What is speeding? Speeding is a type of aggressive driving that are usually the result of several factors. Speeding is dangerous to everyone on the roadway, not just the vehicle involved. In 2022 12,151 people were killed in the US due to speed related crashes.

What is Franklin Township Traffic Safety Bureau doing to alleviate speeders?

1. All FTPD officers are trained to determine speed with and without radar equipment. We do not encourage civilians to try to gauge speeds in their neighborhood. Leave it up to our officers to determine and eliminate the speeding issues at hand.

2. The Traffic Safety Bureau is equipped with speed radar signs. These signs are rotated throughout the township to discourage speeding in the area. The signs do not record data. They are usually placed on the speed limit sign to make the drivers aware of their speed.

3. Enforcement & Education! Our traffic officers are diligently working to cut down on the speeders throughout the township. If you observe constant speeders, please call and report it! Our officers are dedicated to making the Franklin Township streets safe to drive.

What is distracted driving? Driving distracted is classified as an activity that takes your attention away from driving. That includes Texting, talking on the phone, eating and drinking. Anything that takes your attention away from driving. 

The FTPD takes distracted driving seriously! Our officers take details specifically for distracted drivers. The purpose of these details is to cut back on the amount of distracted driving. What happens if you are issued a cell phone/distracted driving summons?

• If it is your first offense, you will need to plea your case. When issued a summons you will need to go online or in person and determine how you want to plea. If you plead guilty, you will be directed to the next steps. If you plead not guilty, you will be directed to attend in person or virtual court. From there, the prosecutor and judge will determine the outcome. With a first offense the fine is typically between $200-$400.

• Second offense is the same process as the first, except the fine may increase to between $400-$600.

• Third or subsequent offense, a fine between $600-$800, 2 points assessed, and up to a 90 day license suspension, at the discretion of the municipal Judge.

 Every time you are issued a cellphone/distracted driving summons, you will need to attend court or go online and plea your case.

What is aggressive driving? Aggressive driving is any unsafe driving behaviors performed deliberately and with ill intent. Some examples of that are:

• Speeding in heavy traffic

• Tailgating

• Weaving in and out of traffic

• Changing lanes with no signal

• Attempting to block cars from changing lanes or passing

 What can YOU do if you observe an aggressive driver?

1. You can call the non-emergency (732-873-2300) number to report the driver. To help our officers find the driver, make sure you are aware of the location and description of the vehicle.

2. Unfortunately, our officers need to observe the aggressive driving in order to issue any violations. However, did you know you can sign you own complaints? Citizens are able to sign complaints in the court if you observe aggressive driving. Be advised, this process requires you to appear in court.

3. If an aggressive driver is observed, you can maintain the rules of the road. If you don’t want to report the driver, remain calm and let the driver pass. We do not encourage you to interact with the driver!

New Jersey Idling laws pertain to idling vehicles whether on public roads, public right of way, or public/private property. If you are in violation of these rules a police officer can issue a title 39 traffic summons. Below are the do’s and don’ts of idling: