New Jersey commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) are governed by Chapter 39, section 3 of the state’s statutes. These rules lay out the types of violations CDL holders may commit and the resulting punishments that can accompany each type of violation. New Jersey state law defines a commercial vehicle as any vehicle that is engaged in a business purpose, regardless of the vehicle’s weight or size. Violations committed while operating a commercial vehicle are managed by the state’s traffic courts and the Motor Vehicle Commission.

Violations Out New Jersey

New Jersey is different than most other states in that it considers traffic violations committed outside of state lines. If you hold a CDL and get a ticket in another state, you can get points on your New Jersey driving record and against your CDL license. You can also be fined and have your CDL suspended, according to the rules set forth in the state’s statutes.

New Jersey Traffic Violations

Below are common New Jersey traffic violations and their impact on a CDL:

• Speeding can result in fines and revocations of your CDL. Speeding violations are not dependent on whether you are towing a trailer. Below is an outline of fines associated with speeding:
  1. Up to 9 mph: $81
  2. 10 to 14 mph: $91
  3. 15 to 19 mph: $101
  In addition to fines, you can lose your CDL for 60 days for a first or second speeding ticket or 120 days for a third or subsequent offense.
• Failing to stop violations carries a fine of $200. You can lose your CDL for 60 days for a first or second violation. A third or subsequent violation can result in a CDL suspension of 120 days.
• CDL-Specific Violations. New Jersey has statutes that apply only to commercial vehicles. The most common is a grade or lane restriction. The maximum weight for a commercial vehicle with tires 40 or fewer inches apart is 22,400 lbs. Overweight vehicles are charged $0.02 for each additional pound as well as $400 for the first offense, $700 for the second, and $1,000 for the third or subsequent offense. A violation of this statute is a $200 fine and subject to a 600-day CDL suspension for the first or second offense, and a 120-day suspension for any subsequent offense.
• DWI/DUI. A drunk driving conviction can significantly place your CDL in jeopardy. A first DWI can cause a 1-year suspension. If you were driving a commercial vehicle containing hazardous material when you got the DWI, your license will be suspended for 3 years. A second drunk driving violation results in permanent revocation of your CDL.

Call a New Jersey Driver’s Traffic Ticket Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has gotten a ticket and wants to avoid a conviction, an experienced attorney can help. Fighting traffic violation tickets is especially important if you are a CDL license holder.

Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-355-7100 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today to see how we can help you fight your ticket.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/CSA-2010-Phase-Results-Report.pdf