LEARN ABOUT NEW JERSEY TRAFFIC STOP THAT POLICE OFFICER AND MUNICIPAL COURTS DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW Stop Sign Violation (Failure to Stop) Under traffic law , failing to stop at a stop sign is considered a traffic violation , which is generally a civil infraction (not a crime) in New Jersey. But courts have consistently held that if an officer observes a person commit a traffic violation (like not stopping at a stop sign), that alone is sufficient probable cause to initiate a stop. So, if Sergeant Mazza claimed he saw you roll through or not stop at the sign, that legally gives him grounds to pull you over, even if it’s a civil matter. Unregistered Vehicle Driving an “unregistered” vehicle (NJSA 39:3-4) is also a traffic violation under Title 39 , again civil in nature, not criminal. If an officer runs your plates and sees the registration expired, courts treat that as reasonable suspicion / probable cause to stop you. Criminal vs. Civil Distinction ...