You made a mistake and your driving privileges were suspended. You still have months to go until you can legally drive, but you really need to go to the store now. Since it’s only a few blocks away, you decide to take the chance and get behind the wheel. However, as soon as you start rolling down the street, you are pulled over and asked to provide license and registration – only you don’t have a valid driver’s license. What happens now? What consequences will you face?
New Jersey License Suspension
Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) 39:3-40, motorists are prohibited to operate any motor vehicle if their driver’s license has been “refused, suspended, or revoked.” While most individuals know that their driving privileges have been suspended, as well as the reason for the suspension, some New Jersey motorists only find out about the suspension after being pulled over.
In New Jersey, your driver’s license does not have to be physically taken away before ordering a suspension. Instead, your license may be permitted to lapse without ever receiving a written notice or summons to appear in court via mail.
Common Reasons for Suspension of Driving Privileges in New Jersey
Your driving privileges can be suspended for a variety of different reasons. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has the authority to suspend your driver’s license for various reasons including:
- Failure to appear in court
- Reckless driving or speeding erratically
- Excessive amount of points for moving violations
- Driving with a suspended license
- Being at fault for a causing a fatal accident
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances
- Failure to pay fines, fees or surcharges
- Mental impairment or physical condition
- Leaving your vehicle unattended on a public highway
Regardless of what the reason is for the suspension of your driver’s license, the best advice is not to get behind the wheel again until you are legally permitted to do so. However, if you do and you are charged, you may face serious penalties, depending on the specific facts and reasons for the suspension of your license. Some common penalties include a jail sentence of up to 5 years, further suspension of your driving privileges, and additional fines and surcharges.
Don’t Give Up! Let Us Help You Fight You License Suspension!
If you or a loved one has been be charged with driving on a suspended license or are in danger of losing your driving privileges, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo can help by challenging due process violations, chemical tests, and lack of notice related to administrative and parking suspension.
Call Us Today!
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, please call us the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo (908) 248-4404.
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