Insurance and NJ No-Point Ticket option

qbrozen · August 2005

Though cop told me I don't have to be there, I need to go only if i plead guilty.

no, no, no. You need to go only if you want to plead NOT guilty. If you plead guilty, you just mail in your fines and be done with it.

nightowl1 · September 2005

Just moved to NJ and got my first speeding ticket.
Is there any benefit to go to the court? Any advise will be appreciated.

The court date is 09/09/05 (tomorrow).

If I got to court, what will be the additional court fees besides a the ticket ($173).

Thanks

rangers_nut · September 2005

Well, as noted in the past, back in june. I got 2 tickets memorial day weekend. Here's the details.

1. Speeding - 100 in a 65
2. Reckless Driving

Went to court, hired a lawyer of which someone from t his site referred me to. Thanks btw if you read this.

Lawyer did me good. They agreed to reduce the speeding down to a 94 in a 65 - with 4 points. Fine of $256. $33 cost of court. and they dropped the reckless entirely.

Lawyer was expecting me to lose my DL for a min of 30 days. but I was able to keep it. THANKS CHARLES BLOCK!

Well - to anyone who has tickets against them right now. good luck in court!

- PS --- got one 2 weeks ago for unclear plates. apparently this state sucks and really wants you to put the front plate on lol. how can you mount the front plate if the car doesn't have holes that allow you to mount the dang thing? O well they'll just have to deal with it being in the windshield lol

qbrozen · September 2005

I believe having it in the windshield is ok, but don't quote me on that.

personally, i'd use plastic zip ties and attach it to the grille or lower bumper inlet (depends on the car's design, of course).

weinan · September 2005

I got a speeding ticket in NJ from Lorence Twnp. From the web, 4 points and $105. I am in PA.
Question:
1. What will happen if I pay $105 with guilty without appearing in court?
2. Do I have to appear the court?
3. Will I get point from PA?

Thanks.

Kirstie_H · September 2005

Sorry folks, but we don't allow requests for names/addresses of lawyers or anyone else for that matter. First, we don't have any way to authenticate that they wish to have that info posted in a public forum. Second, it would amount to free advertising for that lawyer/firm.

koumei · September 2005

Read: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-dlc.pdf

I don't think those points in NJ will be reported to PA for minor violations.

kanjilm · October 2005

Hello Everyone,
I got two tickets last month. I was on my way to work , made a left turn at astop sign. It was atwo way intersection, waited a while for cars to pass by, then made my turn.
Got pulled over by an officer, two tickets:
1) failure to stop
2) careless driving.No accidents, no damage No other cars involved.
UNBELEIVABLE.
Pleaded not guilty. Do I need a lawyear?
Had a clean record all my life untill August this year , got a 2-pointer ticket, reduced it to unsafe, no points.
Please advice.

qbrozen · October 2005

i can only really give an opinion here. If it were me, and I knew I did everything correctly and by the law, then I would not want to pay to get a lawyer. But I'm a stubborn, idealistic sucker sometimes.

kanjilm · October 2005

I was wondering if a lawyear's presence with me will have more positive effect or not.
I know perfectly well I can explain my case no worse than any lawyear.
But I saw people with lawyears got called in first even though they arrived late.
The prosecuter just offered me a deal , thats it no bargaining at all. Is it gouing to be the same if the lawyear was present. I saw lots of people get reduced to 0 pts from 4(with lawyears).
Is it going to be same if I explain my case to the prosecuter? What if he does not beleive me?Is there abetter chance he is going to believe the lawyear?

black_tulip · October 2005

But I saw people with lawyears got called in first even though they arrived late.

When I went to court, the prosecutor explained that by saying:
"We will call cases involving lawyers first, because many are paying the lawyers by the hour and we do not want to run them a huge bill!"

tracyg1 · October 2005

I have had my car insurance with GEICO for only 1 year in NJ and I got a speeding ticket a couple months ago and I have an upcoming court date b/c I have to see if I can get the points reduced (84 in a 65 mph is a 4-pointer - I believe). I am going to appear in court b/c I was simply getting out of the officers way that was tailgating me (w/o lights on) and I am hoping if I am super apologetic and not accusatory that I might get my points reduced.

Can anyone advise me of the best case/worst case scenerio and when I should show up for a 5pm court time?

