This schedule contains only those motor vehicle offenses that have statutory minimum fines and penalties or those that contain a specified range of minimum/maximum fines and penalties. Motor vehicle offenses that contain only maximum penalties are not included on this list. This chart is designed for quick reference and does not contain every sentencing nuance. Therefore, it is recommended that judges always consult the applicable statute before imposing any sentence. The listed fines do not include court costs. Accordingly, remember to add court costs, up to a maximum of $30.00 (before September 1, 2004) or $33.00 (on or after September 1, 2004), to the appropriate fine. The listed fines also do not include the amount assessed for fines established at N.J.S.A. 39:5-41. As of the date of this chart, the total additional assessments under N.J.S.A. 39:5 41 are $6.00, but reference should be made to this statute to determine the correct amount at the time of sentencing.
39:3-9a Failure to notify change in name 39:3-86 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $25 $500
39:3-9a Failure to endorse license 39:3-86 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $25 $500
39:3-10 Driving without a license where offender has never been licensed in N.J. or elsewhere Fine or imprisonment for not more than 60 days and $200 no license to issue for at least 180 days $500
39:3-10.18(a) Failure to possess valid commercial driver’s license Fine or imprisonment up to 60 days, or both $250 $500
39:3-10.18(b) Driving a commercial vehicle after driver's license has been suspended
1) Fine or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both none
2) If accident with personal injury to another occurs while violating this section, 90 days imprisonment, $5000 fine and suspension of commercial driving privileges in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.20(f) $5000
39:3-10.24 Refusal to consent to taking samples of breath after arrest for operating commercial vehicle under the influence pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.13 First offense: Fine and six month revocation of $250 driver's license, and satisfy the requirements of a program of alcohol education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 $500 39:3-10.24 Refusal to consent to taking samples of breath after arrest for operating commercial vehicle under the influence pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.13 Subsequent offense: Fine and 2 year revocation of $250 driver's license, and satisfy the requirements of a program of alcohol education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 $500
39:3-12 Illegal securing of driver’s license Fine or imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor $200 more than 90 days, or both $500
39:3-13.2a Violation of conditions of the special learner's permit, other than conviction of alcohol or drug related offense 39:3-13.8 $100 $100
39:3-20 Weight in excess of limitation permitted by certificate of registration for commercial vehicles Plus $100 per 1000 lbs. or fraction thereof of excess $500 weight none
39:3-20.1 Misuse of registration of empty trucks 39:3-20.2 Fine and suspension or revocation of the privilege $25 $100
39:3-27.11 Misuse of fire department or first aid squad plates 39:3-27.12 $25 $50
39:3-27.17 Misuse of disabled veteran plates 39:3-27.18 $25 $50
39:3-27.21 Misuse of commuter van plates 39:3-27.22 $25 $50
39:3-27.27 Misuse of street rod plates $25 $50
39:3-29 Failure to exhibit documents $150 $150
39:3-35 Lending or misusing registration certificate or plates $25 $50
39:3-37 Falsifying application on examination Fine or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both $200 $500
39:3-38 Counterfeiting plate or marker Fine or revocation of driver’s license not exceeding 6 months $50 $100
39:3-38 Using other than issued marker $25 $50
39:3-38 Using counterfeit plate Fine or revocation of driver's license not exceeding 6 months, or both $50 $100
39:3-40 Driving when license refused, suspended, revoked or prohibited (See attached chart at the end of the schedule)
39:3-70.2 Air pollution $25 $100
39:3-76.2a Restraint or booster seat for child under age 8 Fine shall be suspended if defendant can prove possession and use of approved restraint 39:3-76.2d $10 $25
39:3-76.2f Failure to wear seat belt 39:3-76.2j $20 $20
39:3-76.5 Failure to equip motorcycles with permanent seat and footrests for passenger $50 $100
39:3-79.8 Prohibition of supplying fuel to vehicle without label First offense (penalty may be collected in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2A: 58-10 et seq.)$25 $25 Subsequent offense (penalty may be collected in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10 et seq.) $50 $50
39:3-80 Vehicle with inferior tires First offense $50 $100 Subsequent offense $100 $200
39:3-81 Tires fitted with projections (penalty may be collected in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10 et seq.) $25 $50
39:3-84.3(i) Violation of dimensional limitations $150 $500
39:3-84.3(j) Violation of weight limitations Fine an amount equal to $0.02 per pound for each $50 pound of the total excess weight provided the total excess weight is 10,000 Ibs. or less, or shall be fined an amount equal to $0.03 per pound for each pound of the total excess weight provided that the total excess weight is more than 10,000 lbs., but in no event should the fine be less than $50
