If you’re caught speeding 20 MPH over the limit in New Jersey, you’ll face significant fines, points added to your license, higher insurance rates, and possibly a suspended license if you accumulate too many points. It’s important to drive within speed limits to avoid these consequences and ensure safety on the road.
Getting a speeding ticket in New Jersey for driving 20 miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit is a serious offense that can have multiple consequences. It’s important for drivers to understand the implications of such violations, both to be aware of the penalties and to recognize the importance of adhering to traffic laws.
What Happens When You Exceed the Speed Limit by 20 MPH?
In New Jersey, speeding is not taken lightly, especially when it exceeds the limit by 20 MPH. Here’s what you can expect if you’re caught:
- Fines and Penalties: The fines for speeding 20 MPH over the limit can be quite hefty. Typically, the base fine increases with every 5 MPH over the speed limit. For 20 MPH, this could mean a fine that could exceed $200, not including court costs which may also apply.
- Points on Your License: New Jersey operates on a point system, where points are added to your driving record for violations. Speeding 15 to 29 MPH over the limit results in 4 points being added to your license. Accumulating too many points can lead to higher insurance premiums and eventually, license suspension.
- Insurance Rate Increases: Speeding tickets are red flags for insurance companies, which typically raise insurance rates for drivers cited for speeding. A ticket for 20 MPH over the limit can significantly increase your insurance costs for several years.
- Possible License Suspension: If you have multiple violations or a total of 12 or more points on your driving record, your license may be suspended. Speeding can lead to rapid accumulation of points, pushing you closer to suspension.
How to Handle a Speeding Ticket for 20 MPH Over
If you receive a speeding ticket in New Jersey, you have a few options:
- Pay the Fine: The simplest option is to pay the fine and accept the points on your license. This can be done online, via mail, or in person.
- Court Appearance: You have the right to plead not guilty and contest the ticket in court. This may require hiring a traffic attorney, especially if you believe the speeding ticket was unfairly issued or if you have a valid defense.
- Defensive Driving Courses: Sometimes, attending a defensive driving course can help reduce the points on your record. New Jersey allows this option for certain violations and it can also lead to insurance discounts.
- Negotiation: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate the penalties, especially if you have a clean driving record. This can happen in court or through discussions with the prosecutor.
The Importance of Driving Within Speed Limits
Speed limits are not arbitrary; they are established based on the road conditions, traffic, and safety considerations in a particular area. Driving 20 MPH over the speed limit can put you and others at significant risk. It increases the likelihood of accidents and reduces the time you have to react to unexpected situations.
Summery
Receiving a speeding ticket for going 20 MPH over the limit in New Jersey is a clear signal to reassess your driving habits. The consequences are not just financial but can also affect your driving record and legal standing. It’s crucial to adhere to posted speed limits and drive responsibly to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
By understanding the full implications of speeding and handling tickets properly, you can better navigate the challenges that come with traffic violations and maintain a clean driving record.
Tips
- Check the Ticket: Make sure all the information on your speeding ticket is correct, including your name, the date, and the speed you were allegedly going.
- Consider Your Options: Decide whether to pay the fine, contest the ticket in court, or attend a defensive driving course if eligible.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you choose to fight the ticket, consider consulting with a traffic attorney to discuss your defense and the possibility of reducing the penalties.
- Attend Court Prepared: If you go to court, bring all necessary documents and any evidence that supports your case, such as photos or witness statements.
- Drive Safely: Use this experience as a reminder to always follow speed limits and drive responsibly to avoid future tickets and ensure safety on the road.
Useful Links
Here are some useful links regarding New Jersey speeding tickets:
- NJMCDirect: Pay, Plea, and Resolve Traffic Ticket – This portal allows you to handle payments and pleas for NJ traffic tickets online.
- New Jersey Speeding Tickets and Fines – Driving Laws – Provides detailed information about speeding violations, fines, and potential jail time for speeding in New Jersey.
- New Jersey Traffic Tickets & Violations – Offers a comprehensive guide on how to pay traffic tickets and what to expect during the process in New Jersey.
- Speeding Ticket FAQ’s: New Jersey Traffic Law Center – Covers frequently asked questions about speeding tickets, including how speed is measured and how to fight a ticket.
- Municipal Court Case Search (MCCS) – New Jersey Superior Court – This site provides a secure way to look up municipal traffic or complaint information online.