19:9-1.7 Improper Use of Median (NJ)

[NiceDriver]

What is the name of your state? New Jersey

Many might know that both the northbound and southbound lanes of NJ Turnpike are divided into two sections: cars only and cars and trucks, respectively. At certain points, there are breaks in the dividers that are designated "for official use only".

Sometimes, one of the sections is completely backed up with traffic while the other is running smoothly. Many cars will drive through this break in the divider and switch to the other side. Recently, I was one of many cars performing this procedure, but I'm the one the cop decided to pull over and ticket.

Any reason to show up at the court and try to get it reduced to a non-moving violation or a violation in which no points are accrued?

[The Occultist]

I see no legal reasons that would force the prosecutors to accept a plea, but if you have a clean driving record, bring it with you and see what happens. But no, the "everybody else was doing it" defense typically does not slide.

[NiceDriver]

Thank you -- The Occultist -- for your reply.

I do indeed have avery clean driving record -- my last moving violation was more than 10 years ago.

Are State Troopers more apt to appear for court dates than local police? I was just wondering the odds of this State Trooper showing up for the date.

In addition, do judges want to hear "reasons" for commiting a violation even if the defendent is essentially guilty?

Lastly, does a "two-point" moving violation prompt an automatic insurance increase?

[The Occultist]

I do not know if a state trooper is more likely appear, but do note that court appearances typically count towards overtime pay for officers, and as such is something officers will usually take advantage of.

Legally speaking, no, a judge doesn't care what reasons you may have for committing the offense. When trying to give a reasons, you are essentially saying that you are guilty, but with an explanation, the main part of that being that you are guilty. However, if you give your sob story along with showing your clean record, your pleas may fall on a sympathetic ear, and perhaps some leniency will be shown. When you talk to the prosecutors, try and negotiate a lesser plea that may result in higher fines, but less or no points awarded.

As for the insurance increase, that is solely up to your insurance company.