Statute of Limitations on Moving Violations
Can a traffic ticket for moving violations be issued to a motorist at anytime? The answer to that question is an unequivocal, No! Let me explain. A police officer or complainant can only issue a summons for a moving violation committed on the highways of New Jersey within the statute of limitations period. In other words, most motor vehicle traffic violations offenses committed in the State of New Jersey must be issued within 30 days of the date of offense and served upon the defendant. See, N.J.S.A. 39:5-3.
It is not unusual for a defendant charged with moving violations to be sent the ticket in the mail, as opposed to, being issued a summons/complaint at the time of the motor vehicle stop. As such, if you have been issued a traffic ticket via mail make sure you keep the envelope remitted in order to determine if said traffic ticket was timely issued.
If you have been issued a traffic summons, days after the stop or alleged moving violation, contact Dan T. Matrafajlo for a free legal consultation to discuss same.