Thanks!

randomtubble · October 2005

My husband was creeping to the Lincoln Tunnel on the Jersey side on a recent , rush hour return to Manhattan traffic on a Sunday night. He tapped the bumper of a car in front of him, really due to a driver sqeezing him in from the left.
The cops, who were right nearby, came, were very abusive in manner, tried to claim he was DUI, and after he easily passed their test at the scene, they said they were impounding his car and arresting him and taking him in for a breathalyzer test. They took him in handcuffs to a police station, gave him 2 breathalyzer tests that they told him came out at .03 (not nearly qualifying as inebriated and he thinks he saw an even lower number written).
They then released him with a summons for reckless driving, and refused to give him his car, claiming it would be unsafe for him to drive home. My husband was absolutely polite and co-operative through the whole outrage. He was alone and had no witnesses.
We live in PA and are concerned about points (he has none) and insurance, and about what can be done about the false charges. His court date is in a few days, Oct. 20.
I spoke to a lawyer who would charge $1000 to go to court for him! We passed, but the lawyer advised pleading to unsafe driving and asking for discovery (we have, but have not receivd it yet). The police didn't even allow him to exchage info with the other driver. Our insurance company has had no claim filed or notification of the incident-no suprise as it was so minor.
Any info would be most appreciated.

Randomrubble

matthew123 · October 2005

Need some advice and help !!

I have 7 years of safe driving record in CT. I recently moved to NJ a month ago, changed my license from CT to NJ. I didn't change my car plates yet. I crossed a signal while going to my work when it was still yellow and turned red, sun was glaring right into my eyes. Cop pulled me over and gave me this ticket "39:4-81".
This is my first ticket in 7 years. I have GEICO as my insurance.
a) Will my insurance go up ?
b) I read that the ticket is 2 points. Is there anyway to contest and have no points ?

I am starting to hate living in NJ already :-) Nice welcome. I also heard some bad things about cops not being nice at all in NJ. Any help in this regards is appreciate.
-- Matt

qbrozen · October 2005

a. Call your insurance company and ask.

b. you can go to court on the date printed on the ticket and try for reduction.

cops attitudes vary, just like anywhere else. I've met nice ones, and I've met ones with horrible attitudes. We've got more than enough people and traffic in Jersey, so, honestly, if you don't like it, leave (i know you were sort of joking, but, seriously, i get tired of hearing people complain about hating jersey yet continue to aid in clogging our roads and taking up space in general).

pt4 · October 2005

I've a court date in Piscataway municipal court for two tickets. I got these
tickets in one day 1. Speeding 45 at 35 2.Not stopping at stop sign

Please help me with your experience ,suggestions. This is the first time I got ticket in my 7 year driving history. Can i get these 4 points reduce to zero?
What kind of argument i should give to procecutor to get rid of these points?
Does taking an attorney with me will make much difference or can i do it on my own?

karannarang · October 2005

I got a ticket this morning - Improper passing- passing over double yellow. I was actually just getting into the left only lane and went over the yellow patch. Online I see that its a 4 point offense. First offense, will go to court, apologize and hope for the best. So, I should plead not guilty ,right?

qbrozen · October 2005

correct, you have to plead not guilty in order to get to talk to the prosecutor. good luck.

pt4 · October 2005

Yeaterday i went to court for two tickets Speeding45 @ 35 and not stopping at stop sign.

I was allowed to plea Unsafe driving and both the tickets were merged into one. I had to pay fee on only one ticket (Speeding)+court fee (40)+250 for unsafe driving option.Points were reduced to 0 from 4.

Judge was very nice and polite. He told us in the beginning that we can use unsafe drive option two times in a five year period. No need to take a lawer with you.Process was very simple. We first sit in the court room. Judge called our names one by one and asked us to see the procecutor. After meeting procecutor we were called in front of judge againa and he read what ever deal we reached with procecutor and asked if we were OK with that. We did not have to say Guilty/not guilty in the beginning also no need to give any excuses.

_

yuen · October 2005

I am trying to decide which insurance to choose. Both policy are identical,

Geico: 714/6 months
NJM: 1579/year

So Geico is 1579 - 1428 = $151.

I consider both company providing the same customer services. The questions is what % of dividend should I expect from NJM? I heard is usually 10% of the total.

qbrozen · October 2005

Yup, that's about right. About 10% back at the end of the year ... thing with NJM also is that your rates will often go down the longer you stick with them and keep a clean driving record. I hear that is pretty much the opposite with alot of other companies and they give you a good rate to get you on board, then start the increases, hoping you will stick with them rather than go through the trouble of switching.

