard about a lawyer if I were you. You should check the statutes, but 8 points in such a short amount of time may hurt you more than you think (i'm thinking suspension and I know the surcharges will hurt on top of that).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Last time i had a lawyer, all i got away with was a downgrade from 5 point speeding ticket to a 4, and the reckless got dropped
So i'm thinking this - if i plead not guilty, talk to the prosecutor they may cut me some slack and possibly allow me to take a no pointer so they get a bit more cash out of me, which hopefully takes place.
Otherwise, i'm doomed.
*Edit* also - if i plead guilty with a reason/plea bargain it doesnt always matter to hear you out i think, they may allow you to take a lesser violation, or lower the value of points but pay more out in general.
I remember long ago in high school when they had the junior town officials day with the seniors. Now because I ran the campaign for the guy who lost the mayor's election by 9 votes the guy who won appointed me dog catcher. However, he appointed my buddy the judge so we went one night to watch court in action. Saw a guy who pled guilty despite the fact that there wasn't a real case against him. He was doing teh pleading guilty and explaining. The judge told him there's nothing I can do - you've already pled guilty. I'll always remember that.
Don't plead not guilty and try to talk to the prosecutor after. Get to the prosecutor first! Before court begins!
gbrozen is correct. It's a tall order. BTW - that lawyer didn't get you down one point. He got you down six. Reckless driving is 5 points and getting that dismissed if it's just your word against the cop's isn't easy.
Best of luck.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Thank you, I spoke with a friend of mine whom knows the system well (family members a captain so she has a capt's pba card and has gotten out of a lot of trouble).
In regards to that she explained to me that the best idea would be to go an hour or so before i have to, to the municipal court, ask around to speak to the prosecutor, and i believe ask about my options or what he may be able to do in order to help myself out.
From then on my friend explained that the best idea would be to follow the prosecutor's advice.
Now on the other hand, the road itself is flat, and i've heard from another guy i know that i can contest it, and possibly win due to the radar gun being off, But that's another route entirely.
"In regards to that she explained to me that the best idea would be to go an hour or so before i have to, to the municipal court, ask around to speak to the prosecutor, and i believe ask about my options or what he may be able to do in order to help myself out."
That's exactly right. More or less what I've been trying to say whether that's how it came out or not.
Radar or no radar they can cut a deal if they want to. My 69 in a 55 which was really more like 75 or 80 was a radar one and we did cut a deal.
Given the speed you have on the radar I definitely don't advise the challenge the radar defense. It's not going to be THAT far off under any circumstance.
This is definitely a time to swallow whatever pride you have (because an attitude can kill a deal) going in and dress nice and be very pleasant about what you want to do.
You may be surprised and, as previously stated, your worst case scenario is they say no. That has never happened to anyone I know.
Good luck.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Alright..so last Saturday I was driving to a video store, and was, according to the cop, 49 in a 30. So that's a 4 point ticket, for going 19 MPH over the speed limit (close eh?) And I just got my provisional on Feb. 28th. To make matters worse I had 2 people in my car and the cop put on my ticket Statue 39:3-13.8 which clearly stated on the website: http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/notices/reports/Minimumman2001sorted.pdf VIOLATION OF SPECIAL LEARNERS PERMIT. Now on this website: http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/mcs/svbs_9-04/part1_b_c.pdf there is an offense for violating your CONDITIONAL License (Statue 39:3-11 Now, I am not sure if the cop messed up, because I do not wish to pay 45 more dollars, because of his mistake.
Also I read about the "No Point Deal in New Jersey", and my mom wanted me to find out how it worked. So far from what I read, when you go to your court date, you plead NOT GUILTY and they give you an offer to drop 2-4 points. Or is it possible to have a plea bargain for both (Since you can use it twice in 5 years) and get ALL points dropped, just resulting alot of money. Oh and for the record if any of you know the area, I was on Woodport Road (Rt. 181) when I got pulled over. I know I was in the wrong for the 2 person thing, so I can't really plead not guilty to that, but the police officer failed to show me a radar reading of my speed limit. If I could get some feedback/advice I would really appreciate it, AND so would my parents :P.
Ok,let's try this again. Get to the prosecutor before you plead anything. If there is going to be a deal it will happen before court starts - at very least it has to start before court starts. Once things are rolling the prosecutor is busy prosecuting.
