Paying New Jersey traffic tickets promptly is crucial to avoid additional penalties and fines. This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to pay NJ traffic tickets online through the NJMCDirect website, along with key information on monetary fines, points added to your driving record, and surcharge fees imposed by the state’s program.
Moving violations like speeding, running red lights, and improper turns can be paid online, along with non-moving violations like parking tickets and equipment violations. Tickets requiring a mandatory court appearance cannot be paid online.
Action | Details |
---|---|
Pay ticket online | Use NJMCDirect website |
Pay promptly | Avoid late fees up to $100 and other penalties |
Verify fine amount | Varies based on the severity of the offense |
Check points | Added to NJ driving record |
Learn about surcharges | Additional fees on top of fines |
Paying promptly is highly recommended, as even minor traffic tickets can lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars in total costs when all fines, fees, and insurance surcharges are tallied. Failure to pay promptly can result in license suspension or mandatory court appearances.
This article will provide clear instructions and comprehensive information on resolving NJ traffic violations online, understanding the many associated costs, and deciding whether to pay or contest your ticket.
Table of Contents
Types of NJ Traffic Tickets Eligible for Online Payment
Many common moving violations are eligible for online payment through NJMCDirect, including:
- Speeding – Exceeding posted speed limit from 1 mph up to 29 mph over
- Running red lights – Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red
- Improper turns – Making wide right turns, U-turns where prohibited, etc.
- Reckless driving – Driving carelessly without regard for safety (fines up to $500)
Non-moving violations that can also be paid online include:
- Parking tickets – Expired meter, street cleaning, handicap spot, etc.
- Equipment violations include non-working headlights or taillights, overly tinted windows, missing or expired registrations, etc.
Tickets requiring mandatory court appearances cannot be resolved online. These include:
- DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Traffic accidents – Collisions resulting in injury or property damage
- Excessive speeding tickets – 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit
Steps to Pay NJ Traffic Tickets on NJMCDirect?
Follow these simple steps to pay NJ traffic ticket online:
- Visit the NJMCDirect website at njmcdirect.com
- Click on the “Pay a Traffic Ticket” link on the homepage. This will take you to the traffic ticket payment form. Use NJ Lookup to search for the ticket info.
- Enter your ticket prefix and number. The prefix is the combination of letters (e.g. WT12) printed above the ticket barcode. The number is the series of digits below the barcode.
- Verify the ticket information and fine amount. The site will display key details like the date issued, violation code, location, officer badge number, payment due date, base fine amount, etc. Confirm that all details are accurate.
- Select a payment method such as a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex), debit card with Visa/Mastercard logo, or electronic check (eCheck using your bank account details).
- Enter your payment details. For credit/debit cards, provide the account number, expiration date, CVV security code, and billing ZIP code. For eCheck, enter your routing and account numbers.
- Review and submit payment. Double-check that all information is entered correctly before clicking submit.
- Print or save payment confirmation. Your confirmation number is important proof of payment.
NJMCDirect Payment Methods, Fees, and Timeframes
NJMCDirect offers flexibility in how you pay NJ traffic tickets online:
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
- Debit Cards – Any card with Visa or Mastercard logo
- eCheck – Electronic check using bank account details
Payment Convenience Fees
- Credit/Debit Card – 2.95% of the payment amount
- eCheck – Flat $1.50 per transaction
Cut-Off Times
- Payments submitted by 11:59 PM ET receive same-day processing
- Payments after the cut-off go to the next business day.
Installment Payment Plans
- Eligible for surcharge invoices exceeding $100
- $50 down payment required
- Balance paid over 6-12 months
- $2 per month accounting fee
By paying promptly before the due date printed on your ticket, you avoid additional late fees and penalties. Paying on the last day still gives same-day processing if submitted before 11:59 PM ET.
