You inch into an intersection on a green light, traffic ahead stops, and suddenly the light turns red with your car stranded in the middle — blocking the cross traffic. In New Jersey, that can be a ticket. The rule against obstructing intersections, under N.J.S.A. 39:4-67, is the “don’t block the box” law, and it catches drivers who were just trying to get through.
What the law requires
N.J.S.A. 39:4-67 prohibits obstructing the passage of other vehicles — including driving into and stopping in an intersection or crosswalk in a way that blocks cross traffic or pedestrians. The principle is simple: you shouldn’t enter an intersection unless there’s room on the other side for your vehicle to clear it. Entering when traffic ahead is backed up, and then getting stuck, is the conduct the rule targets.
Why a minor ticket still matters
An obstruction ticket is a relatively minor violation, but it can carry a fine and, depending on how it’s charged, points — and points are cumulative and follow you to your insurer, the dynamic our NJ point system guide explains. As with any moving violation, simply paying it by mail — the plea-by-mail mistake — forfeits the chance to keep it off your record.
How these tickets get handled
- Could you reasonably have anticipated getting stuck, or did traffic stop unexpectedly after you’d committed to the intersection?
- Was a pedestrian or yellow-light situation a factor in entering when you did?
- The circumstances — sudden stops ahead, an emergency vehicle, or another driver’s conduct.
- Resolution to a non-point or reduced outcome where possible.
Related intersection issues
Blocking-the-box tickets are part of the broader set of intersection rules — alongside red light and stop sign violations and the right-of-way questions that drive intersection-accident claims. If the obstruction contributed to a collision, the stakes rise accordingly.
Ticketed for blocking an intersection? It’s worth a quick look
Because these tickets often come down to whether you could reasonably have avoided getting stuck, they’re worth reviewing before you pay. If you’ve been cited under 39:4-67 anywhere in New Jersey, it’s worth a free call.
Part of our complete guide: For every related New Jersey offense, claim, and defense in one place, see our NJ Traffic Ticket Defense Guide.