Will I Go to Jail for Speeding in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a reputation for having some of the most aggressive drivers in the country, as everyone always seems to be in a rush to get to where they need to go. Whether you were following the flow of traffic down the Parkway or Turnpike, you can end up with a police car behind you and an officer asking, “Do you know how fast you were going?” If this represents your circumstances, you may wonder if you can end up in jail for speeding. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why connecting with a Bergen County, NJ speeding violation attorney can help you.
What Are the Penalties for Speeding in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, speeding can have intense penalties for those pulled over. Typically, the most impactful consequence will be the points added to your driver’s license. Essentially, each point on your license is indicative of the fact that you are a high-risk driver, and accumulating too many points will result in the revocation of your license. The points you can get for speeding are as follows:
- 1-14 miles over the speed limit: 2 points on your license
- 14-30 miles over the speed limit: 4 points on your license
- 30 miles or more over the speed limit: 5 points on your license
If you are caught going 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, you will likely be issued a reckless driving ticket in addition to your speeding ticket.
In addition to points, you can face hefty fees, vehicle impoundment, surcharges, and an increase in your insurance premium.
Does Speeding Warrant Time in Jail?
It’s important to understand that going to jail for speeding is not very common. However, just because this is not something that happens often doesn’t mean it never happens. Depending on the circumstances of your traffic stop and unique situation, you can potentially face up to 15 days in jail for speeding. Additionally, if you skip a court date, you may be sentenced to time behind bars.
What Should I Do if I’m Pulled Over?
When you are pulled over, it’s imperative to understand what to do and say to the officer. The most important thing is to remain polite and cooperative with the officer. When they initiate the stop, they will likely ask if you know how fast you were going. It’s important to answer carefully, as saying yes can be held against you but saying no can be seen as lying or like you weren’t paying attention. Instead, politely the officer you want to invoke your right to remain silent.
You will likely be issued a ticket. Before paying, you should understand that paying the ticket constitutes a “guilty” plea, meaning you will incur all the penalties. Instead, you should connect with an experienced traffic attorney who can assist you in navigating these matters.
At the Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC, we understand that facing a speeding ticket can be daunting. That’s why our team will do everything possible to assist you during these difficult times. Connect with us today to learn how we can represent you in these matters.