Do NOT try the "he didn't show me the radar" trick or any other finessing of what the cop did if you are trying to get rid of points. That very same cop has to sign off on any deal that happens so it is in your best interests to keep him somewhere on your side.
The only time I had a thing where I figured I goofed at all was when I pled guilty to obstructing traffic at 75 mph. I made the deal and then found out the cop wasn't in court. Even so there is a lot that they can do in traffic court that you can't do in other courts. While a murderer might get a new trial because of a mistake in paperwork you won't. They'll just amend the ticket right there. Crazy? Maybe so but it's the way the system works.
I have no idea whether you can get out of all the points , some of them or none. As we've said to so may here you don't know unless you try. Worst case scenario is that you add court costs to everything else. More likely is you'll get cut some slack and still pay whatever the ticket would have been anyway.
There is no hard and fast rule about how often you can use it or how many points you can get them to let go, but you do want to take it easy in the future. All the courts know when they see an infraction like "obstructing traffic, "failure to observe sign" or what not what it means is a plea deal.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Did this happen in Sparta. All I can say is you messed up. I do not really think the cop has to show you a radar reading. You know if you were speeding or not. I do not know what to tell you except you do not get off with sparta police.good luck. try to obey the traffic laws.
Sparta, huh? Well, I'll be up in Sparta next month. Don't drive liek I once did so this isn't a big concern - besodes, I'll have the prosecutor from Jefferson in the car with me!
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Thanks Fezo...what kind of "deal" do I need to talk to the prosecuter about..? That's really what I don't get. I know nothing about law and that such. And yeah, it happened in sparta, going from the bowling alley to sunset video...fun eh?.
I've read through the thread and want to say that it is extremely helpful. I got my first ticket ever this past week, I was going 19 over in a 65 zone. I have been driving for six years and have not even gotten a parking ticket before. Is the best way to reduce the ticket to plead not guilty and hope for unsafe driving? Could I take the defensive driving class to knock of a few points instead? I have High Point insurance if thats of any help.
I'm very worried because I know I made a very very very stupid mistake.
Same drill. (BTW, if you were at the Sparta Lanes when they have their karaoke night I know that guy, too. I'm down by Long Beach Island but I'm from and much of my family is still in the Butler - Pompton Lakes area.
OK - back to basics. The best thing is if you can call the prosecutor before you even show up in court. You may need a lawyer for that. If all he does is make the call to say "bobjr4444" or "alittlehelp" would like to plead down to...." it's worth the money because you've had a pre-court contact with teh prosecutor and he knows you're coming. If you try to call on your own he probably won't take the call.
Whether or not you've done this ahead of time you want to get to court early. Not just five minutes early - allow some time. Find the prosecutor. Ask a few people and you'll find him n no time. He already knows the drill so you don't have to explain a lot. Usually shorter is better. Example, "I was ticketed for 84 in a 65 zone. I'd like to plead guilty to a non-moving violation." There are several of these - Obstructing traffic and failure to observe sign are the two I remember. Either one will do for a speeding violation They aren't picky.
Your odds of the prosecutor taking the deal aren't bad. He, however, has to run it by the cop and they vary more than prosecutors. (I should mention I am not saying the prosecutor will sign off on anything no matter what, so don't assume that) Anyway, some cops do not want to cut a deal, but I haven't run into one. The worst I personally did (well this is one out of two) was a cop that wrote me for making an illegal turn and was wrong. He gave me grief at the stop and then while singing off on the deal just had to get in another lecture about driving more carefully when I hadn't done anything wrong! Grrrr. Anyway, I knew right off that taking my chances and pleading not guilty weren't good so I lived with it. Should you run into such a cop the proper thing is to do what I did. "Yes, sir. Thank you." You probably want to leave out "can I go home now?"
This whole thing will cost you at least as much as the ticket would have but you will either escape points or at very least have them reduced and it will be much kinder on your insurance.
Good luck!
