Jeff Varcadipane
January 30, 2023
Excessive Speeding and Accidents: What You Should Know
We live in a world where time is of the essence. Unfortunately, people don’t think about the consequences of speeding until they are pulled over and issued a citation or get into an accident.
A lot of accidents and fatalities result from speeding, so lawmakers make sure guilty drivers are fined and punished accordingly.
For 2020, the total number of car crashes recorded by the New Jersey Department of Transportation totaled 190,783.
“Put the Brake on Fatalities”
Indeed, New Jersey understands that speeding on highways is a problem, as it recognizes “Put a Brake On Fatalities” day in the state. The national program takes place on October 10th annually.
In a recent year, speeding was listed as a contributing factor in 27% of the highway crashes in the state that ended in death. That translates to 9,557 lives lost and an estimated $52 billion paid in expenses related to these fatalities.
Anyone who is issued a speeding ticket in New Jersey can face penalties in the form of points on their driving record as well as large fines. For example, fines run from $85 to $260 for speeding tickets, depending on how many miles over the speed limit a person is caught driving.
Current Fines for Speeding in New Jersey
Currently (as of December 8, 2022), fines are assessed as follows:
- 1 to 9 mph over – $85.00
- 10 to 14 mph over – $95.00
- 15 to 19 mph over – $105.00
- 20 to 24 mph over – $200.00
- 25 to 29 mph over – $220.00
- 30 to 34 mph over – $240.00
- 35 to 39 mph over – $260.00
Moreover, lawmakers will double the fines for anyone driving 10 mph or more in an area with a 65+ mph speed limit posted.
If a defendant challenges a speeding ticket, they’re also assessed a $34.00 charge. Plus, violators who drive over the speed limit have to pay a surcharge of $150.00, plus $25.00 for each point they’re assessed over six – related to speeding over a three-year period.
How New Jersey Assesses Points
Again, the points that are assessed are related to speed.
If a driver is caught going one to 14 mph over the posted speed limit, they are assessed two points. Driving 15 to 29 mph over the limit is worth four points, and if the driver’s speed exceeds 30 mph or more, they’re given 5 points.
Speeding also leads to an increase in auto insurance premiums as the offense appears on state driving records. One offense can raise a premium by as much as 15%.
Other Fines and Sanctions For Going Too Fast
In fact, people can get in all sorts of trouble if they don’t take their time while driving in the Garden State. Defendants are required to appear in court if they drive over 40 mph.
Also, if a driver exceeds the speed limit across a sidewalk (which is four mph), they can be fined $80.00. Speeding can also lead to improper turns. If a driver makes a reckless turn in a controlled intersection, they can receive a fine of $85.00, while whipping around a corner in a construction zone can lead to a payment of $140.00.
Those same fees are also assessed for failing to observe flashing traffic signals at a controlled intersection or in a construction zone. It’s easy to understand why as these types of incidents can lead to personal injury car accident claims.
The Penalties for Speeding-Related Recklessness
Speeding and reckless driving often go hand in hand. Therefore, speeding is often considered reckless. A first offense can add five points to a driving record and imprisonment of up to 60 days. Lawmakers can also suspend a defendant’s license or impose a fine of up to $200.
If someone is caught speeding or driving recklessly a second time, they can receive a fine of up to $500 and face imprisonment of up to 90 days. They can also get their license suspended.
Reckless vs. Careless Driving
N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 defines reckless driving as willful intent, while N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 refers to careless driving or operating a vehicle without due caution. While reckless driving and careless driving are often confused, reckless driving denotes a willful behavior, while carelessness involves a less cautionary attitude.
When someone uses excess speed or drives recklessly, it can lead to a head-on collision. For example, passing at a high speed and not using care can trigger a fatal and unfortunate accident.
Regardless of the reason for a ticket or violation, it is important to comply with the mandates established for New Jersey traffic laws. Anyone who refuses to follow up or fails to appear in court may receive a warrant for their arrest.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Have you been involved in an accident where the other driver was speeding? If so, contact a personal speeding crash injury lawyer now at (866) 643-1026. Speak to the law firm of Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, to arrange a consultation.
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey and a Founding Partner of the Firm. He handles a variety of matters including civil and commercial litigation, appellate practice, real estate, and business law.
University: J.D. Fordham Law School
Bar Number: 29472005
Locations: New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
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