The Importance of Motor Vehicle Insurance for New Jersey Motorists:
New Jersey traffic ticket attorney Dan Matrafajlo is no stranger to the New Jersey motor vehicle code. If you have recently been slapped with a violation of one of New Jersey’s tough driving laws, do not hesitate to contact our offices today. One common charge motorists face relates to New Jersey Annotated Statute 39.6B-2 which involves the operation of a motor vehicle upon New Jersey roadways without liability insurance. We understand how costly insurance can be, but we urge all New Jersey drivers to adhere to the insurance requirement as the penalties for not carrying a policy can far outweigh the money saved.
Whom Does the Law Apply To?
Section 39.6B-2 applies to any owner of a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in New Jersey who operates a motor vehicle upon any public road or highway in New Jersey. It is not a requirement that one be a New Jersey resident for this statute to apply, as the provision clearly states that insurance is required for anyone with a vehicle that is principally kept within the state. The statute goes on to state that the requirement to hold a valid auto insurance policy extends to any operator who operates or causes a motor vehicle to be operated and who knows or should know that the motor vehicle is without insurance.
What Penalties Are There?
Penalties for violation NJAS 39.6B-2 depend upon whether the charge is a first-time offense or the driver is a repeat offender. For those violating the auto insurance statute for the first time, the penalty shall include a fine of between $300 and $1,000 dollars. In addition, the accused must perform community service as outlined by the judge and relinquish his driver’s license for one year. Any subsequent conviction exposes the driver to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for a term up to 14 days, 30 days of community service and relinquishment of driving privileges for a period of 2 years. Restoration of driving privileges is only possible at the discretion of the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, who will make a decision based upon the likelihood that the driver will continue to drive in violation of the statute.
If you are facing serious fines and penalties for driving without auto insurance, do not hesitate to contact Dan Matrafajlo today. Give him a call at (908) 248-4404.
