Can a Dashcam Save NJ Drivers From Unjustified Cell Phone Tickets?

A dash camera installed in your car might mean the difference between paying significant traffic penalties and defending yourself against an unfair ticket.

As distracted driving enforcement increases across the Garden State, more drivers face stiff fines for alleged mobile phone use on the roadway. However, video footage from an adequately fitted dashcam can provide the critical data needed for contesting unjustified tickets.

If you received a cell phone ticket, immediately consult a traffic ticket attorney in Clifton for assistance.

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The Financial Impact of Cell Phone Tickets in New Jersey

New Jersey takes distracted driving seriously, with fines beginning at $200 for a first offense and increasing to $400 for a second infraction and $600 for third and subsequent violations.

Aside from the immediate cash penalty, having a mobile phone ticket can add 3 points to your driving record and cause higher insurance rates, costing thousands of dollars over time. You might even get your license suspended for 90 days.

Dashcam Evidence – The Benefits

The primary benefits of dashcam evidence include:

• Interior Recording Capabilities. Many dashcams now have infrared interior footage. This footage shows your hands on the steering wheel and indicates you were not holding or operating a phone when pulled over. Choose models with high-resolution cabin cameras and night vision capabilities for a clear recording.
• Continuous Recording. Most dashcams start recording when you start your car, allowing you to gather evidence of a traffic stop or a police encounter. Some versions can record in parking mode when your vehicle is motionless.
• GPS Integration. Dashcams with GPS capture your precise speed, position, and route. This data may be beneficial for disputing speeding tickets or other moving infractions since it gives independently verified evidence of your speed and driving habits.
• Proper Installation for Maximum Protection. A dealer should install your dashcam for the evidential value of your dashcam footage. A camera installer should set up the camera in a location that allows for clear views. Also, if applicable, the dashcam dealer should place the device in an area that does not breach state commercial windshield obstruction laws.
• Optimal Mounting Location. The best placement is usually behind the rearview mirror, where the camera can catch the road ahead and your motions inside the vehicle without causing a blind spot or distraction. Ensure all cabling is securely fastened and covered to retain a professional look and avoid interference with car controls.
• Power Supply Considerations. While many vehicles’ 12V outlets power dashcams, a professional hardwiring installation delivers more dependable operations and a cleaner appearance. This electrical installation lets you record in parking mode without exhausting your car’s battery.

Using Dashcam Evidence in Court

When disputing a traffic ticket in New Jersey, dashcam footage can offer persuasive evidence, but using it requires appropriate preparation and presentation.

Preserving Evidence

Once you receive a ticket, store and back up the pertinent footage. Most dashcams let you lock specific recordings to prevent you from overwriting them. You can download the footage to a secure site and make several copies.

Proper Documentation

Keep thorough records of your dashcam installation, including invoices, technical specs, and expert installation paperwork. It will help prove your recording system’s dependability and accuracy in court.

Presenting Video Evidence

Before your court date, ensure your film is in a format that the judge can readily watch. Many courts now accept digital evidence. The evidence must support local laws and provide access to DVDs and digital technology. Some dashcams feature software that synchronizes GPS data with video footage, offering a complete picture of what happened.

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Additional Benefits Besides Traffic Ticket Testimony

While fighting citations is a significant motivator for many drivers to install dashcams, these devices provide other benefits as well:

• Insurance Claim Protection. In an accident, dashcam film can conclusively demonstrate blame and accelerate insurance claims. Many insurance firms now give premium discounts to vehicles outfitted with dashcams, recognizing their importance in decreasing fraudulent claims.
• Protection From Fraud. Dashcams can help avoid traffic fraud, such as staged collisions and bogus claims of damage or injuries. Constant recording creates an objective record of any occurrence.

Choosing the Right Dashboard Camera

When choosing a dashcam for legal protection, consider the following features:

Video Quality

Choose a device that can record at least 1080p quality and perform well in low light. Higher resolution gives more information on license plates, road signs, and other critical features that may be required as proof.

Storage Capacity

Selecting models that enable high-capacity memory cards and effective video compression can maximize recording times. Some sophisticated versions have cloud storage options for automated backups of key footage.

Additional Features

Motion detection, impact sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity can also support the camera’s operation. Some versions may immediately transfer film to your phone or cloud storage if an accident or odd incident occurs.

Legal Considerations for Dashcam Use in New Jersey

While the law allows the use of dashcams in New Jersey, you still need to consider:

Mounting Restrictions

New Jersey law prohibits windshield-mounted gadgets that might block the driver’s vision. The dashcam dealer should install the dashcam in a safe area behind the rearview mirror or the top middle part of the windshield.

In New Jersey, audio recording requires a one-party agreement. Therefore, you must inform passengers that your dashcam may capture audio inside the car. Many dashcams allow you to mute the audio recording if desired.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While excellent dashcams typically cost between $100 and $400, this investment may rapidly pay for itself by preventing even one unnecessary penalty. Consider, again, how much a single cell phone ticket in New Jersey may cost.

Take a quick look:

• First offense: $200 to $400 in fines
• Second offense: $400 to $600 in fines
• Third or subsequent offenses: $600 to $800 in fines
• Increases in insurance premiums of thousands of dollars over several years
• Points for License: This may impact insurance premiums and employment chances.

When considering probable insurance premium hikes and the likelihood of repeated infractions, the expense of a dashcam pales compared to the financial effect of unwarranted penalties.

Speak to a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Now

As New Jersey enforces rigid distracted driving rules, having objective video proof of your driving activity becomes increasingly important. A correctly equipped dashcam can provide the evidence to fight unwarranted penalties.

Fighting can be cost-effective, saving you thousands of dollars in fines and higher insurance rates. Retaining the services of a traffic ticket attorney can help you stay in control financially over time. Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Clifton now.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!