39:3-84.3(l) Violation of designated routes First offense none $400 Second offense $700 $700 Subsequent offense $1000 $1000
39:3B-25 School bus driver using cell phone $250 $500
39:4-14.10 Electric personal assistive mobility device violations 39:4-14.11 First offense: Warning No Fine 39:4-14.10 39:4-14.11 Second offense $10 $10 39:4-14.10 Third or subsequent offense, requires court to none impound the device for not more than 30 days. A person who fails to comply with the requirements governing warning notices shall be fined not more than $100 for each violation.
39:4-48 Operating or using a vehicle without consent of owner $100 minimum
39:4-49 Tampering with vehicle First offense $10 $50 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both $50 $100
39:4-49.1 Operation of a motor vehicle while in possession of controlled dangerous substance Fine and 2 years suspension of driver’s license $50 none
39:4-50 Operating under the influence (See attached chart at the end of the schedule)
39:4-50.4a Refusal to undergo breathalyzer test (See attached chart at the end of the schedule)
39:4-50.14 Operation of motor vehicle by person whose blood alcohol is between .01% and .08% and is under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages Loss of license for not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days and perform community service for not less than 15 days nor more than 30 days. In addition, must satisfy program and fee requirements of the IDRC or participate in a program of alcohol education and highway safety. Penalties shall be in addition to the penalties which the court may impose under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15, N.J.S.A. 33:1-81, N.J.S.A. 39:4- 50, or any other law
39:4-51a Consumption of alcoholic beverage by operator passenger First offense $200 $200 Second or subsequent offense: Fine or 10 days community service $250 $250
39:4-51b Possession of open container of alcohol in passenger compartment First offense $200 $200 Subsequent offense: Fine or community service for 10 days $250 $250
39:4-52 Racing on highway First offense $25 $100 Subsequent offense $100 $200
39:4-53 Leaving vehicle with engine running $10 $25
39:4-56.1 Willful abandonment of motor vehicle to obstruct traffic Fine and suspension of driver’s license not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years $200 $500 Subsequent offense: Fine and suspension of driver's license for 5 years $500 $1000
39:4-56.5 Abandonment of motor vehicle First offense: Fine and license or driving privileges may be suspended or revoked for not more than 2 years $100 $500 Subsequent offense: Fine and license or driving privileges may be suspended or revoked for a period of not more than 5 years $500 $1000
39:4-56.8 Failure of towing service to tow disabled vehicle $25 $50
39:4-63 Placing, throwing, or depositing injurious substances on highway Fine and may forfeit right to operate a motor vehiclefor 30 days $100 $500
39:4-64 Throwing or dropping debris from a vehicle $200 $1000
39:4-66.2 Operation of motor vehicle on public or private property to avoid traffic signal Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-76 Driving overweight vehicle on interstate bridge $0.02 per pound for each pound of excess weight if the excess does not exceed 10,000 pounds, and $0.03 per pound for each pound of excess weight if the excess weight exceeds 10,000 pounds, but in no event less than $50.00. In addition, the owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for damages to the bridge $50 none
39:4-77.1 Snow or ice falling off moving vehicle- noncommercial vehicle $200 $1000
39:4-77.1 Snow or ice falling off moving vehiclecommercial vehicle $500 $1500
39:4-80 Failure to obey directions of officer 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-81 Failure to obey traffic control device 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39-:4-82 Failure to keep right 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-82.1 Failure to drive on right-hand roadway 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-83 Failure to keep to right at intersection 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-84 Failure to pass to right when proceeding in opposite direction 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200 39:4-85 Failure to pass to left when overtaking 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-85.1 Wrong way on one-way street 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-86 Failure to overtake and pass properly 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-87 Failure to give overtaking vehicle right of way 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-87.1 Failure to yield to bus Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both (effective 8/1/04)39:4-203 $50 $200
