As a New Jersey municipal court attorney at The Scardella Law Firm LLC, I’ve seen how something as common as a speeding ticket can quickly become a serious issue. You may think it’s a minor inconvenience, but the reality is that a speeding ticket in New Jersey can affect your driving record, raise your insurance premiums, and even put your license at risk.
When you appear in municipal court, judges don’t just look at the speed listed on the ticket. They consider a range of factors that can influence the outcome of your case. Understanding these factors is the first step in deciding whether to simply pay the fine or fight the ticket.
Fines for Speeding in New Jersey
The fines for speeding in New Jersey depend on how far over the limit you were driving:
- 1 to 9 mph over: $85 fine
- 10 to 14 mph over: $95 fine
- 15 to 19 mph over: $105 fine
- 20 to 24 mph over: $200 fine
- 25 to 29 mph over: $220 fine
- 30 to 34 mph over: $240 fine
- 35 to 39 mph over: $260 fine
If you were stopped in a school zone, construction zone, or safe corridor, fines are doubled. Safe corridors are designated stretches of highway where the state imposes higher penalties to reduce accidents. A single ticket in these areas can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars once surcharges and court costs are included.
It is important to note that these fines are the “payable” amounts, meaning they are what you are charged only if you pay a ticket you received without going to court. If you go to court, then the judge can assess you a fine between $50 and $200, plus court costs, and those fines are doubled if you were stopped in a school zone, construction zone, or safe corridor.
Points on Your New Jersey Driver’s License
In addition to fines, speeding tickets add points to your driving record. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) assigns points as follows:
- 1 to 14 mph over: 2 points
- 15 to 29 mph over: 4 points
- 30+ mph over: 5 points
If you accumulate 12 or more points, you face a mandatory administrative driver’s license suspension from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Points can also trigger insurance increases that last for years. Paying a ticket is treated as pleading guilty, so those points stay on your record and continue to affect your insurance.
What Judges Consider in Speeding Cases
When you appear in municipal court, judges will weigh more than just the speed you were traveling. They typically look at other factors, including:
Your Driving History
A clean driving record may result in reduced penalties for first-time offenders, but it’s not a defense. Judges review your history when deciding fines or suspension, but it cannot be used to dispute the charge itself.
Circumstances of the Stop
Speeding in school zones, pedestrian areas, or during hazardous weather conditions often leads to harsher penalties, including higher fines, added points, or even suspension. Enforcement is especially strict during school hours and periods of severe weather, reflecting New Jersey’s commitment to safety.
Your Attitude in Court
Showing respect and taking the matter seriously can influence a judge’s perception and may result in greater leniency. Disrespectful behavior, such as speaking out of turn, raising your voice, or disregarding court rules, can lead to harsher consequences, including contempt of court.
Impact on Your Livelihood
Judges may consider how a suspension affects your job. While safety is the priority, some courts allow restricted driving privileges for work if you prove it’s essential. This is not guaranteed and depends on the specifics of your case and local court policies.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Pay the Ticket
Paying the fine may seem easier, but it means pleading guilty. That adds points to your license, raises insurance rates, and can even put your license at risk. By working with a New Jersey municipal court attorney, you may be able to reduce the charges, negotiate for fewer points, or even have the ticket dismissed.
Defending A Speeding Ticket in New Jersey
When you’re facing a speeding ticket in New Jersey, you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach. At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, I take the time to understand the details of your stop, your driving history, and what’s at stake for you personally, whether it’s your job, your insurance rates, or your ability to keep driving.
In municipal court, the difference between a conviction and a reduced charge often comes down to preparation and presentation. I examine whether the initial stop was warranted, whether the officer followed proper procedure, and whether the ticket contains significant errors. I also work directly with prosecutors to negotiate outcomes that minimize points and protect your record.
My goal is to help you move forward without long-term consequences. With over fifteen years of experience in New Jersey municipal court matters, including traffic violations and DUI/DWI charges, I know how to navigate these cases with precision and care.
If your case becomes more serious and moves beyond the municipal level, I’ll connect you with trusted counsel who can continue the defense. You won’t be left guessing what comes next.
Protect Your Driving Record with a Municipal Court Attorney
A speeding ticket in New Jersey can have lasting consequences for your license, insurance, and driving record. Judges consider multiple factors, and how your case is presented often determines the outcome.
At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, I represent clients across Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, and Burlington Counties. Whether you live locally or were ticketed while passing through Central or South Jersey, I’ll guide you through the municipal court process and pursue every legal avenue to protect your driving privileges.
Ticketed for speeding in Mercer County or anywhere else in South or Central Jersey? Reach out to me, Lauren Scardella, Esq., for a free consultation. I’m ready to advocate for you and work toward the most favorable resolution.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.