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Ok, so it seems like a lot of you really know what you are talking about. I need some help please. I got into an accident last tuesday, it was my fault. I was in a hurry and not paying attention. I messed up my car and on top of that, the cop gave me a ticket for failing to stop or yield which I know is 2 points. I did stop at the sign but there was a glare from the sun and I didn't see the car and how fast it was going. There was a bigger car in front of it that was turning and I didn't see the car I hit in time. I know its my fault and that I messed up. Anyway, the cop told me to plead not guilty, go to court and to talk to the prosecutor to get it down to 0 points. I was just wondering if anyone would know how much this would cost me? I live in Edison NJ and the accident happened in South Plainfield NJ. Also, will the fact that the cop wasn't there when I "failed to stop" help me in anyway? Should I explain to the judge that I did stop? Or should I just do a plea bargain.. Thanks guys
Hi I just received 2 points in NJ, and i have PA driving license. I know that the points wont be transferred, but what about my Auto insurance, do they check in NJ for my driving points. do i have to report them, how does it affect, does anyone know about it
I don't know PA rules or PA insurance, but I know that my insurance company relies on the NJ DMV to tell them what tickets I've received. so as long as it doesn't show up on my NJ license, it doesn't affect my insurance.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
OK so another one bites the dust...I just got back from Utah on a business trip and was late to work... of course 12 hours back in NJ, driving to work I get pulled over on the GSP for 83 in a 65mph...by a trooper (which radar worked really far away - at least half a mile away, since when I saw him I stumped on the breaks)
Now here what I got - he spelled the name of the county wrong on the ticket (Bergan instead of Bergen), and he put me down for the wrong statue I believe 39:4-98 is for 10-14mph according to the DMV Point Schedule on their website, when the speed he claimed I was going was higher then 14 over.
In the other/parking offense box he put: LS#13939 IC154? Anyone know what that stands for?
I am planning to goto court early to speak to the prosecutor and try to get a no point ticket as I just got to having no points 3 months ago! I would appreciate any help
Yeh he wrote the speed on the ticket, so I just don't get it. Either he was trying to cut me a break (but why put the actual speed) or he is just not with it (spelled the county name wrong too?). Do you think this error in addition to the error could make it dismissable?
Is it true that if you go to court for a speeding ticket and the Officer who wrote you the the ticket is not there the case will be dismissed if you plead not guilty?
Having a ticket dismissed because the officer isn't there is kind of an urban legend. He/she doesn't need to be there. And if someone really demands it, they'll just make you come back another day.
as for the ticket with the wrong statute on it, i'm pretty sure they will have no problem sticking you with the lesser penalty and disregarding the speed written on the ticket. I could be wrong, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Having a ticket dismissed because the officer isn't there is kind of an urban legend. He/she doesn't need to be there. And if someone really demands it, they'll just make you come back another day.
In one of the two plead to no points I did the cop was not there. Had I known I might have tried for a better deal - like dismissal - but I am betting that the result would have been a second trip to court and the cop (who they contacted by phone) probably wouldn't be in nearly as forgiving a mood as he was after he got hauled into court for a speeding ticket....
As far as the wrong thing on the ticket, this always amazes me but here's the story - despite your hearing about murder convictions being thrown out on a technicality that is not happening on a traffic ticket. They'll amend it right before your eyes. Ditch that one - it's a losing strategy.
On the stop sign (man I miss a week and all heck breaks loose), whether you came to a full stop and then moved or did a rolling stop won't be relevant. You are required to stop and stay stopped until the traffic allows you to go.
Unfortunately what happened to you happens to a lot of folks. Glare is a killer. I'd be happy that the cop already agreed to let you plead to a no point (something like failure to observe sign) ticket and let it go at that. You hate doing it but it's the best you can hope for.
My daughter just got a ticket because she hadn't inspected her car. She's new to this. It's no points but it is NOT a cheap ticket!
As far as out of state points to NJ, if they get the report from the other state they will slap you for two points. The only state I know does this is Florida. You don't want to know why I know this.... Many years ago.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
i got a ticket from a County Sheriff in Bergen County for going 67 on a 50... Do you think that will affect my plea bargain? I'm not sure if he will be more stern or if he will have more power to do whatever he wants.
Can't say that I know whether a county sheriff will be less likely to deal.
I guess what you do depends on how willing you are to take a shot at it. If he lets you plead down you are way ahead of teh game and if he doesn't you're out some additional court costs.
Me, I'd take a shot at it.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Thanks for helping all the posters. I never thought this would get to 450+ posts when I started this topic (for a ticket on a restricted right turn). The scariest thing to me are the posts from teens just starting driving, not even having a full license, yet they are doing 80+ mph or more than 20 over the limit on slower roads. There are too many stories in the papers of funerals for 17-20 year old boys and girls who didn't think they needed seat belts or that anything bad could happen to them. Worry less about the points, and think more about this being a lesson you should learn about safe driving. You have your entire life ahead of you. Trying to save six minutes on a drive won't get you much more, but it could end it all.
