New Jersey’s roads are notorious for being jam-packed with aggressive drivers who prioritize getting to their destinations as quickly as possible. Often, drivers are unaware they are traveling over the speed limit as they are just trying to keep up with the flow of traffic. If this reflects your circumstances and you have received a speeding ticket, it’s important to carefully consider your legal options moving forward as the penalties for such a traffic violation can be quite severe. Many defendants wonder whether they can face jail time for a speeding ticket. Please continue reading to learn whether you can go to jail for a speeding ticket in New Jersey and why connecting with an experienced Bergen County Speeding Ticket Attorney is in your best interest.
What Are the Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in NJ?
Speeding tickets in New Jersey can result in significant penalties including hefty fines, surcharges, higher insurance premiums, the impounding of your vehicle, demerit points on your driving record, the loss of your license, and more. Even though nearly everyone gets pulled over at least once in their lives and speeding tickets are very common, they should be taken seriously. The point system is broken down as follows:
- Speeding 1 to 14 miles per hour over the speed limit can result in a 2-point violation
- Speeding 15 to 30 miles per hour over the speed limit can result in a 4-point violation
- Speeding more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit can result in a 5-point violation
The amount of the fines you incur may be double depending on the specific circumstances of your offense. In addition, if you accumulate 12 or more motor vehicle points on your New Jersey driving record, your license will be subject to suspension. Fines will typically range between $85 to $260 depending on how fast you were driving over the speed limit.
Will I Go to Jail?
While it’s very uncommon, the court does have the discretion to impose a jail sentence for a speeding ticket. Offenders can face up to 15 days in jail depending on the unique circumstances of their case. In some cases, an offender may have to serve jail time if they skip a mandatory court appearance.
Should I Pay the Ticket?
If you have received a speeding ticket in the state of New Jersey, you should refrain from paying it without first consulting a seasoned attorney. This is important because the act of paying the ticket constitutes a plea guilty, which will result in a conviction and the imposition of demerit points on your driving record. The most effective way to avoid the consequences of a speeding ticket is to enlist the help of a skilled attorney, who can help you navigate your legal options and fight for the best possible outcome.
At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we are prepared to help protect your rights and fight to get your speeding ticket dismissed or reduced. Don’t delay, connect with our dedicated legal team today to discuss your situation.
