NJSA 39:3-40 Driving While Suspended in New Jersey DEFENSES Call Kenneth Vercammen for representation 732-572-0500
More info at www.njlaws.com/driving_on_a_suspended_license.htm Thousands of motorists in New Jersey are stopped for routine traffic violations, then are surprised to be informed their license is suspended. Where the minimum costs would be $1,261 in fines, surcharge and costs, motorists need an attorney with knowledge and skill in handling Driving While Suspended (DWS) matters. Over the past decade Municipal Court practice has diversified requiring the need for crafted trial counsel to provide adequate representation for clients concerning both disorderly persons and motor vehicle offenses. Although this may seem like a hopeless situation at first, the reality is that it offers an attorney the opportunity to be creative in finding possible ways to avoid a prolonged license suspension and even the possible incarceration of the client. The violation of DWS is set forth at NJSA 39:3-40. This section states, "no person to whom a drivers license has been refused or whose driver's license or reciprocity privilege has been suspended or revoked or who has been prohibited from obtaining a driver's license, shall personally operate a motor vehicle during the period of refusal suspension, revocation or prohibition." The statute also prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle whose registration has been revoked.
PENALTIES Conviction under this statute brings the following penalties: Upon conviction of the first offense of a fine of $500.00, the defendant will also be surcharged a mandatory $250.00 per year for 3 years in every DWS by the MVC (formerly DMV); Upon conviction for the second offense a fine of $750.00 and imprisonment in the county jail for 1 - 5 days; Upon conviction for the third offense, a fine of $1000.00 and imprisonment in the county jail for 10 days. Additionally, the statute states, that upon the conviction the court shall impose or extend a period of suspension not to exceed 6 months. If DWS and involved in an accident resulting in personal injury to another person, the court shall impose a period of imprisonment for not less than 45 days.
If an individual violates this section while under suspension under 39:4-50 (DWI), they shall be fined $500.00 extra and have their license suspended for an additional period not less than one year nor more than two years and mandatory county jail for 10 - 90 days. If suspended for Failure to Pay a Surcharge, there is an extra $3000.00 fine.
KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