Thanks. The teenagers doing 80 and maybe having multiple violations have really concerned me. The, of course, we have the governor not wearing his seat belt, but he didn't ask for my help....
I've had years of fun driving but will tell you there are a few basic tips that payoff huge if you use them -
Always wear your seat belt! Get in the habit. It's not like you get to pick when you are going to have an accident or the cops are going to decide to decide to do random checks.
Slow down. On highways usually if you are no more than 10 over the limit no one is going to bother you, but pay attention to traffic. If you are doing 75 in a 65 when everyone else is doing 73 no one will notice. If everyone else is doing 65 that is another story. Once you go over that magic 10 all bets are off. If the cop catches you and leaves everyone else alone you're still going to court. You just happen to be the fish that he caught.
Keep the distractions to a minimum. This applies to cell phone and alcohol (about which there are specific laws) as well as things like eating, having your friend who thinks it's funny to do things that may take your attention from the road and such. You are moving more than a ton of steel through places full of unpredictable people.
Posted 25 mph limits are there for a reason. Keep to them. You do NOT want killing or seriously injuring a kid on your conscience.
Drive defensively. Pretend that everyone else on the road is an idiot. Some of them will even engage in behaviors to confirm this hypothesis.
Seriously, you don't know if the next guy over is a professional driver or an 85 year old who only still has his license because he mailed in a renewal. Heck, when my father-in-law was still at home despite having Alzheimers when he got mad he would grab the car keys and take off. This was solved by getting rid of the car. It is only because of luck, grace or whatever you want to call it that he didn't kill himself or someone else. There are others like him on the road right now.
Well, hope this cheers everyone up..... Happy motoring!
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Amen. And in another couple of decades (or less if necessary) I hope someone gets rid of my car too! Responsibility is a necessary burden we all must shoulder.
My daughter got a HOV lane violation ticket. 2 points. We have allstate insurance. Will my premium go up? She has never had any points. Thanks for any help you can provide.
I'd call Allstate. If they say yes she might want to follow the procedures outlined throughout this thread. I would think a no point option would be pretty easy here but you never know because you are dealing with individuals (prosecutor and cop) and they are all different.
Best of luck.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Today I went to pick up an order from circuit city (route 46 west) and when I came out I saw a lot of traffic and I drove through the shoulder (for a very short distance) to make a right to go to motor vehicle and a unmarked police car pulled me over.
He gave me a ticket for careless driving. He also told me that he was nice and could have given me a higher traffic ticket which was 4 points??? I don't know why but that's what he said. He also adviced to either mail the payment and get 2 points or the other option is to go to court to get no points but it was going to cost me an eye.
I have NJ manufacturer and no points on my license right now. Last time I got a ticket was in 2000 and it was lowered to delaying traffic or something like that.
Sure looks to me like the cop already spelled out what you should do, which is bite the bullet and go to court, get hosed on the ticket but not get the points. In the short run this costs more than just paying the ticket and is certainly a bit of an inconvenience but in the longer run it beats having your insurance premiums rise. Having NJM Insurance is a very good thing. You don't want to accumulate points and have them thinking you aren't a good risk in their pool.
As for the four point thing I imagine he's telling you that he could have cited you for reckless driving which is a much bigger deal than careless driving. This is true and indeed he wrote it as the less serious offense. This is remarkable in that cops tend to take this offense really seriously as they hate folks driving on the shoulder. It's just an invitation to an accident when the next guy does the same thing or, as you discovered, to a ticket.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
My daughter, 18 years old, got pulled over the other night coming home from Sea Bright. The cop said she was going 51 in a 35. She did not see the cop behind and then while going over the bridge into Highlands she saw the lights, which were on a SUV (she has a honda crv) and she thought it might of been an ambulance or they were trying to get around her so she moved over but didn't stop. When the cop stayed behind her she finally realized it was her they were going after and she stopped. She has never had a cop behind her before and didn't realize she did anything wrong and was quite scared when she saw 5 police cars. The police gave her a ticket for the speeding (4pts) and for not yielding (2pts). She told the officer she didn't realize they were going after her and she also didn't want to move over while on the bridge. He told her to plead not-guilty and go to court. As I understand it she should see the prosecutor before court starts to take the no point option. Does anyone think they will drop the no yielding ticket if she explains what happens? Has anyone been in the Sea Bright traffic court? Any suggestions? We have Allstate Insurance with Accident/ticket forgiveness and our insurance will not go up (I already called our agent to confirm this). But I don't want my daughter starting off with 6 points!
