New Jersey Senate Panel OKs Lower Vehicle Fines

A bill advanced by the Senate Transportation Committee on this week gives some New Jersey drivers a break.

The bill reduces the maximum fine for driving without a license, registration or insurance card if the driver can prove he or she was legal at the time of the stop.

Sen. Kip Bateman, a Somerset County Republican who is sponsoring the bill, says soccer moms running late to a game shouldn’t have to pay $180 if they forget their licenses.

He said the measure gives discretion to judges, but shrinks the maximum possible fine to $100, from $150 plus court costs.

Bateman, who first introduced the bill two years ago, called it consumer friendly legislation.

No companion legislation has been introduced in the Assembly.