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FAQs for New Jersey Drivers Ticketed in Pennsylvania for Moving Violations

If you are a NJ driver ticketed in PA, almost every moving violations, and even some non-moving violations can transfer to New Jersey. You will likely be assigned 2 points in New Jersey which could appear on your record. EVEN IF IT IS A ZERO POINT TICKET IN Pennsylvania, New Jersey may still assess 2 points. You should plead not guilty and most judges will let your lawyer appear in court for you.


How Does a Pennsylvania Moving Violations Affect New Jersey Drivers?

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are both members of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact which is an agreement to provide information about out of state moving violations to the driver’s home state. So, if you are pulled over in PA, it will likely get reported to New Jersey and will appear on your driving record. Additionally, New Jersey will assign 2 points on your record for an out of state moving violation. Some zero point violations will also transfer to New Jersey. For instance, an officer may think he is cutting you a break by writing a speeding ticket for 5 mph over the limit, or cite you for Obedience to Traffic Control Devices, which are both zero point violations in PA. However, even though these are no points in PA, New Jersey views these violations as moving violations and will assign 2 points and the violation appears on your record.

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What Should I Do if I am from New Jersey and Receive a Ticket in PA?

If you receive a ticket in Pennsylvania and are an out of state driver, you should immediately mail to the court a plea of not guilty. You have 10 days to MAIL your not guilty plea to the court, along with a check for the ticket which acts as collateral for the hearing. DO NOT pay online as you can only plead guilty online. You will receive a hearing notice and you will need to appear at the court hearing either with or without an attorney. However, most District Judges will permit us to appear in your place, so that you would not be required to return to Pennsylvania and we can appear for you in your absence. We can then represent you in court and hopefully get the ticket amended to an offense that does not transfer to New Jersey.

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The Officer Said He Is Cutting Me a Break and Not Giving Me Points. Should I Just Plead Guilty?

Many police officers are not familiar with how New Jersey DMV will view a Pennsylvania citation. The officer may not know that the Zero-point break he thought he was giving you will result in New Jersey assigning 2 points to your license. However, if you plead Not Guilty by mail, the ticket can be changed so that it does not transfer to New Jersey.

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How Much Will My New Jersey Insurance Rates Go up due to a Ticket in Pennsylvania?

Hard to say. Some insurance companies will do nothing if you have a good driving record. Other insurance companies look for any reason to raise your rates. A 2021 study found that for a speeding ticket conviction, New Jersey drivers paid approximately 12.5% more in insurance premiums. Again, it is best to go to court so your insurance company never finds out about the Pennsylvania moving violation.

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Do I Need to Travel to Pennsylvania to Go to Court?

Most local judges will let us appear in court in your place so you may not have to attend the court hearing to get your points reduced.

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Conclusion

If you are a New Jersey licensed driver and receive a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, please call us for a free consultation at (800) 536-0501and we would be happy to answer all of your questions! Call us BEFORE you pay the fine!

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Ellis Klein is a terrific attorney who represented my son in a DUI case. Ellis was understanding and sympathetic yet very forthright regarding the seriousness of the issue. He was extremely knowledgeable of the process and kept us informed at every step. He had a very professional presence, was confident (but not arrogant) and kept us calm throughout a very traumatic situation. He was a critical factor in my son receiving the best possible outcome from this DUI event. John Doe
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