Driving on Public or Private Property to Avoid a Traffic Signal

     We are all dealing with traffic on a daily basis. Maybe a little less so now with kids getting out of school for the summer.  I travel south on Park Avenue in Scotch Plains every day. Not a day goes by when I don't see multiple traffic violations.  This is one that you may not be aware of.
      Picture this: You are going to drop your daughter off at Park Middle School.  As you travel east on East Second Street approaching the corner of Park Avenue, you encounter heavy traffic.  Officer Pete is at the intersection directing traffic but there are just too many cars coming through.  Your daughter is sure to be late for school.  You see a solution.  You cut through the CVS parking lot, avoiding the traffic light altogether and turning right onto Park Avenue.  You've jumped ahead of at least 20 cars!  Great idea!  I witness at least a dozen cars a day making this very move.  Unfortunately, N.J.S.39:4-66.2 makes it illegal to cut through private or public property to avoid a traffic signal or sign.  This is a moving violation carrying a fine of $50 to $200, 2 motor vehicle points and up to 15 days in jail.  While you are very unlikely to get jail for this, the fine, points and the effect on your insurance rates will be costly.  If you park your car, run into CVS to pick up a prescription and then exit from Park Avenue...no problem.  Cut through without parking and you are at risk.  I have seen many people go to Court on these tickets and argue that " I meant to stop at the store but once in the parking lot, I remembered that (fill in your excuse)".  The Judge has heard the same stories.  Very few are original and most are unlikely to be persuasive.