And, finally, its all about customer service when it comes to insurance. NJM has been absolutely great to me when I've had accidents. I haven't been happy with the fact that they kicked me down to NJ Re-insurance when I had 2 tickets under my belt, but they still gave me the best rates and I'd be scared to try another company that might not be as supportive come accident claim time. PLUS, when another company refused to pay for an accident caused by their client, NJM fixed my car for me and proceeded to go after the other company in court. I received a check for my deductible a year later when they finally won the case. That's great service!

exm · November 2005

Just a followup: I received my Geico renewal and my premium did NOT increase! So going to court to get rid of the points DID help!

responsible · November 2005

Hi,
I am an up and coming driver with a month under my belt and i have already been blessed with a speeding ticket. The ticket was 69 in a 40 mph zone.. although my speedometer told me other wise, i cant argue with a cop and i was speeding regardless.. we all make mistakes. I talked to the prosecutor and he told me i would not receive points as a personal favor, but i would like to know if my insurance will go up no matter what. I was assured i would not loose my license, but i am worried that my insurance will go up regardless of the 4 or 5 hundred dollars i am and are going to pay. Is this true?

Any reply would be appreciated.

qbrozen · November 2005

If there are no points, then there is nothing to worry about. only points will affect your license and insurance.

dmarked · November 2005

I have recently received a ticket for rear-ending the car in front of me due to loss of traction during a heavy downpour. The cop who came to the scene gave me a ticket for Careless Driving. Now I am concerned on how big my next insurance payment will be and how my record (previously clean). Should I hire an attorney to prevent any points?

qbrozen · November 2005

Careless is only 2 points to begin with. So I don't think a lawyer is necessary.

And the 2 points aren't going to affect your insurance anywhere near as badly as the actual accident.

responsible · November 2005

Thank you.

shawn_k · November 2005

I'm a NJ resident and just got a speeding ticket in Delaware and immediately paid the ticket. To my surprise I got a notice that I was hit with 5 points

This was posted in April...can anyone verify if out of state moving violations are indeed 2 pts only, regardless of the number of points that would be fined if the occurrence was in NJ or another state's point system.

I was just issued a speeding ticket in NY (4 points in NY; 4 points if it occurred in NJ). Even if I try to plea to a lesser fine, I probably would still get the 2pts, right? If it is indeed 4pts, maybe it is worth while to plea for a lesser violation.

caps04 · November 2005

I got a 76 on 65mph zone ticket (NJ TP). The cop was nice and I was hoping to see him in the court and get the ticket dismissed. At 76mph, I am practically tail gated by every other car at rush hour on turnpike. And I drive 130 miles per day on the turnpike for the last two years.

Long story short, the trooper wasnt in the court and I went for the no points unsafe driving option with prosecutor. This was in bordentown. When I plead guilty to this "lesser" charge, I was told I had to pay 250 for unsafe driving, 33 for court fee and 250 as a "one time" surcharge for a no point ticket. WTF???

I don't know even if its worth that much saving in insurance (I have GEICO). What can or should I do now?

black_tulip · November 2005

$533 for going 11 over? Good lord! Things sure have changed since 2000 (last year I was a NJ resident).

bud9 · November 2005

I have my first ever speeding ticket in Hamilton, NJ (Mercer county) for going at 51 in 35 miles zone resulting in 4 points. I have NJM insurance and no prior violation. I want to go to court without lawer but need some advice on the following:
If I am not able to Plead bargain w/ prosecutor and he is not wiling to lower any point, would NJM surcharge me for the violation? What are my options at this time?
If Prosecutor is able to lower to 2 pts, would NJM surcharge?
How about No-point ticket option and how much would it cost me? My main concern is to get rid of 4 points to avoid any surcharge.

Any advise or your experience will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

qbrozen · November 2005

NJM will not penalize you in any way for one ticket up to 4 points. HOWEVER, get another one in the next 3 years, no matter how minor, and you will be booted to NJ-Reinsurance and double your current yearly rate. BUT, if you can get it down to 2 points, then you could get away with another 2 pointer in the next 3 years.

