N.J.S.A.39:6B-2 has always been a difficult ticket to defend. In my career, when clients and potential clients would ask me about this ticket, I would instantly cringe. Quite simply in the past, the harsh no insurance ticket would mean an immediate suspension of your license for a full year. Other tickets which call for a potential loss of license (DUI, drug charges, driving on suspension, etc.) at least had ways to fight and/or negotiate
On January 17, 2014, Governor Christie signed A-1844 into law as P.L. 2013, c.237. The new law took effect on January 17, 2014. A copy of the law is attached and is available on the Judiciary Infonet under Legal Reference/Legislation Affecting Courts. Below is a summary of the law.
The new law amends N.J.S.A.39:6B-2 to provide that the one-year driver’s license suspension penalty for a first offense of driving without the required motor vehicle liability insurance coverage may be reduced or eliminated by the court if the person provides satisfactory proof of insurance at the time of the hearing. A person who is convicted for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle without the required motor vehicle liability insurance coverage remains subject to a fine of not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 and a period of community service to be determined by the court.