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Can Traffic Violations Affect My Insurance Rates in New Jersey?

According to statistics compiled by the NJ Judiciary, in the one year period between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, a whopping total of 1,879,135 traffic tickets were issued. Traffic violations include a wide variety of offenses and can result in various legal consequences. Those guilty of traffic violations are likely concerned about the prospect of their offense impacting their auto insurance rates. As an NJ driver, it is imperative that you understand your legal rights and options. Read on and speak with a Bergen County traffic ticket attorney for more information and skilled legal advice.

What Are Traffic Violations?

Traffic violations in New Jersey are offenses related to motor vehicles. These are not criminal offenses but can still carry repercussions like fines, restitution, and even jail time. Traffic violations can include moving or nonmoving offenses. As long as a traffic law was broken, you can receive a violation and be ticketed.

There are thousands of traffic violations that you can incur in New Jersey. Some examples include the following.

  • Driving with an expired license
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to possess license, insurance, or registration documents
  • Inadequate headlights
  • Failure to wear seatbelt
  • Improper parking
  • Failure to obey stop signs or yield right of way
  • Impeding traffic
  • Improper turning

If you are caught doing any of the above, or any of the other violations listed on the NJ Courts website, you will likely receive a ticket which can result in varying fines, points on your license, and additional penalties.

Can Traffic Violations Affect My Insurance Rates in NJ?

Put simply, yes, traffic violations can affect your insurance rates in New Jersey. When determining insurance premiums, insurance companies assess the risk of providing coverage for a driver. The higher the risk, the higher the rates will likely be. If you have a history of traffic violations, it suggests to insurance providers that you may be more likely to file a claim and cost them money.

However, it is important to note that not every traffic violation will result in an increased premium. Some offenses, like speeding or driving under the influence, demonstrate that you are a reckless driver and that you have a higher chance of being involved in an accident in the future due to your driving habits. Other violations, like a parking ticket, for example, usually do not directly affect your insurance rates. Parking incorrectly or forgetting to move your car on street cleaning day does not offer evidence of your likelihood to file a claim.

In general, any moving violation or offense that results in points on your license can impact your insurance rates and cause the provider to raise your premium. It is also important to note that while offenses like parking violations don’t typically raise your rates, if you fail to pay tickets it could impact your driving privileges and credit score, which could affect your insurance premiums.

Whether or not a traffic violation will impact your insurance rates in New Jersey can be complex and depends on the details of your circumstances. Obtain help and legal representation from an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Kevin T. Conway today.

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