You can find all the info in the papers they send you each year when you renew your policy.

kpi · December 2005

Folks:

I was pulled over for failure to stop prior to making a turn. The officer then asked me for the license, insurance card and registration. I gave him the three documents and he went back to his car. As I waited for him to come back I realized I had given him an expired insurance card. I tried to give him the correct (valid) card and he would not listen. He then told me he would drop the ticket on the insurance card that he wrote up and write me up for the failure to stop infraction. He then went on to tell me that this was better than getting 2 points on the license.

I now have a ticket which states I failed to produce an Insurance card. This ticket cannot be settled via mail and needs a court appearance. As per the law one needs to provide proof of insurance to the Police Dept in 24 hours. The following morning I went to the Police Dept. and they told me there was no need to come there and I should go to court. For this violation the police can issue a vehicle impound notice and I am concerned that they would issue an "impound notice" so I sent them proof via certified mail for their records.

The court date is January and how do I deal with this issue. Since I have been cited with lack of showing the card I was planning to plead not guilty since I always had the card. I dont think the original infraction will be an issue since the matter before the court is the non production of the insurance card.

Folks any idea about how this will be resolved. I am planning to plead not guilty and show the prosecutor that I always had the card and this was a momentary lapse under stress. For the record I have a clean driving record.

The fine is approximately $ 180.

Please advise. Thanks.

qbrozen · December 2005

well, you are doing what you can. Not sure what else to tell you.

Understand that this is a law they implemented last year that demands you produce the documents on the spot, if not, you pay $180. Purely a money-making scheme and everyone knows it. So I'm not sure they will waive it in court. You may have to pay, regardless. But who knows.

13luvs52 · December 2005

Hello how is everyone doing? Well I have a few questions and I would appreciate it greatly if someone could help me out. My boyfriend got pulled over in October of this year for speeding in New Jersey and I was with him. I believe he was getting off the turnpike but I think it's considered on the turnpike. By the way, does that effect anything? Well, the ticket says 90 in a 55. So that makes it 35 miles over the speed limit which I found out carries 5 points. I told the cop I was sick and my man was trying to get me home and he just replied with a very sarcastic remark. To make things worse the cop was a real jerk and decided to give him 2 other tickets. One for careless driving and one for failure to observe the turnpike sign. Both were very unjustified, and I think just one ticket would have been enough. Well, my question is when you add the points together I believe it is 9 because one of them I couldn't find. He is going to court to fight it but I wanted to know what are his options meaning what do you think he can plead down to and how many points will he end up getting? Will his license be suspended? How much money should he bring with him? His court date is on Jan 18 and he is thinking that he needs around 1000 dollars just in case. Is there any way he can get the 2 other tickets pleaded down to no points. And if so, how many points do you think they will reduce the speeding ticket to? Or can they at all? Basically I'm concerned about how many points it will add up to. He has 4 points currently. So reducing points is important. Also, will he have to pay surcharges? I'm going to go with him in case they suspend his license I just want to know how to prepare for it. I would like to know how much money to bring, what he can plead down to, how many points will be issued or if he can get no points somehow, and how insurance will be affected? I appreciate any responses to these questions. And by the way, are fines doubled on the turnpike or major highways?? Thanks alot and Happy Holidays to all...

qbrozen · December 2005

ouch!

get a lawyer.

lynnettet · December 2005

What has happened to your case?

weinan · December 2005

Hello. This is the experience at the court this evening:

The judge called all names first. Then a proscute called to let those without a laywer. We left the court and waited in the hall way.

The proscute didn't listen to my evidence. He just told me in PA, no points, and change 67 over 50 miles to 65 over 60. Now I have 5 mph speeding.

Then I came in the court. The judge read something, and told me I would pea guilty and get a fine $133 plus a $33 fee. Any qustions? No.

Then I paid $164 at the clerk.

Stupid New Jersey.

qbrozen · December 2005

lol.

well, first, i'm not sure how he changed the speed limit on the road to 60 from 50 (not to mention i don't believe there is any such thing as a 60 mph limit anywhere in the state). 2nd, you were SPEEDING. You got off with no points. My advice, don't speed if you don't want to get caught. And, if you hate NJ, stay out.

ginny15 · December 2005

I recently received a ticket for careless driving. It carries 2 points and I have received a summons to appear in court. I feel that it was just an accident. A woman waved me through to make a left and an oncoming car hit me. Minor damage to each car. What is the "no point option" that appears in this forum and would I be eligible for it. Thanks

qbrozen · December 2005

tough one. all you can do is try.