If the cop is telling her to plead not guilty it certainly sounds like they are open to pleading it down to a non-moving violation.
I don't know how the court is in Sea Bright but it can't hurt at all to do the standard procedure here - arrive early, find the prosecutor, explain that you (she) want to plead to a non-moving violation and see what he says.
Good luck and bring your checkbook.
Good idea. No one wants to start out with 6 points.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
in addition to agreeing with fezo, I wanted to point out that, while allstate may forgive the points, the state won't. 6 pts WILL earn you insurance surcharge fees for the next 3 years.
I'd be surprised if you get 6 pts reduced to 0, but its worth a shot, of course. I'm thinking she'll walk with 2 pts, minimum.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
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Having read through a lot of posts in this thread and most of my questions have been answered, but there are still two I need help with:
1. From what I read it appears that this NJ ticket will not result in points on my PA license (and therefore not affect my insurance), is it worth appearing in court to try to get the ticket reduced? Would a quest in point reduction result in a lower fine?
2. How do I actually determine what my violation will cost me? My ticket isn't appearing on the NJ site yet.
I was issued an 83 in a 65 today. This is my first speeding ticket in 16 years(!). The officer didn't actually pull me over, he just flew up behind me (without lights on) so I changed to the right to let him pass, but he followed me (still no lights on) until I pulled into the shoulder. I don't deny being above the 65 mph limit, but doubt very much 83. My old car is happy to be in the 70-75 range, but I have to really coax her to get above 80.
I'm not trying to get out of the ticket, especially since there's no evidence to contradict. What's my best course of action?
Thanks!
2. Usually, the officer will calculate how much you need to pay in the ticket. in NJ speeding ticket, I pay almost $200.00 In PA speeding, I pay $150.00.
According to PennDOT, minor traffic offenses such as speeding, red light, stop sign, etc., will
(NOT) appear on your driving record, unless you are a CDL holder. Points will not be assessed to your PA driving record when convicted of a point related offense in a DLC member state.
Maybe it's different in Delaware?
Here in Delaware, its different. only violation in PA which is not involving speeding, e.g. not obeying traffic sign or cut lane without turning the signal light, will not be transferred the point to DMV here in DE.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I don't know if Connecticut still does this or not but they used to let you plead no contest which is legally different from guilty. That happened to my brother a decade or two ago. You pay the fine but since you were not legally guilty no points and no reporting to NJ.
Curious world.
Maybe we'd have better luck solving world hunger than figuring out how these agencies operate.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Here's my predicament - about 5-6 Month's prior i received a two tickets as well, for speeding, & reckless (5 point speeding that was lowered to a 4 point, and reckless was dropped as i had proven i wasnt recklessly driving).
What i'm wondering is if it's possible, may the speeding ticket i've received be pleaded down to a No-Point ticket (as i didnt do this last time) even if i was caught by the officer's radar gun, and explain my situation to the prosecutor (bad couple of days)? Regardless of the previous ticket? Or am in a lot more trouble than i asked for?
One thing you'll find those giving advice in here are pretty consistent about is it can't hurt to try. Sure it could end up with the ticket holding up and getting court costs thrown in to boot, but it's not like they will hit you with an extra two points for trying.
In all probability given the nineteen miles over the speed limit the cop likely already cut you one break because one more gets bonus points. This may be a decent sign. Anyway, you want to talk to te prosecutor. If you happen to have a family member who is a lawyer or actually want to spring for the cost of a lawyer's phone call most will call the prosecutor ahead of time so you know ahead of time if he's going to go along. I was lucky - my brother's a lawyer. If you don't have that you are going to have to get him at court before things start. Just ask a few people - you'll find him.
The odds aren't bad that he'll cut a deal, but then comes the other part - the cop has to OK it. Some might throw in additional lecture on the way to signing off, but unless the cop genuinely hates the prosecutor he'll likely go along.
If you happened to be in Middletown you could be in for some really lucky if the same prosecutor is there. Because there's a huge stretch of Parkway in Middletown this guy is used to cutting deals and does it quickly. I pled guilty to obstructing traffic at 69 in a 55 when I was really going 80. That stretch is now a 65 area and if you do 80 people will pass you. I do 75 there now and it happens all the time.
