Fines

The Judge must follow the law in deciding the amount of any fine imposed. Sometimes there are minimum penalties and mandatory assessments that must be imposed by law. Fines are generally expected to be paid at the time they are imposed.

The Judge may allow the fine to be paid in installments if he or she is satisfied that payment cannot be made in full. You may apply for partial payments by filling out a form. The Judge will then make a decision about your payment arrangements. You will sign a court order that will explain the terms of your payments. Failure to comply with this order can result in a warrant for your arrest and/or suspension of your driving privileges.

Jail

The maximum jail term that can be imposed for offenses heard in the municipal court is six months. Sentences are served at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

License Suspension

Many offenses require suspensions for a minimum period. You cannot drive for any reason until the period of suspension ends, you have paid your restoration fee, and have received written notification from the Division of Motor Vehicles that your driving privileges have been restored. If your license has been suspended for failure to appear, pay fines, or comply with a condition of your sentence, generally it will not be restored until your case is completed. Conditional or special work licenses are not allowed in New Jersey.

Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)

If convicted of DWI or refusal to take a Breathalyzer, the court must order attendance at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, where the Defendant must satisfy the screening, evaluation, referral program and fee requirements. Failure to comply with the IRDC guidelines will result in further court action.

Community Service

By law, the Judge must order community service for certain traffic offenses and may order community service for a criminal conviction. The Defendant must work for a municipality or non-profit organization for a certain period of time without compensation. Failure to perform community service will result in the case being returned to court.

Points/Surcharges

In addition to the penalties imposed by the court for moving traffic violations, the Division of Motor Vehicles will also assess points on driving records. Most violations result in two points, but it can be as high as eight for a single offense. The New Jersey Department of Insurance may also assess surcharges on insurance payments.