How Much Is a Double Parking Ticket in NJ?

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Double Parking is an offense under the New Jersey Revised Statutes, Title 39, Section 4-138(m).
No driver shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle “on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street” unless:

  • Necessary to avoid traffic conflicts
  • Directed by a traffic officer or signal

This law maintains traffic flow and prevents delays—especially in busy urban areas.

how-much-is-a-double-parking-ticket-in-nj

Statewide Law, Local Enforcement

  • Applies across New Jersey
  • Enforcement and fines are managed by individual municipalities
  • Penalties and procedures vary depending on the municipality

How Double Parking Tickets Are Issued

  • Usually issued as a uniform ticket (N.J.S.A. 39:4-139.4)
  • Placed on the windshield if the driver is absent
  • Ticket includes:
    • Violation details
    • License plate number
    • Vehicle make/model
    • Payment or court instructions
  • If you’re driving with the owner’s permission, you’re considered their agent for receiving the ticket
  • Violations go through municipal courts, not the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC)

Double Parking Ticket Fines

  • Fines are set by local ordinances—not uniform statewide
  • Range: $25 to $100
    • Urban areas (e.g., Newark, Jersey City): Higher fines
    • Hoboken: $45–$65
    • Smaller towns: May charge less
  • The ticket or NJMCdirect.com lists the exact amount

What Happens If You Don’t Pay

  • Late fee and surcharges apply after 7–30 days
  • Non-payment can lead to:
    • License suspension
    • Additional restrainment fees
    • Booting or towing (after multiple unpaid tickets)
      • Boot release: $50+
      • Towing & storage costs
    • Bench warrant and possible jail time (up to one day per $20 owed)
    • Additional offense for “failure to pay”
  • Double parking does NOT add license points or affect your driving record
  • Timely payment/resolution is critical to avoid extra costs

How to Pay a Double Parking Ticket

Online Payment

  • Go to NJMCdirect.com
  • Pay by credit/debit card or electronic check
  • Need: Ticket number, license plate number, or court ID
  • 3% convenience fee applies
  • NJMCdirect hours (EST):
    • Mon–Thurs: 4:30 AM–11:15 PM
    • Fri: 4:30 AM–10:15 PM
    • Sat: 4:30 AM–3:15 PM
    • Sun: 1:00 PM–11:15 PM

In Person

  • Visit the municipal court (e.g., Newark Municipal Court at 31 Green St.)
  • Pay with cash, check, or money order
  • Typical hours:
    • Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–7:00 PM
    • Sat: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM

By Mail

  • Send check or money order to the court’s address

Installment Plans

  • Contact the municipal court within 30 days for a payment plan
  • Paying the fine = guilty plea

Need help?

  • Contact the court or call 609-421-6100 to locate ticket details

Learn complete guide on online payment process on NJMCDIRECT

How to Dispute a Double Parking Ticket

  • Notify the court before the due date (on the ticket)
  • Schedule a court date
  • Submit Plea by Mail via JEDS system or call the court (e.g., Summit Municipal Court: 908-273-6112)
  • Common dispute reasons:
    • Wrong vehicle details (plate/make/model)
    • Unclear signage
    • Emergency (e.g., breakdown)
  • Provide proof: photos, receipts, witness statements
  • Attend court in person or remotely (if allowed)
  • Ticket may be dismissed or fine reduced
  • If not, pay full fine; 20 days to appeal
  • Some towns allow disputes by email or in-person at parking services
  • Minor ticket mistakes usually fixed; major errors can dismiss your case
  • Court appearance required? It’s written on the ticket (often for repeat violations)
  • Failure to appear = extra fines or warrant

Tips to Avoid Double Parking Tickets

  • Check signage—double parking is banned everywhere in NJ
  • Act promptly—pay or dispute within 7–30 days
  • Verify ticket details—errors can mean dismissal
  • Use online tools—check ticket status/payment at NJMCdirect.com
  • Avoid repeat violations—multiple tickets = booting/towing risk
  • Contact support—call the court or 609-421-6100 for help
  • Amnesty programs may reduce fines—check with local court

Key Points

  • Definition: Parking alongside a parked vehicle, blocking traffic, prohibited under N.J.S.A. 39:4-138(m)
  • Fines: $25–$100, varies by town; see your ticket or NJMCdirect.com
  • Payment: Online (NJMCdirect.com), in person, by mail, or installment plan
  • Dispute: Plead not guilty, submit evidence, attend court; dismissal for major errors
  • Consequences: Late fees, suspension, boot/tow, warrant, jail time
  • No license points or driving privilege impact
  • Time limit: Courts must act within 3 years, or case is dismissed (N.J.S.A. 39:4-139.10a)
  • Prevention: Check signage, park right, pay tickets fast

References

Factual data and reports in this article are not owned by us.
See the referenced sources for original information.
Our sole purpose is to collect accurate, verified information and present it in a simple, easy-to-understand manner.

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