A police officer cannot pull someone over for no reason. However, there may be issues with your car that could lead to a traffic stop. In addition, there are things many drivers do on a regular basis that could get them pulled over. Here are 10 simple things to think about when driving in New Jersey.

First of all, take a look at your car.

1. Broken lights – check your lights periodically to ensure they are working properly

2. Blocked license plates – both the front and rear license plates must be visible

3. Missing front license plate – cars must have a license plate on both the front and rear

4. Window tinting –  window tint cannot be placed on the windshield or front windows

5. Item/s hanging on rear view mirror – an officer can pull you over since it may block your view

Also consider the following actions that could be cause for a traffic stop.

6. Rolling stop – you must come to a complete stop at a traffic light or stop sign before proceeding

7. Failure to maintain your lane – Keep your eyes on the road!

8. Going through an amber light – Unless you are so close to the intersection that it is not safe to stop, you must stop at an amber/yellow light

9. Throwing garbage out the window – fines for littering vary depending on location, but an officer can and will pull you over for throwing trash out of your car window

10. Not using turn signals – not indicating a lane change or turning

Alcohol on Your Breath? A Traffic Stop Can Lead to a DUI

If you are pulled over for something as simple as having a large air freshener on your rear view mirror and the officer smells alcohol or marijuana, you could end up getting arrested. In New Jersey, you do not need to have a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% to be arrested for drunk driving. If you are behaving in a manner that suggests impairment, especially if you fail the field sobriety tests, you can be arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Have You Been Charged With Drunk Driving or a Motor Vehicle Violation?

If you have been pulled over and are facing a DUI charges or motor vehicle violations in New Jersey, it is important to contact the experienced defense lawyers at Villani & DeLuca.  Call 732-965-3350 today for a free consultation!