BTW - one brother of mine beat out my obstructing traffic story when he got pulled over in NY State for speeding. He fought it and they pleaded down to a parking ticket!
1)A plea of guilty would end up basically with +4 points, and insurance going through the roof, not the best route and not really interested in taking it.
2) Pleading guilty with a reason/Plea bargain which essentially from what i've gathered means that it becomes 0 to up to 2 points, and i'm not ultimately doomed for insurance being raised as they may or may not go easy, and i may end up with no points, 1 point, or 2 points.
3) Plead not guilty - speak to the prosecutor, make a deal as many people instinctively say to do with him, and most times the officer will sign off and the ticket becomes no points, but the amount is doubled.
The thing is - he caught me by the radar gun, which i cant exactly get out of, not to mention i've got 4 points thus far a couple months ago. Which leaves me off with three different options, and a couple of days to figure out what to do (call in and plead not guilty or go to the court date).
Thus my question - which to choose that seems the most likely and possible?
By the way, option 2 doesn't work. Don't even try it. You've got option 1 or 3, that's it. I tried option 2 and wasn't even allowed to speak. And since you HAVE to try for a reduction, that only leaves you with option 3.
I'd think long and hard about a lawyer if I were you. You should check the statutes, but 8 points in such a short amount of time may hurt you more than you think (i'm thinking suspension and I know the surcharges will hurt on top of that).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
So i'm thinking this - if i plead not guilty, talk to the prosecutor they may cut me some slack and possibly allow me to take a no pointer so they get a bit more cash out of me, which hopefully takes place.
Otherwise, i'm doomed.
*Edit* also - if i plead guilty with a reason/plea bargain it doesnt always matter to hear you out i think, they may allow you to take a lesser violation, or lower the value of points but pay more out in general.
Don't plead not guilty and try to talk to the prosecutor after. Get to the prosecutor first! Before court begins!
gbrozen is correct. It's a tall order. BTW - that lawyer didn't get you down one point. He got you down six. Reckless driving is 5 points and getting that dismissed if it's just your word against the cop's isn't easy.
Best of luck.
In regards to that she explained to me that the best idea would be to go an hour or so before i have to, to the municipal court, ask around to speak to the prosecutor, and i believe ask about my options or what he may be able to do in order to help myself out.
From then on my friend explained that the best idea would be to follow the prosecutor's advice.
Now on the other hand, the road itself is flat, and i've heard from another guy i know that i can contest it, and possibly win due to the radar gun being off, But that's another route entirely.
That's exactly right. More or less what I've been trying to say whether that's how it came out or not.
Radar or no radar they can cut a deal if they want to. My 69 in a 55 which was really more like 75 or 80 was a radar one and we did cut a deal.
Given the speed you have on the radar I definitely don't advise the challenge the radar defense. It's not going to be THAT far off under any circumstance.
This is definitely a time to swallow whatever pride you have (because an attitude can kill a deal) going in and dress nice and be very pleasant about what you want to do.
You may be surprised and, as previously stated, your worst case scenario is they say no. That has never happened to anyone I know.
Good luck.
http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/mcs/svbs_9-04/part1_b_c.pdf there is an offense for violating your CONDITIONAL License (Statue 39:3-11
Now, I am not sure if the cop messed up, because I do not wish to pay 45 more dollars, because of his mistake.
Also I read about the "No Point Deal in New Jersey", and my mom wanted me to find out how it worked. So far from what I read, when you go to your court date, you plead NOT GUILTY and they give you an offer to drop 2-4 points. Or is it possible to have a plea bargain for both (Since you can use it twice in 5 years) and get ALL points dropped, just resulting alot of money. Oh and for the record if any of you know the area, I was on Woodport Road (Rt. 181) when I got pulled over. I know I was in the wrong for the 2 person thing, so I can't really plead not guilty to that, but the police officer failed to show me a radar reading of my speed limit. If I could get some feedback/advice I would really appreciate it, AND so would my parents :P.
Thanks :]
Ok,let's try this again. Get to the prosecutor before you plead anything. If there is going to be a deal it will happen before court starts - at very least it has to start before court starts. Once things are rolling the prosecutor is busy prosecuting.
Do NOT try the "he didn't show me the radar" trick or any other finessing of what the cop did if you are trying to get rid of points. That very same cop has to sign off on any deal that happens so it is in your best interests to keep him somewhere on your side.