Fines, Points, and Penalties for Common Violations
Understanding the fines, points, and penalties for traffic tickets in NJ is important. Common examples include:
Violation | Fine Amount | Points | Additional Penalties |
---|---|---|---|
Speeding 1-14 mph over | $85 to $105 | 2 | Possible surcharges |
Speeding 15-29 mph over | $105 to $220 | 4 | Possible surcharges |
Speeding 30+ mph over | $240 to $260 | 5 | Possible surcharges, license suspension |
Careless Driving | $400 to $600 | 2 | |
Reckless Driving | Up to $500 | 5 | License suspension |
Points Threshold | Penalty |
---|---|
6+ Points | Annual insurance surcharges |
12+ Points | Mandatory license suspension |
Insurance Surcharges | $150 to $300 per year |
---|---|
Failure to Pay | Additional suspensions |
NJ Surcharge Program Explained
In addition to fines and points for traffic violations, New Jersey implements a surcharge program with extra fees added to certain driving offenses. Key details include:
- Surcharges are penalties paid to the state for 3 years on top of any traffic ticket fines
- Ranging from $100 to $1000 annually depending on offense
- DUI, driving without insurance, and driving with a suspended license commonly trigger surcharges
- Failure to pay annual surcharges results in further license suspension
- Surcharges apply even if the ticket is contested and the driver is found innocent
- Judges have no legal discretion to waive or reduce surcharges
The NJ surcharge program aims to deter and penalize dangerous driving. However, some argue the extra fees are excessive administrative punishments that go beyond reasonable traffic violation costs.
Over 375,000 drivers have had their licenses suspended in New Jersey solely for unpaid surcharge fees. However, restoring licenses requires payment of all overdue surcharges first. This creates an unfair debt cycle for low-income residents already struggling with fines and penalties on top of insurance rate increases.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket vs Paying It
While paying traffic tickets promptly can help avoid escalating costs, you also have the right to contest a traffic ticket in New Jersey. Here is a summary of what’s involved:
Contesting a Ticket
- Plead “not guilty” and request a court hearing.
- Hire a traffic ticket attorney/lawyer to fight the charges.
- Use defenses like improper signage, equipment defects, and emergency situations.
- Risk of increased fines & penalties if found guilty.
Plea Bargaining
- Negotiate with the prosecutor to plead to a lesser offense
- Get certain charges dropped or reduced
- Avoid points that increase insurance costs
Paying the Ticket
- Use NJMCDirect for quick & convenient online payment
- Pay fines promptly to avoid additional late fees
- Accept points on your NJ driving record
- Complete a defensive driving course to offset points (once every 3 years)
Contesting should only be done selectively for unfair, inaccurate, or fraudulent tickets with concrete evidence. Otherwise, paying promptly despite frustration is usually the safest option.
Final Words
Attention to traffic tickets and prompt resolution are crucial for all New Jersey drivers. The state implements among the strictest systems for fines, points, and surcharges, which can rapidly escalate costs.
Utilizing the NJMCDirect online system makes it fast and convenient to pay NJ traffic tickets before due dates. This avoids late fees and court appearances and prevents driving records from accumulating excessive points, leading to further license suspensions.
Understanding the severity of common violations in terms of dollar amounts and points is important when budgeting for ticket resolution costs. The state’s complex surcharge program particularly penalizes drivers in addition to any court-levied fines.
Contesting tickets is an option, but it should be pursued judiciously and rarely without strong evidence. For most drivers, promptly satisfying traffic violations online and then adjusting driving habits going forward is the lowest-risk and hassle approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the frequently asked questions about New Jersey Traffic Tickets.
What is NJMCDirect?
NJMCDirect is the official New Jersey Government website for paying traffic tickets, parking tickets, speeding tickets, signal jumping tickets, and other traffic violations. NJMC stands for New Jersey Municipal Courts.
Can New Jersey residents pay for parking tickets online?
Yes, New Jersey residents can pay for NJ traffic tickets, including parking tickets, online using the NJMCDirect website.
What are the requirements for making an NJ traffic ticket payment online?
The violation ticket must not require you to appear in court to be eligible for online ticket payments. You can visit www.njmcdirect.com to pay online for your traffic or municipal tickets.
What is a surcharge on an NJ ticket?
When you commit several traffic violations over a period of twelve months, an additional charge is levied on the summary of the traffic violations. You will also receive notifications from the Motor Vehicle Commission regarding the surcharges.
What if I can’t find my traffic ticket details online?
If you cannot find your traffic ticket details online, you can use the NJ Ticket lookup page to search for your ticket details using your driver’s license or vehicle registration number.