39:4-88 Failure to drive properly in marked lanes 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-89 Following vehicle too closely 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-90 Failure to yield right of way at intersection 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-90.1 Entering or leaving limited access highways improperly 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-91 Failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicles 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-92 Failure to pull over for emergency vehicles and following an emergency vehicle too closely 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-92.1 Following fire department vehicle too closely back to fire station 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-94 Train unnecessarily blocking highway 39:4-104 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-96 Reckless driving First offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, or both $50 $200 Second or subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both $100 $500
39:4-97 Careless driving 39:4-104 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-97a Motor vehicle operation causing property damage 39:4-104 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-97.1 Slow speed as to block traffic 39:4-104 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-97.2 Operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner, endangering persons or property First offense; $250 surcharge (for offenses occuring on or after July 1, 2004) $50 $150 Second offense; $250 surcharge (for offense occuring on or after July 1, 2004) $100 $250 Third or subsequent offense; $250 surcharge (for offenses occuring on or after July 1, 2004) $200 $500
39:4-97.3 Operating a motor vehicle while using a cell phone 39:4-97.3(d) Effective July 1, 2004 $100 $250
39:4-98 Speeding 39:4-104 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-100 Speeding across sidewalk 39:4-104 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-115 Failure to make proper turn 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-116 Failure to make proper turn at arrow 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-117 Special pedestrian interval; pedestrian violation 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-117 Special pedestrian interval; motorist violation 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-119 Failure to observe flashing traffic signals 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-122 Failure to obey whistle of police officer 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-123 Failure to make proper turn 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-124 Failure to turn as indicated by buttons or markers at intersection 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-125 U-Turn on curve or grade where view obstructed or "No-U-Turn" sign 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-126 Failure to signal before starting, turning or stopping 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-127 Backing or turning in street 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-127.1 Failure to stop at railroad crossings 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-127.2 Failure to stop at approaches to movable span bridges 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-128.1 Passing school bus while picking up or discharging First offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days or 15 days community service, or both $100 none Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $250 none
39:4-129(a) Leaving the scene of accident involving injury or death First offense: Fine or 180 days imprisonment, or both, and suspension of driving privileges for 1 year from date of conviction. Imprisonment shall be imposed only if death or injury to another person $2500 $5000
39:4-129(b) Leaving the scene of accident involving damages to attended vehicle or property First offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both, and suspension of driving privileges for six months from date of conviction $200 $400 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both, and suspension of driving privileges for 1 year from date of conviction $400 $600
39:4-129(d) Leaving the scene of accident involving damages to unattended vehicle or property First offense: Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both, and suspension of driving privileges for six months from date of conviction $200 $400 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both, and suspension of driving privileges for 1 year from date of conviction $400 $600
39:4-130 Failure to report accident $30 $100
39:4-132 Failure of repairman to report damages Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both $100 $500
39:4-144 Failure to obey "Stop" or "Yield Right of Way" signs 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-145 Failure to yield to a line of vehicles entering stop or yield intersection after stopping 39:4-203 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both $50 $200
39:4-207.9 Failure to maintain handicapped parking space $200 $500
39:4-208 Improper traffic & parking on State property 39:4-209 $1 $15
39:4-208 Altering, conterfeiting or misuse of State parking permits 39:4-209 none $50
39:6B-2 Failure to carry motor vehicle insurance coverage First offense: Fine and a period of community service as determined by the court, and suspension of driving privileges for 1 year $300 $1000 Subsequent offense: Fine and shall be subject to 14 none days imprisonment, and 30 days community service and suspension of driving privileges for 2 years from date of conviction $5000