The only time I had a thing where I figured I goofed at all was when I pled guilty to obstructing traffic at 75 mph. I made the deal and then found out the cop wasn't in court. Even so there is a lot that they can do in traffic court that you can't do in other courts. While a murderer might get a new trial because of a mistake in paperwork you won't. They'll just amend the ticket right there. Crazy? Maybe so but it's the way the system works.
I have no idea whether you can get out of all the points , some of them or none. As we've said to so may here you don't know unless you try. Worst case scenario is that you add court costs to everything else. More likely is you'll get cut some slack and still pay whatever the ticket would have been anyway.
There is no hard and fast rule about how often you can use it or how many points you can get them to let go, but you do want to take it easy in the future. All the courts know when they see an infraction like "obstructing traffic, "failure to observe sign" or what not what it means is a plea deal.
I've read through the thread and want to say that it is extremely helpful. I got my first ticket ever this past week, I was going 19 over in a 65 zone. I have been driving for six years and have not even gotten a parking ticket before. Is the best way to reduce the ticket to plead not guilty and hope for unsafe driving? Could I take the defensive driving class to knock of a few points instead? I have High Point insurance if thats of any help.
I'm very worried because I know I made a very very very stupid mistake.
OK - back to basics. The best thing is if you can call the prosecutor before you even show up in court. You may need a lawyer for that. If all he does is make the call to say "bobjr4444" or "alittlehelp" would like to plead down to...." it's worth the money because you've had a pre-court contact with teh prosecutor and he knows you're coming. If you try to call on your own he probably won't take the call.
Whether or not you've done this ahead of time you want to get to court early. Not just five minutes early - allow some time. Find the prosecutor. Ask a few people and you'll find him n no time. He already knows the drill so you don't have to explain a lot. Usually shorter is better. Example, "I was ticketed for 84 in a 65 zone. I'd like to plead guilty to a non-moving violation." There are several of these - Obstructing traffic and failure to observe sign are the two I remember. Either one will do for a speeding violation They aren't picky.
Your odds of the prosecutor taking the deal aren't bad. He, however, has to run it by the cop and they vary more than prosecutors. (I should mention I am not saying the prosecutor will sign off on anything no matter what, so don't assume that) Anyway, some cops do not want to cut a deal, but I haven't run into one. The worst I personally did (well this is one out of two) was a cop that wrote me for making an illegal turn and was wrong. He gave me grief at the stop and then while singing off on the deal just had to get in another lecture about driving more carefully when I hadn't done anything wrong! Grrrr. Anyway, I knew right off that taking my chances and pleading not guilty weren't good so I lived with it. Should you run into such a cop the proper thing is to do what I did. "Yes, sir. Thank you." You probably want to leave out "can I go home now?"
This whole thing will cost you at least as much as the ticket would have but you will either escape points or at very least have them reduced and it will be much kinder on your insurance.
Good luck!
I don't know. Is "failure to stop" the same as "failure to stay stopped?"
If they are different then it seems that your being there would trump the officer's absence from the event.
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I just received 2 points in NJ, and i have PA driving license.
I know that the points wont be transferred, but what about my Auto insurance, do they check in NJ for my driving points.
do i have to report them,
how does it affect,
does anyone know about it
Ashish
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Now here what I got - he spelled the name of the county wrong on the ticket (Bergan instead of Bergen), and he put me down for the wrong statue I believe 39:4-98 is for 10-14mph according to the DMV Point Schedule on their website, when the speed he claimed I was going was higher then 14 over.
In the other/parking offense box he put: LS#13939 IC154? Anyone know what that stands for?
I am planning to goto court early to speak to the prosecutor and try to get a no point ticket as I just got to having no points 3 months ago! I would appreciate any help
i would say maybe he cut you a break? I don't know. And I have no idea what those other numbers mean.
In any case, follow through with your plan. Go to court and speak with the prosecutor.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
as for the ticket with the wrong statute on it, i'm pretty sure they will have no problem sticking you with the lesser penalty and disregarding the speed written on the ticket. I could be wrong, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks, I had always wondered about that.
As far as the wrong thing on the ticket, this always amazes me but here's the story - despite your hearing about murder convictions being thrown out on a technicality that is not happening on a traffic ticket. They'll amend it right before your eyes. Ditch that one - it's a losing strategy.
On the stop sign (man I miss a week and all heck breaks loose), whether you came to a full stop and then moved or did a rolling stop won't be relevant. You are required to stop and stay stopped until the traffic allows you to go.
