It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when behind the wheel and fail to follow all traffic laws. But getting ticketed for running a red light, speeding, reckless driving or another serious driving violation puts your license at risk. When faced with a moving violation, it’s tempting to opt for the New Jersey Unsafe Driving plea. But is that your best option?
What is it?
Essentially, it’s an option that allows drivers to downgrade a ticket by way of a zero-point plea bargain. Sounds great right? Well, there’s a little more to it than that.
The Garden State operates on a points system and if you accumulate too many points you can lose your license. As noted, this option does not add points to your license, but it is an expensive ticket. This route carries a steep surcharge in addition to any fines or court costs associated with your moving violation charge.
Under the statute, drivers can petition to reduce a traffic-related offense down to an unsafe driving ticket. However, you can only petition for this option three times in your entire life and twice within a five-year period. This means you should use this option sparingly and strategically.
Should I use this option for my ticket?
The short answer is it depends. This can be a viable option if you’re worried about losing your license from the additional points or if increased insurance rates would be problematic. But remember, this so-called “get out of jail free card” can only be used three times total. If traffic tickets are out of the ordinary for you, consider going this route when it benefits you more.
As you weigh your options, consider:
- What moving violation did law enforcement ticket you for?
- How many points will it add to your record?
- How many tickets have you received previously?
It’s a calculated risk – know when to use it to your advantage
Don’t make an impulsive decision with your license at stake. Contact The Law Offices of Anthony N. Palumbo today to schedule a free initial consultation. Get in touch online or by calling 908-272-9700.
