A Guide to Manage New Jersey Parking Tickets

By Space Coast Daily // August 6, 2024

Parking tickets in New Jersey can be a headache. They cost money and take time to deal with. But knowing how to handle them can save you stress and cash.

You can pay, fight, or plead not guilty to a New Jersey parking ticket. Each choice has its own steps. Paying is quick but costs the full amount. Fighting or pleading not guilty takes more effort but could lower your fine.

Time matters with NJ parking tickets. You need to act fast to avoid late fees. The ticket will tell you how long you have to respond. Make sure you read it carefully and follow the rules.

Pay for a parking ticket online in New Jersey

You can pay New Jersey parking tickets online using NJMCDirect. This website lets you handle fines quickly from home.

To start, go to NJMCdirect. You’ll need your ticket number and the court code. These are on your ticket. Enter this info on the site.

Next, pick your ticket from the list shown. Check that all details are right. Choose “Pay Now” to move forward.

Enter your credit card details on the payment page. NJMCDirect takes most major cards. Double-check the amount before you submit.

After paying, save or print your receipt. This proves you paid if there’s ever a mix-up.

Some tips:

Pay on time to avoid extra fees
Check your ticket for the due date
Contact the court if you can’t pay by the deadline

NJMCDirect is open 24/7. You can pay any time that works for you. It’s faster than mailing a check or going to court in person.

Remember, paying doesn’t mean you admit guilt. You can still fight the NJ ticket in court if you want. But paying online clears the fine from your record right away.

Everything You Need to Know about NJ Parking Violations

New Jersey has specific rules and fines for parking violations. Understanding these can help you avoid tickets and know what to do if you get one.

Traffic Tickets vs. Parking Tickets

Traffic tickets and parking tickets are different in New Jersey. Traffic tickets are for moving violations like speeding. Parking tickets are for stationary vehicle offenses.

Parking tickets don’t affect your driving record or insurance rates. They’re usually less expensive than traffic tickets. But if you don’t pay, you could face bigger fines or even have your car booted or towed.

Types of Parking Tickets

New Jersey has many types of parking tickets. The most common are:

Meter violations
No parking zone tickets
Expired registration tickets
Handicap parking violations

Each type has its own fine. Fines can vary by city. For example, a meter violation in Newark might cost more than one in a smaller town.

Common Violations and Fines

Here are some common parking violations in New Jersey and their typical fines:

Violation	Fine Range
Expired meter	$25 – $55
No parking zone	$50 – $150
Fire hydrant	$100 – $250
Handicap space	$250 – $500

Fines can be higher in some cities or for repeat offenses. Always check local signs for specific rules and fines.

Role of Parking Enforcement

Parking enforcement officers in New Jersey do several jobs:

Write tickets for violations
Check meters
Report broken parking equipment
Help with traffic during events

These officers don’t make the laws, but they do enforce them. They can’t cancel tickets once they’re written. For that, you need to go through the proper dispute process.

How can I perform a parking ticket lookup using my license plate in New Jersey?

You can look up parking tickets in New Jersey using your license plate number. Most cities have online systems for this. Here’s how:

Go to your city’s parking authority website or NJMCdirect blog.
Look for a “Pay or Dispute Ticket” section
Enter your license plate number
The system will show any open tickets

If you can’t find your city’s website, try calling the local parking authority. They can help you look up tickets by phone.

What are the options for disputing a parking ticket in New Jersey?

You have options if you think your parking ticket is wrong:

Request a hearing: Most towns let you do this online or by mail.
Present evidence: Bring photos, witness statements, or other proof.
Plead your case: Explain why you think the ticket is wrong.
Accept the judge’s decision: They might dismiss the ticket, reduce the fine, or uphold it.

You usually have 20 days from the ticket date to dispute it. Don’t wait too long or you might lose your chance to fight it.

Does a parking ticket in New Jersey affect driving record?

Parking tickets in New Jersey don’t affect your driving record. They’re not reported to the DMV like moving violations are.

But if you don’t pay your tickets:

Your fines could increase
You might not be able to renew your registration
The town could take you to court

So while parking tickets don’t hurt your driving record, ignoring them can cause other problems.

Are there any penalties for late payment of parking tickets in New Jersey?

Yes, there are penalties for late payment of parking tickets in New Jersey:

Late fees: These can double your original fine.
Collection actions: Towns can send unpaid tickets to collection agencies.
Vehicle booting or towing: If you have many unpaid tickets, your car might be immobilized.
Court summons: You might have to go to court for unpaid tickets.

To avoid these, pay your ticket on time. If you can’t pay right away, contact the parking authority. Some towns offer payment plans or reduced fines for hardship cases.

Conclusion

Managing New Jersey parking tickets can be simple if you follow the right steps. Pay your tickets on time to avoid extra fees. If you think the ticket is wrong, you can contest it. Gather evidence and explain your case clearly.

Keep track of your tickets and payments. This helps you stay organized and avoid problems. If you can’t pay right away, contact the court. They may offer payment plans.

Learn from your tickets to avoid future ones. Pay attention to parking signs and rules. Set reminders for meter times. Park in legal spots, even if it means walking a bit further.

By following these tips, you can handle New Jersey parking tickets effectively.