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In New Jersey, drivers are required to make a complete stop when approaching a red light. Failing to do so is grounds for a traffic violation that can entail hefty penalties. However, most tickets can be contested in traffic court. A good traffic attorney can help you avoid fines and keep points off your license. Here’s what you should know about fighting a red light ticket in New Jersey.

How To Fight a Red Light Ticket in New Jersey?

Red light cameras capture traffic violations on photos and videos, for example, running a red light or stopping in an intersection while the light is red. 

Although red light cameras may contribute to promoting road safety and reducing reckless driving, they are often a controversial subject. In New Jersey, the use of red light cameras has been prohibited since 2014, making it one of 18 states that ban the use of photo traffic enforcement. 

At the same time, all the states surrounding New Jersey use red light cameras. This means that if you travel through one of those states, you could still end up receiving a red light camera ticket. 

To fight your ticket, you can use the following arguments:

• The vehicle shown in the photograph is not yours. If two vehicles appear in the photo, you can claim it was the other car that set off the camera.
• You were not the person driving the car or it was not your car. If the photo taken by the red light camera doesn’t clearly show the driver or the license plate, you can argue that there is no clear proof that it was your car.
• The red light camera was not properly maintained. Red light camera systems occasionally make errors and you can request proof that the camera was recently serviced.
• It was unsafe to stop.
• You were trying to avoid an accident. 
• It was an emergency situation.
• You ran the light in order to yield to an emergency vehicle.

How Much Does a Red Light Ticket Cost in New Jersey?

A red light ticket in New Jersey can cost anywhere between $50-$200, in addition to court fees. Fines are doubled if the offense takes place on a road with a maximum speed limit of 65 mph or in an area of the highway undergoing construction.

The penalty might also include up to 15 days in jail if you caused an accident by running a red light. 

Finally, a red light violation will add two demerit points to your driving record, and three points if you took an illegal turn at a red light. 

Can I Use a License Plate Blocker in New Jersey?

New Jersey forbids the use of plastic or glass license plate covers or coating that may distort or obscure your license plate. As of August 2021, you are allowed to have a license plate frame on your vehicle as long as it doesn’t block out the words “New Jersey” or “Garden State.” In other words, you won’t be stopped by the police if your license plate frame obscures a part of your license plate.

Note that your plates must be properly illuminated at night and you have to make sure that there is no snow or ice on your license plates that might prevent them from being read. 

In New Jersey, you can get a ticket for a license plate violation no matter whether you’re driving or your vehicle is parked on a public road or highway. If you are parked, the violation will result in a parking ticket, whereas if you are operating the vehicle, you will get a moving violation ticket. In either case, a license plate violation in New Jersey will result in a fine of up to $100. 

How To Reduce Points on My License

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) can remove points from your license under the following conditions:

• You can have three points removed if you don’t commit a traffic offense or have your license suspended for one year.
• You can have two points removed if you complete a New Jersey defensive driving course. You can take the course once every five years. Another advantage of taking a defensive driving course in New Jersey is that it will qualify you for an auto insurance discount, usually between 5% and 10%.

Can You Text at a Red Light in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you can text or hold a cell phone during a call while in traffic or at a red light, but this practice is strongly discouraged. 

Using handheld devices and texting while driving is illegal.

New Jersey traffic law permits you to pull over to the side of the road if you need to check your phone. You may also use your phone under the following circumstances:

• You fear for your safety or you believe that your life is in danger. 
• You want to contact emergency services to report a fire, traffic crash, road hazard, or medical emergency.

If you have received a ticket for a red light violation, a traffic attorney can help you fight to lower your fines and reduce points on your license. Read on to find out more. 

Hire an Attorney To Fight Your Ticket

The Winit app is the most efficient way to find an affordable, qualified attorney who will help you contest your traffic ticket in New Jersey. All you need to do is take a photo of your ticket and submit any evidence in the app. Our team will get back to you with a free quote within the next 48 hours.

After assessing your case, the lawyer will help you understand what defense options are available and what you can be charged with. The process is completely risk-free and we won’t charge you unless we win. 
If you’d like to know how we may be able to help, give us a call today at (646) 859-0828.