Ticket for failure to have car inspected, but repairs needed to pass may be costly

[Cardinalsfan]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey

Hello, I'm glad I found this forum, looks very helpful from a quick look-see. Well, I recently got stopped and given a ticket for not having an up to date car inspection (39:8-1 in N.J.). It expired over a year ago because I fear the repair cost will exceed the worth of the car (check engine light on, car has over 240,000 mi. but its a great car and I want to keep it for now.) I need to make a decision soon on whether to just pay the fine ($130) or go to court. As far as I can tell this is not a point violation in N.J., either from the DMV or from an insurance standpoint.

My question is two-fold: If I just pay the ticket will my insurance company eventually find out that I am driving with an expired inspection sticker (even if its not a point violation) and try to raise my rates or drop me (I'm already paying a lot per month, I have a bunch of insurance points from a few previous violations and I can't afford a higher premium every month.)
And when I do have to go for inspection what should I do if the repair (I believe the code is for the damn catalytic converter) is almost as much as the car is worth for me, thus being prohibitive?

Two other points: I really need my car for work, I cant afford to get rid of it now and the insurance renewal is coming up in a month or two.
Thanks in advance, any advice is greatly appreciated, especially from those with knowledge of the annoying N.J. car insurance business.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

You canot just keep driving the car. Next time it will be impounded. You need to take it in for diagnostics. There are many discount muffler shops that can replace a factory convertor with an after market for less than the cost of your ticket.

 

[ecmst12]

This has nothing to do with auto accidents.

 

[Cardinalsfan]

You canot just keep driving the car. Next time it will be impounded. You need to take it in for diagnostics. There are many discount muffler shops that can replace a factory convertor with an after market for less than the cost of your ticket.

Thanks, I appreciate the input. I was under the impression that a problem with the cat converter was very pricey, maybe close to $1000. Everything I looked up said as much. If I knew I could of gotten it done for a fraction of that I would have taken care of it long ago. Well I will take it to get checked out this week, that's the first step.

The other problem is that I am concerned with my insurance rates going up if I just pay the ticket and not fight it and possibly plea to something else.

Thanks again!

 

[Cardinalsfan]

This has nothing to do with auto accidents.

Hello, the reason I put it in this section is I am as concerned of my insurance rates going up if they find out Ive been driving with an expired inspection sticker for a year as I am with the actual ticket and potential repair cost. Its a two part question so I wasn't totally sure where to put it.
I thought the forum menu said to post car insurance related issues in this section, but if I messed up I appologize and will try to move this.

 

[Cardinalsfan]

Just double checked and when I go to post in the "Automobile Insurance" section it sent me here.

 

[ecmst12]

This is not an insurance question. The traffic tickets section is towards the bottom of the forum list. (non moving violations don't affect your insurance anyway)