3 tickets at once... handicapped, repairs, plates. Help!

[mandygomeow]

What is the name of your state? New Jersey

I was parked today at my college - Raritan Valley Community College. I was with my mother, who legally has a handicapped tag, but we had forgotten it in her car. We parked in handicapped anyway - cause we had never had a problem with it before. Go in, come back out a few hours later. I got slammed with a ticket for parking in a spot without a handicapped tag. $250.

Then the cop decided to just be an ass... wrote me another ticket for "failure to make repairs" - because my car failed inspection and had not been passed yet (lack of funds to do so) - and I have no idea why he didnt just give me failure to inspect... $130

And I got an "unclear plates" because I got in a bit of an accident and my front plate is missing. $54

Im going to court - its mandatory for the handicapped ticket. Can I fight these since I was with my mom and she really is handicapped? Also, if I get my car fixed and passed inspection, and fix my front plate - any chance those will be dropped?

Also my friend told me NJ has a state surcharge of $250 for every ticket over $100... that cannot be true... doesnt sound legal! Is that true? Cause if Im going to be slammed with another $500 in surcharges, Im going to just cry.

Please help!

[FlyingRon]

Sounds like you're guilty of all three (and possibly more).

New Jersey is a bitch when it comes to surcharges. Thank the corrupt legislature that is made up nearly entirely of personal injury lawyers. They need the surcharges to help fund the farking JUA (don't get me started).

Yes, it's required to display the handicap placard/plates not just have a handicapped person in the car.

Yes it is required to FIX the defects in your car when you fail inspection.

Yes it's required to have both plates.

Here's what I suggest:

1. Get the car fixed/reinspected.
2. Get the front plate put on.

Have your mom and her placard and documentation that you did the other two things before your court date and throw yourself on the mercy on the court. Maybe you can get something reduced.

[j97e]

Well, there is a yearly surcharge, the amount varies, depending on the charge, and it's usually for more than one year. You can pay them off by making $50.00 monthly payments.

Even if you repair your car and inspect it, most likely you will be found guilty with a lesser violation, and in addition to the fines/surcharge, you will have to pay the court fee for each one. Not sure how much it is these days.. Around $40.00 ish..?

Ah.. New Jersey.. 'The Ripoff State'.

[bobzero]

Well your screwed for sure, i lived in jersey for years and once you get in their system you almost have to do everything they say, go to court., don't get any warrants out for you...i'm in texas now and got locked up for my 1st time in 20 years and the warrant was 9 years old and taken care of....i smell money for me., good luck and drive carefully!

[guy0287]

I live in New Jersey. My mom is handicapped. on several occasions she has forgotten to display her place card. She has always gone to court displayed her disabled persons id and vehicle registration and never had a problem. Is your card registered to your mom? if so there should be no problem.
As far as the front license plate ticket, go to court with the tag in place and they should withdraw the ticket. I have never had a problem there.
Try to have the repairs made and have the car inspected. Hopefully the prosecutor will cut you a deal.
Good Luck