If you are a NJ driver ticketed in PA, almost every moving violations, and even some non-moving violations can transfer to New Jersey. You will likely be assigned 2 points in New Jersey which could appear on your record. EVEN IF IT IS A ZERO POINT TICKET IN Pennsylvania, New Jersey may still assess 2 points. You should plead not guilty and most judges will let your lawyer appear in court for you.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are both members of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact which is an agreement to provide information about out of state moving violations to the driver’s home state. So, if you are pulled over in PA, it will likely get reported to New Jersey and will appear on your driving record. Additionally, New Jersey will assign 2 points on your record for an out of state moving violation. Some zero point violations will also transfer to New Jersey. For instance, an officer may think he is cutting you a break by writing a speeding ticket for 5 mph over the limit, or cite you for Obedience to Traffic Control Devices, which are both zero point violations in PA. However, even though these are no points in PA, New Jersey views these violations as moving violations and will assign 2 points and the violation appears on your record.
If you receive a ticket in Pennsylvania and are an out of state driver, you should immediately mail to the court a plea of not guilty. You have 10 days to MAIL your not guilty plea to the court, along with a check for the ticket which acts as collateral for the hearing. DO NOT pay online as you can only plead guilty online. You will receive a hearing notice and you will need to appear at the court hearing either with or without an attorney. However, most District Judges will permit us to appear in your place, so that you would not be required to return to Pennsylvania and we can appear for you in your absence. We can then represent you in court and hopefully get the ticket amended to an offense that does not transfer to New Jersey.
Many police officers are not familiar with how New Jersey DMV will view a Pennsylvania citation. The officer may not know that the Zero-point break he thought he was giving you will result in New Jersey assigning 2 points to your license. However, if you plead Not Guilty by mail, the ticket can be changed so that it does not transfer to New Jersey.
Hard to say. Some insurance companies will do nothing if you have a good driving record. Other insurance companies look for any reason to raise your rates. A 2021 study found that for a speeding ticket conviction, New Jersey drivers paid approximately 12.5% more in insurance premiums. Again, it is best to go to court so your insurance company never finds out about the Pennsylvania moving violation.
Most local judges will let us appear in court in your place so you may not have to attend the court hearing to get your points reduced.
If you are a New Jersey licensed driver and receive a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, please call us for a free consultation at (800) 536-0501and we would be happy to answer all of your questions! Call us BEFORE you pay the fine!
Ellis Klein is a terrific attorney who represented my son in a DUI case. Ellis was understanding and sympathetic yet very forthright regarding the seriousness of the issue. He was extremely knowledgeable of the process and kept us informed at every step. He had a very professional presence, was confident (but not arrogant) and kept us calm throughout a very traumatic situation. He was a critical factor in my son receiving the best possible outcome from this DUI event.
Recently Mr. Klein helped me out with a criminal charge in which the outcome was the best possible situation for me. Ellis worked with me as far as a payment plan, knew the judge and officer and I couldn't ask for anything more out of a lawyer. I'm very happy with his performance and would recommend him to anyone.
Ellis literally gave me a new lease on life. I was facing a DUI, which would have affected my livelihood, my freedom and would have left me with a criminal record. Mr. Klein was able to have all the evidence suppressed by challenging the officer's cause for pulling me over. He was very thorough, leaving no stone unturned. His demeanor in court was confident and knowledgeable. He saved my reputation and my family from facing serious economic hardship. Thank You
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Like many young adults, I made a bad decision that resulted in very serious consequences. I was afraid and nervous. Ellis was very straight-forward when he explained things to me, telling what the best outcome could be as well as the worst. Through his knowledge, professionalism, and legal reputation, my case was resolved with the best possible outcome. I advise my friends not to make the same mistake that I did, but if they do I will highly recommend Ellis. I feel like I have been given a second chance.