Top 10 Most Common Traffic Violations in New Jersey

If you’ve received a NJ traffic ticket or simply want to avoid one, knowing the most frequent New Jersey traffic violations is essential. Violating these laws can lead to costly fines, license suspension, and long-term insurance increases. At JSD Legal, we help drivers fight back against these offenses and minimize penalties under the New Jersey points system.

Here are the top 10 most common traffic offenses in New Jersey — and what they mean for your license, insurance, and wallet.

1. Speeding Violations

Speeding is consistently the most common traffic offense in NJ. Whether violating by 1-14 mph, 15-30 mph, or over 30 mph, drivers receive 2 to 5 points and fines ranging from $85 to $200+. Excessive speeding may trigger license suspension and surcharges under the New Jersey point system.

2. Reckless or Careless Driving

NJ law defines reckless driving as wilfully disregarding the safety of others. This serious offense carries 5 points, fines between $50–$200+, and even jail time on repeat convictions. Reckless driving is a major contributor to fatal crashes, making it a top concern in traffic violation defence.

3. Cell Phone & Distracted Driving

Using a handheld device while driving, including texting or checking GPS, results in 3 points and fines typically between $200–$800. Distracted driving contributes to approximately 26–27% of traffic fatalities in New Jersey.

4. Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

Disobeying signals—running red lights or missing stop signs—earns 2–4 points and fines in the $200–400 range, depending on repeat offenses.

5. Tailgating (Following Too Closely)

Tailgating is penalized with 2–5 points and fines around $100–200. This practice is also tied to careless or aggressive driving charges if it endangers others.

6. Driving Without a License or Driving Suspensions

Driving on a suspended or revoked license often results in fines of $500–1,000, potential jail time, and definitely license revocation.

7. Expired Registration or Driving an Unregistered Vehicle

Operating or parking a vehicle without current registration can lead to multiple fines (often around $54 each) and is surprisingly common in municipal courts across NJ.

8. Seatbelt and Child Restraint Violations

Failing to wear a seatbelt typically carries a fine near $46, and using improper child restraints adds similar penalties—especially for children under 8 years and under 80 pounds. 

9. Failure to Yield / Improper Turns or Passing

Common moving violations like improper turns, failure to yield, U-turns, or illegal passing carry 2–4 points and moderate fines—increasing risk under the NJ point system.

10. DUI / DWI (Driving Under the Influence)

Although classified as a traffic violation in New Jersey (not a criminal offense), DUI charges are harsh: fines from $500 up to several thousand dollars, license suspension, and potential jail depending on BAC and prior convictions.

Why These Traffic Violations in New Jersey Matter

• Insurance point system: Just 6 points in 3 years triggers annual surcharges; accumulating 12+ points leads to license suspension.
• Crash statistics: Over 55% of NJ crashes are caused by speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
• Fatal crash rates in NJ: NJ ranks among the top states for fatal crashes tied to reckless driving and disobeying traffic control devices.

What to Do If You’re Facing a Traffic Offense

1. Review Your Ticket: Check the offense code (e.g. N.J.S.A. 39:4‑98 for speeding) and understand associated points and fines.
2. Consider Legal Help: Many tickets can be reduced or dismissed with skilled legal representation—especially speeding, reckless driving, DUI, or license suspension cases.
3. Protect Your Driving Record: Avoid accumulating points and surcharges. Challenge inaccurate observations or procedural errors in court.

Request Defensive or Driver Improvement Programs: Completing approved programs may help remove points from your record.