If you’ve had your license suspended in New Jersey, you might be tempted to get into your car and drive around once in a while. A quick drive to the store, running the kids to school, or going to a doctor’s appointment may seem harmless enough, but the consequences of driving while suspended far outweigh the benefits. A longer suspension, fines, and the need for a New Jersey Traffic Attorney are just a few of the issues that you face.
Consequences of Driving While Suspended
If the State of New Jersey suspends or revokes your license, you are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle in any state during that suspension or revocation. There are numerous reasons why a driver may have his license suspended, such as:
- Accumulation of 12 points within two years; 15 points within 2+ years
- Municipal court order
- Family court order due to failure to pay child support
- Failure to pay motor vehicle surcharges
- Drug conviction
- DUI conviction
Some states provide limited conditions for which a driver may drive during a suspension, but New Jersey does not provide any conditions. Therefore, if caught driving, for any reason, there will be consequences to face.
For a first offense, you could be fined up to $500; for a second offense, you could be fined up to $750, plus serve 1 to 5 days in prison; for a third offense, you could be fined up to $1,000 and serve up to 10 days in prison.
However, depending on the reason for your suspension in the first place, you may be subject to enhanced penalties. The following original charges may subject you to greater consequences (in addition to what was listed above) if caught driving during your license suspension:
- Driving without insurance – additional $500 fine, and an increased suspension period of 1 to 2 years
- DWI/DUI – additional $500 fine, an increased suspension period of 1 to 2 years, jail time of 10 to 90 days, and suspension of motor vehicle registration privileges.
Need An Experienced New Jersey Traffic Attorney?
It’s never worth the risk of getting caught driving while your license is suspended. But if you do find yourself in this situation, it is crucial that you call your traffic attorney in New Jersey immediately. Don’t have a New Jersey traffic attorney? Contact Mark Catanzaro, a trusted lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience in handling traffic offenses and similar criminal charges.
Defenses exist to these charges, but developing a winning defense takes time. So don’t wait! Call now: (609) 261-3400