39:8-18 Affixing approval sticker without reinspection or conformity to standards First offense: Fine and suspension of re-inspection center’s license for at least 1 year but not more than 3 years $1000 $1500 Subsequent offense: Fine and permanent revocation of reinspection center's license $2000 $3500
39:9-2 Commercial driver exceeding maximum permitted on-duty hours First offense: If default in payment of fine, defendant shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 days 39:9-4 $25 $25 Subsequent offense: If default in payment of fine, defendant shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 days $25 $50
39:10-10 Failure to deliver certificate of ownership $25 $25
39:10-12 False application for a duplicate certificate of ownership Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both $200 $500
39:10B-2 Identification of motor component parts: Violation of record maintenance requirements Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both. $25 $100
39:11-3 Operating a junk yard without a license 39:11-11 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both $25 $100
39:11-9 Failure of junk yard owner to certify the condition of vehicles sold 39:11-11 Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both $25 $100
39:12-2 Operating a driving school without a license First offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days, or both 39:12-12 $100 $250 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 3 months, or both $250 $500
39:12-2.1 Failure of driving school instructor to receive required training First offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days, or both 39:12-12 $100 $250 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 3 months, or both $250 $500
39:12-5 Driving school employing an unlicensed instructor First offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days, or both 39:12-12 $100 $250 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 3 months, or both $250 $500
39:12-11 Driving school failing to keep records First offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days, or both 39:12-12 $100 $250 Subsequent offense: Fine or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 3 months, or both $250 $500
39:12-15 Failure to wear seat belts in driver's school (instructor and student) First offense $25 $25 Subsequent offense $50 $50
Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea
1. You will have to appear in open court and tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense(s)
2. Do you understand that if you plead guilty:
a. You will have a criminal record
b. You may go to Jail or Prison.
c. You will have to pay Fines and Court Costs.
3. If you are on Probation, you will have to submit to random drug and urine testing. If you violate Probation, you often go to jail.
4. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing.
5. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss and if the court finds that you are able or will be able in the future to pay restitution.
6. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty.
7. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty.
8. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3
9. You could be put on Probation.
10. In Drug Cases, a mandatory DEDR penalty of $500-$1,000, and lose your driver's license for 6 months - 2years. You must pay a Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fund penalty of $30.
11. You may be required to do Community Service.
12. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty.
13. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction.
14. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation.
15. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1
16. You may lose your right to vote.
The defense of a person charged with a criminal offense is not impossible. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of a criminal offense.
Jail for Crimes and Disorderly Conduct:
If someone pleads Guilty or is found Guilty of a criminal offense, the following is the statutory Prison/Jail terms.
NJSA 2C: 43-8 (1) In the case of a crime of the first degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between 10 years and 20 years;
(2) In the case of a crime of the second degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between five years and 10 years;
(3) In the case of a crime of the third degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between three years and five years;
(4) In the case of a crime of the fourth degree, for a specific term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 18 months.
2C:43-3 Fines have been increased recently! 2C:43-3. Fines and Restitutions. A person who has been convicted of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine, to make restitution, or both, such fine not to exceed:
a. (1) $200,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the first degree;
(2) $150,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the second degree;
b. (1) $15,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the third degree;
(2) $10,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the fourth degree;
c. $1,000.00, when the conviction is of a disorderly persons offense;
d. $500.00, when the conviction is of a petty disorderly persons offense;
If facing any criminal charge, retain an experienced attorney immediately to determine you rights and obligations to the court. Current criminal charge researched by Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. 732-572-0500
