No matter how safely you drive, chances are that you'll receive a traffic ticket at one time or another.

Most moving violations result in points being added to your driver history record, and when enough points accumulate, you could be in danger of a license suspension or revocation.

A ticket could also result in an increase in your insurance premiums, even if it's your first one.

For more information about points, please see the Point System page on this site.

Top Avoid Common Mistakes

In New Jersey, distracted drivers are often ticketed for careless driving, which carries an $85 fine. This implies that those who try to eat, read, shave, apply makeup, or hold pets while driving do not care that their actions may harm others.

When you are behind the wheel, your attention must be focused on driving alone. For this reason, you should use a hands-free device with your wireless phone or pull off the road to use it. (Violators may receive a fine of up to $250.)

Top What to Do if You Get a Ticket

The New Jersey Municipal Courts Direct (NJMC Direct) site is the fast, secure, and convenient way to access your traffic ticket information online. (However, if you have a specific concern about a traffic ticket you receive, you should call the municipal court where that ticket was issued.)

Note also that the Web site does not allow a search by license plate number. You will need a traffic ticket to complete your search.

In regard to your ticket:

• The court ID is located at the top left-hand side and it may have a ticket prefix located next to it.

• The ticket number is located at the top right-hand side.

• The license plate number listed identifies the vehicle associated with the ticketed offense.

If you receive a parking ticket on plates that are no longer yours, you should:

• Get a photocopy of the original ticket (not the summons) from the municipality that issued it.

• Write a letter explaining that the plates are no longer yours, and include your new plate number and your driver license number.

• Send the letter, a copy of the ticket, and the summons to:

• Motor Vehicle Commission

• ISM Correspondence Center

• P.O. Box 403

• Trenton, NJ 08666-0403

A file search of the plate number will be made, and a letter will be sent to you concerning the results of the search. This information may help you resolve the problem with the court.

If you previously surrendered the old plates and kept the receipt, you should be able to produce a copy of that receipt.

Also find information about Paying Your Traffic Ticket on this site.

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