N.J. may reduce fine for drivers who forget licenses

New Jersey motorists may soon get a break. State lawmakers are considering a measure to reduce some fines.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kip Bateman would lower the fine for drivers who are stopped by police and do not have their license, registration or insurance card with them.

Bateman said the current fine is outrageous.

“It’s very stressful times. Whether you’re a soccer mom running to you son or daughter’s soccer game and you forget your license, it shouldn’t cost you $177,” said Bateman. “We pay so much in this state. So this is an effort to try to help the consumers.”

Bateman said a judge can dismiss the fine if a driver goes to municipal court and shows the required documents were valid at the time of the police stop. However, he said, many people are so busy they just mail in the check.

The Senate Transportation Committee has advanced the legislation to reduce the fine to $100. No companion bill has been introduced in the Assembly.