Unfortunately what happened to you happens to a lot of folks. Glare is a killer. I'd be happy that the cop already agreed to let you plead to a no point (something like failure to observe sign) ticket and let it go at that. You hate doing it but it's the best you can hope for.
My daughter just got a ticket because she hadn't inspected her car. She's new to this. It's no points but it is NOT a cheap ticket!
As far as out of state points to NJ, if they get the report from the other state they will slap you for two points. The only state I know does this is Florida. You don't want to know why I know this.... Many years ago.
I guess what you do depends on how willing you are to take a shot at it. If he lets you plead down you are way ahead of teh game and if he doesn't you're out some additional court costs.
Me, I'd take a shot at it.
The scariest thing to me are the posts from teens just starting driving, not even having a full license, yet they are doing 80+ mph or more than 20 over the limit on slower roads. There are too many stories in the papers of funerals for 17-20 year old boys and girls who didn't think they needed seat belts or that anything bad could happen to them. Worry less about the points, and think more about this being a lesson you should learn about safe driving. You have your entire life ahead of you. Trying to save six minutes on a drive won't get you much more, but it could end it all.
I've had years of fun driving but will tell you there are a few basic tips that payoff huge if you use them -
Always wear your seat belt! Get in the habit. It's not like you get to pick when you are going to have an accident or the cops are going to decide to decide to do random checks.
Slow down. On highways usually if you are no more than 10 over the limit no one is going to bother you, but pay attention to traffic. If you are doing 75 in a 65 when everyone else is doing 73 no one will notice. If everyone else is doing 65 that is another story. Once you go over that magic 10 all bets are off. If the cop catches you and leaves everyone else alone you're still going to court. You just happen to be the fish that he caught.
Keep the distractions to a minimum. This applies to cell phone and alcohol (about which there are specific laws) as well as things like eating, having your friend who thinks it's funny to do things that may take your attention from the road and such. You are moving more than a ton of steel through places full of unpredictable people.
Posted 25 mph limits are there for a reason. Keep to them. You do NOT want killing or seriously injuring a kid on your conscience.
Drive defensively. Pretend that everyone else on the road is an idiot. Some of them will even engage in behaviors to confirm this hypothesis.
Seriously, you don't know if the next guy over is a professional driver or an 85 year old who only still has his license because he mailed in a renewal. Heck, when my father-in-law was still at home despite having Alzheimers when he got mad he would grab the car keys and take off. This was solved by getting rid of the car. It is only because of luck, grace or whatever you want to call it that he didn't kill himself or someone else. There are others like him on the road right now.
Well, hope this cheers everyone up..... Happy motoring!
And in another couple of decades (or less if necessary) I hope someone gets rid of my car too! Responsibility is a necessary burden we all must shoulder.
have you asked allstate? every insurance company has different rules.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'd call Allstate. If they say yes she might want to follow the procedures outlined throughout this thread. I would think a no point option would be pretty easy here but you never know because you are dealing with individuals (prosecutor and cop) and they are all different.
Best of luck.
Today I went to pick up an order from circuit city (route 46 west) and when I came out I saw a lot of traffic and I drove through the shoulder (for a very short distance) to make a right to go to motor vehicle and a unmarked police car pulled me over.
He gave me a ticket for careless driving. He also told me that he was nice and could have given me a higher traffic ticket which was 4 points??? I don't know why but that's what he said. He also adviced to either mail the payment and get 2 points or the other option is to go to court to get no points but it was going to cost me an eye.
I have NJ manufacturer and no points on my license right now. Last time I got a ticket was in 2000 and it was lowered to delaying traffic or something like that.
What should I do?
Thanks for your valuable advice!
As for the four point thing I imagine he's telling you that he could have cited you for reckless driving which is a much bigger deal than careless driving. This is true and indeed he wrote it as the less serious offense. This is remarkable in that cops tend to take this offense really seriously as they hate folks driving on the shoulder. It's just an invitation to an accident when the next guy does the same thing or, as you discovered, to a ticket.
Thanks!
I don't know how the court is in Sea Bright but it can't hurt at all to do the standard procedure here - arrive early, find the prosecutor, explain that you (she) want to plead to a non-moving violation and see what he says.
Good luck and bring your checkbook.
Good idea. No one wants to start out with 6 points.
I'd be surprised if you get 6 pts reduced to 0, but its worth a shot, of course. I'm thinking she'll walk with 2 pts, minimum.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S