NJSA 39:4-115, Improper Turn at a Traffic Signal, Light, New Jersey

The penalties upon conviction for a violation of  NJSA 39:4-115 are two (2) points and a fine of up to $200. This is another stop/turn related offense that is very defensible. More importantly, there are a number of accepted downgrades that may be offered with this offense that are not typically available with other types of traffic violations. This could save the defendant hundreds of dollar and the points as well.

The driver of a vehicle or the motorman of a streetcar a. intending to turn to the right or left at an intersection where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic or police officer, shall proceed to make either turn with proper care to avoid accidents and, except as provided in b. below, only upon the “Go” signal unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, an official sign or special signal; or b. intending to turn right at an intersection where traffic is controlled by a traffic control signal shall, unless an official sign of the State, municipality, or county authority having jurisdiction over the intersection prohibits the same, proceed to make the turn upon a “Stop” or “Caution” signal with proper care to avoid accidents after coming to a full stop, observing traffic in all directions and yielding to all pedestrians and other traffic traveling in a direction in which the turn will be made. Both the approach for and the turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless such intersection is otherwise posted.
Amended by L.1976, c. 46, s. 1.