in this case, you were issued the ticket so that it is clear you were at fault for the accident. Pretty common practice in Jersey for the officer to give some sort of moving violation to the party they find at fault. Just makes things easier from the litigation/insurance side of things. If the prosecutor knows about the accident, he/she may not be willing to change the charge.

ginny15 · December 2005

Do I simply show up for my court date and hope that the Prosecutor offers the no point option or is there something I should do now? I have no problem accepting the liability for the accident but would really like to avoid the points. Would 2 points carry a a surcharge? Thanks so much for the help.

qbrozen · December 2005

yes, you just show up ... i think.

do you need to call and say you are showing up for court? Is that on the ticket? or is there just a court date? i can't seem to remember how that aspect works.

no surcharge for 2 points. But if you get another ticket for 2 or more points in the next year, then, yes, you will be surcharged by the state.

caps620 · December 2005

Can I plead not guilty to a 2 point offense, not properly yeilding (resulted in an accident)then if the Prosceuter does not present a no point deal or it's too expensive to plead down to a no point offense can I change the plead to guilty and eat the 2 points?
You have to call 7 days ahead to plead not guilty, this is in Colts Neck, NJ mandatory court date 1/6/06.
Thanks

magnumxlv · January 2006

I was just pulled over the evening of January 1st for doing 60 in a 35, court date on the ticket says January 10th (I will probably postpone). I'm 19 years old and this is my first traffic ticket. As it stands the ticket is currently $200 (or more?) + 4 points. I was wondering what my best option would be. Should I plead non-guilty and try to work it down to a 2 point or unsafe driving penalty? Or would it be worth it to hire a lawyer in this particular case? I'm mostly worried about the points, and am unsure as to whether I can plea 25 over down to a 2 pointer or an unsafe driving charge. Thanks for any help.

mx129 · January 2006

I JUST GOT A TICKET FOR 83 IN A 65, I ALREADY A FEW POINTS SO I NEED TO AVOID GETTING MORE IF POSSIBLE. HOW DOES THIS NO POINT THING WORK? DO THEY GIVE YOU A 250 SURCHARGE ON TOP OF THE FINE AND TAKE THE POINTS AWAY? ALL 4 POINTS?

bblues94 · January 2006

Got a ticket for cutting thru a parking lot to avoid waiting at a red light (2pts in NJ), and also I had changed my wallet and my registration was at home. So, a $180 ticket for no registration, and a fine "to be determined" for the other one. But I'm a Pa resident and I've come to understand from this forum that no points will be transferred to my Pa license. What I want to know is:
1) Will my Pa insurance be unaffected since, although the violation itself will be sent to Harrisburg, no points will be assessed
2) If my insurance does not go up, I assume I might as well suffer the 2 NJ points (although I do a fair amt of driving on the weekends in NJ) and avoid the $250 surcharge for pleading down the points to unsafe. Correct?
3)I'd like to have the $180 fine for failure to produce regist dismissed or reduced, if possible. In order to do this, do I have to plead NG and see the prosecutor? Or would the judge himself be the one to reduce the fine?
4) If I'm pleading guilty to the driving on pvt property, but I still want to ask for a light fine (clean driving record, etc), is this all up to the judge and not the prosecutor? Or if I plead guilty, do I not get to state anything in my behalf.
Thank you all so much.

nicketz · January 2006

Is it possible to get a 2pt ticket reduced to zero points without using the unsafe driving option? (Perhaps pay the fine and have the ticket dismissed pending completion of a few community service hours or something like that??)

Thanks!

amcpherson · January 2006

I had an accident 5 years ago. Just this week i was traveling 70 in a 50...because i have a clean record the officer issued a careless driving violation on the ticket, but noting nothing else...should i contact a lawyer? how many points will this mean, and how will it change my insurance? Someone recommended hiring an attorney pleading guilty with no points and paying a higher fee. Paying the higher fee is no problem but the lawyer is $500
advise please
Thanks :

qbrozen · January 2006

careless driving is a 2-point violation.

since your accident was 5 years ago, that doesn't affect you (as you said, you have a clean record at this point).

Personally, I'd probably take this one for face value (just mail in payment), and make sure to not get any more tickets in the next 3 years.

BUT, I have insurance that would forgive 2 points. Do you? If you aren't sure, call your insurer and find out.

Insurance and NJ No-Point Ticket option

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