How to Avoid Points on a Speeding Ticket in NJ
In New Jersey, receiving a speeding ticket can lead to points being added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension, higher insurance premiums, and other long-term financial consequences. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid or reduce the points associated with a speeding ticket.
Understanding the Points System in NJ
NJMCDirect com point system assigns different point values for various traffic violations. The points for speeding tickets are determined by how far over the posted speed limit you were driving:
- 1-14 MPH over the limit: 2 points
- 15-29 MPH over the limit: 4 points
- 30 MPH or more over the limit: 5 points
Accumulating 12 or more points can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. Even if you don’t reach this threshold, points on your record can lead to increased insurance premiums and other penalties.
Also Read: Select NJ Speeding Ticket for 20 MPH Over the Limit
Strategies to Avoid Points on a Speeding Ticket
There are several methods you can use to avoid having points added to your driving record after receiving a speeding ticket in New Jersey.
Defensive Driving Courses
In New Jersey, you can take a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record. By completing a state-approved course, you can have up to 2 points removed from your driving record. However, you can only take this course once every five years for point reduction purposes.
Defensive driving courses also have the added benefit of potentially lowering your auto insurance premiums, as some insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete them.
Plea Bargaining (Unsafe Driving)
Another option is to negotiate with the court to have your speeding ticket reduced to a lesser offense. In New Jersey, you may be able to plead guilty to a non-point offense such as unsafe driving instead of speeding. While you’ll still have to pay fines, you won’t receive points on your license, which can help avoid insurance hikes.
Keep in mind that there is a limit to how often you can plead to an unsafe driving charge. The first and second offenses do not carry points, but a third offense within five years will result in points on your record.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket in New Jersey
If you believe the speeding ticket was issued unfairly, you can contest the ticket in court. Successfully fighting a speeding ticket requires gathering evidence to dispute the charge, such as challenging the accuracy of the radar gun or arguing that the posted speed limit was not clearly marked.
Hiring a traffic attorney can increase your chances of success in court, as they can use legal expertise to question the validity of the evidence and represent your case effectively.
Probationary Driver Programs
For new drivers on probationary licenses, there are additional programs that can help avoid points after receiving a speeding ticket. New Jersey’s Probationary Driver Program is designed for new drivers who have committed traffic violations within their first two years of driving. Completing this program can prevent points from being added to your record and help you avoid license suspension.
Legal Representation
Hiring a traffic lawyer can greatly increase your chances of reducing or avoiding points on a speeding ticket. Lawyers who specialize in traffic law can help negotiate plea deals or challenge the evidence against you, such as questioning the accuracy of speed detection devices like radar guns.
While hiring a lawyer comes with additional costs, it may save you money in the long run by avoiding points, fines, and increased insurance premiums.
Also Read: How Much is a Traffic Ticket Lawyer?
How to Request a Reduction of Points
After receiving a speeding ticket and having points added to your driving record, you can still take steps to reduce the number of points.
- Defensive Driving Courses: As mentioned earlier, completing a defensive driving course can remove 2 points from your record. You can take this course once every five years for point reduction.
- Points Reduction Program: New Jersey also offers a point reduction program, where drivers can reduce 3 points from their record for every 12 consecutive months of violation-free driving. However, this does not apply if your license has already been suspended.
You can formally request point reductions by completing the necessary courses and submitting proof of completion to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Impact of Speeding Points on Insurance
One of the biggest financial consequences of accumulating points on your driving record is the effect on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies view speeding tickets and points as a sign of risky driving behavior, which typically results in higher premiums.
- 2-4 points: Even a few points can increase your insurance rates by 10-20%.
- 5+ points: More points can lead to even higher rate hikes, with increases of 30% or more depending on your insurance provider.
By taking steps to avoid or reduce points, you can prevent your insurance premiums from skyrocketing.
How to Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Maintaining a clean driving record is key to avoiding points and minimizing your insurance costs.
- Follow Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially in areas with high enforcement, such as school zones and highways.
- Stay Aware of Traffic Laws: Keep up with changes in traffic laws and be mindful of local speed enforcement areas.
- Check Your Driving Record: Regularly check your driving record through the New Jersey MVC to ensure that no errors have been made and that your points are accurately recorded.
Practicing safe driving habits not only helps you avoid tickets but also keeps your driving record clean in the long term.
FAQs
How many points do you get for speeding in NJ?
You can receive 2 to 5 points on your driving record depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving.
Can I avoid points if I plead guilty to a speeding ticket?
If you plead guilty to speeding, points will be added to your record. However, you may be able to negotiate a plea to a non-point offense like unsafe driving.
How often can I take a defensive driving course to reduce points?
You can take a defensive driving course to reduce points once every five years in New Jersey.
Can hiring a lawyer guarantee point reduction or ticket dismissal?
While a lawyer cannot guarantee a specific outcome, they can improve your chances of reducing points or dismissing the ticket by challenging the evidence or negotiating with the court.