Q: How can I interprate 2021NJ law Section 39:4-56.1 B
A:
The statute says: No person shall willfully abandon a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State, or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles."
This is pretty self explanatory. You cant abandon the vehicle with the intent to block the way for others. They will also interpret it to basically mean that you cant abandon it whether or not you had intent to block or delay others.
A:
It's an abandonment charge which is serious. A $200-$500 fine for the first offense and license suspension for 1 year plus, IF CONVICTED. There are various situations where you get this ticket regardless of your intention, i.e. your car broke down, your phone was dead, you walked to the gas station for a phone, and by the time you went back to the scene, your car was gone/towed, and you get a ticket in the mail charging you with abandonment, etc.
Depending on the personality of the town/municipality, your lawyer may be able to get the charge either dismissed or reduced to something minor with a minor fine only. Proving the abandonment charge for a conviction is also extremely difficult and burdensome for the state/prosecutor too.
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