In the state of New Jersey, the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission has been granted the authority to make specific rules and regulations that control what equipment is necessary when using motor vehicles that are registered in the state. New Jersey traffic ticket lawyers have many clients who were stopped for equipment violations. You should note that all vehicles that are registered in New Jersey are required to be properly equipped at all times. When it is determined that a vehicle is not properly equipped, it will be deemed to be in violation of the law and, accordingly, it will be subject to a motor vehicle stop by the police.
However, keep in mind that if a police officer stops a motor vehicle based on an alleged violation for an equipment issue that is not there at the time, the stop will not be deemed to have been justified under any theory as being “objectively reasonable.” Under these circumstances, the officer’s subjective certainty and good faith belief that he or she witnessed a violation are pretty much immaterial. A skilled New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer can further advise you with respect to the particulars of your case.
There are additional reasons for a police officer stop a vehicle based on an equipment violation. For instance, in New Jersey, registered motor vehicles may not be driven with non-transparent materials attach to the lights or windows. This includes all vehicles with tinted windows on the front driver’s or passenger’s side. Under state statute, the police were well within their rights to conduct motor vehicle stops based on the presence of tinted windows on vehicles.
If you need the assistance of a competent New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer, please call Dan Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404 for a free consultation.
