Some New Jersey motorists frequently ignore the rules of the road, such as following too closely or not passing on the left.
Traffic laws are in place to keep everyone safe on New Jersey roads. Yet, many drivers still disregard the rules of the road and create hazards for all other travelers.
Below, you will find seven of the most commonly ignored traffic laws in New Jersey. Read on to discover what they are and how you can avoid being an unsafe driver.
Read more in these resources:
- The 2022 New Jersey Driver Manual
- New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 39 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation
1. New Jersey Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
In New Jersey, you are required to stay to the right when driving. On highways, that means using the furthest right-hand lane except when passing. For surface streets, you should stay as close to the right curb as practicable.
Upon all highways of sufficient width, except upon one-way streets, the driver of a vehicle shall drive it on the right half of the roadway. He shall drive a vehicle as closely as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, unless it is impracticable to travel on that side of the roadway, and except when overtaking and passing another vehicle.
2. New Jersey Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
It is illegal in New Jersey to drive so slowly that you block the normal flow of traffic. However, there is no statewide minimum speed. An exception to this rule exists for situations where you need to drive more slowly for safety reasons.
No person shall operate a vehicle on any project at a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation thereof.
3. New Jersey Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
When you pass another car in New Jersey, you have to pass on the left. It is against the law to cut off the other vehicle by moving back to the right before you’ve completed the pass.
If your pass requires that you go left of the center line, you must ensure the lane is free of oncoming traffic. If there is a hill or bend in the road, you cannot pass into the opposite lanes unless you can see the road for at least 500 feet ahead.
New Jersey law requires drivers being passed to give way to the other motorist and not speed up until they have been entirely overtaken.
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass at a safe distance to the left thereof and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
The driver of an overtaking motor vehicle not within a business or residence district shall give audible warning with his horn or other warning device before passing or attempting to pass a vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
The driver of a vehicle on a highway, about to be overtaken and passed by another vehicle, approaching from the rear, shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on suitable and audible signal being given by the driver of the overtaking vehicle, and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
The driver of a vehicle shall not drive to the left side of the center line of a highway in overtaking and passing another vehicle unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be made in safety.
The driver of a vehicle shall not drive to the left of the center of a highway in order to overtake and pass another vehicle upon the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view along the highway is obstructed within a distance of five hundred feet.
4. New Jersey Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
New Jersey defines illegal tailgating as not leaving a “reasonable and prudent” space between you and the other vehicle. What is considered a legal, reasonable space can change depending on the weather and traffic conditions.
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of the preceding vehicle and the traffic upon, and condition of, the highway.
5. New Jersey Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
In New Jersey, you cannot use your cell phone while driving a moving vehicle unless it is in hands-free mode. There are some exceptions to the rule, such as if you fear for your life or to report a crime, reckless driver, accident, or hazard to appropriate authorities.
The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free.
The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone if the operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated; or is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medical or hazardous materials emergency, or the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner.
6. New Jersey Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
New Jersey traffic law specifies who gets to go first when two drivers reach an intersection simultaneously. The driver to the left must yield the right-of-way to the other motorist.
When 2 vehicles enter an intersection at the same time the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the driver of the vehicle on the right.
7. New Jersey Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
New Jersey law requires you to allow the traffic to clear before you make a left turn across opposite lanes of traffic. You must first yield to any vehicles headed in the opposite direction close enough to create a safety hazard. Then, you may proceed into the left turn.
The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield to a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
The driver having so yielded, and having given a signal, may make the left turn; and other vehicles approaching the intersection from the opposite direction shall yield to the driver making the left turn.
Following the above seven rules of the road will make you a more courteous and safer driver on New Jersey’s streets. It will also help you avoid getting a ticket. So, try to keep these traffic laws in mind the next time you get behind the wheel.