Hey everyone, I got three traffic tickets recently in NJ. They were for careless driving, speeding, and disregarding an officer. The cop told me I only needed to pay them, and when I called the court, they said no need to show up in court. So, does that mean these are just going to be on my driving record and not my criminal record? Anyone know for sure?
Yeah, I think you’re fine. Traffic tickets usually don’t show up on your criminal record unless they’re serious offenses. You’re just paying a fine, right?
Cael said:
Yeah, I think you’re fine. Traffic tickets usually don’t show up on your criminal record unless they’re serious offenses. You’re just paying a fine, right?
Yep, just paying the fine! Thanks for confirming. Got worried for a sec there.
Same thing happened to me last year. Had a couple of tickets, just paid them, and nothing showed up on my criminal record. Just shows up on your driving history.
Benn said:
Same thing happened to me last year. Had a couple of tickets, just paid them, and nothing showed up on my criminal record. Just shows up on your driving history.
Wait, so what’s the difference between driving record and criminal record?
@Terry
Driving record is more about your road history – stuff like tickets, accidents. Criminal record is for actual crimes. So traffic violations usually don’t cross over.
@Terry
Got it, thanks! Makes sense now.
If the court didn’t ask you to show up, it’s likely just payable. But if you’re really worried, maybe reach out to a local lawyer to make sure?
Hadi said:
If the court didn’t ask you to show up, it’s likely just payable. But if you’re really worried, maybe reach out to a local lawyer to make sure?
I might do that just to be safe. Appreciate the advice!
FYI, if it’s just things like careless driving and speeding, they’re almost always just traffic violations, not criminal. Worst case, they stay on your driving record.
Jamie said:
FYI, if it’s just things like careless driving and speeding, they’re almost always just traffic violations, not criminal. Worst case, they stay on your driving record.
Right, and most insurance companies just care about your driving record, not your criminal one. So you should be good!
Traffic tickets only go on your criminal record if they’re serious. From what you described, sounds like it’s just minor stuff. Paying them off should be enough.
Avery said:
Traffic tickets only go on your criminal record if they’re serious. From what you described, sounds like it’s just minor stuff. Paying them off should be enough.
Glad to hear that. Was nervous it’d be more than that.
Avery said:
Traffic tickets only go on your criminal record if they’re serious. From what you described, sounds like it’s just minor stuff. Paying them off should be enough.
Just curious, what do you mean by ‘serious’ traffic stuff?
@Nico
Things like DUIs, reckless driving, stuff that actually puts people at risk. Those could go on your criminal record.