It is against the law in New Jersey to take a shortcut through someone else’s property or a parking lot so you can avoid stopping at a traffic signal.

The NJ law: N.J.S.A. 39:4-66.2

The NJ law N.J.S.A. 39:4-66.2 Which prohibits driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal provides: “Except for emergency vehicles and motor vehicles being operated at the direction of a law enforcement officer, no person shall drive a motor vehicle on public property, except public roads or highways, or private property, with or without the permission of the owner, for the purpose of avoiding a traffic control signal or sign.”

NJ MVC Points and Penalties

If you violate this provision and are convicted of or plead guilty to driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal, the law says that you will be liable for a penalty ranging from $50.00 to $200.00 (39:4-66.2), court costs up to $33 (N.J.S.A. 22A:3-4), a $6 assessment (N.J.S.A. 39:5-41) and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will also penalize you by adding two points to your driving record. Points violations will stay on your driving record, but you can get up to three points subtracted for each year that you don’t have a traffic violation or license suspension. If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record, your license will be suspended. In addition, the judge has the discretion to suspend your license for “willfully” violating traffic laws, (N.J.S.A. 39:5-31).

NJ Insurance Premiums

If you hold a New Jersey automotive insurance policy, you may also face a separate penalty outside the court system: New Jersey-licensed automobile insurance providers keep track of your driving record and have an “insurance eligibility points” system. If you are convicted for violating N.J.S.A. 39:4-66.2, your automobile insurance company will add two insurance points, and you will face an increase in your NJ auto insurance rates.

The Law Firm of Richard Huizenga is here to help

If you have received a ticket for driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal (NJSA 39:4-66.2), you should get an experienced New Jersey traffic ticket lawyer as soon as possible. Contact The Law Firm of Richard Huizenga who specializes in New Jersey traffic ticket law at (732) 500-4688 for a free consultation.