1. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, it shall be unlawful for any

person to drive or operate a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner likely to endanger a person or

property.

b.     A person convicted of a first offense under subsection a. shall be subject to a fine of not

less than $50.00 or more than $150.00 and shall not be assessed any motor vehicle penalty

points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5).

c.     A person convicted of a second offense under subsection a. shall be subject to a fine of

not less than $100.00 or more than $250.00 and shall not be assessed any motor vehicle

penalty points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5).

d.     A person convicted of a third or subsequent offense under subsection a. shall be subject

to a fine of not less than $200.00 or more than $500.00 and shall be assessed motor vehicle

penalty points pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.43 (C.39:5-30.5).

e.     An offense committed under this section that occurs more than five years after the prior

offense shall not be considered a subsequent offense for the purpose of assessing motor vehicle

penalty points under subsection d. of this section.

f.     In addition to any fine, fee or other charge imposed pursuant to law, the court shall assess

a person convicted of an offense under subsection a. of this section a surcharge of $250 which

shall be collected by the court and distributed to the Division of Revenue in the Department of

the Treasury as a New Jersey Merit Rating Plan surcharge pursuant to subparagraph (a) of

paragraph (2) of subsection b. of section 6 of P.L.1983, c.65 (C.17:29A-35).

L.2000,c.75,s.1; amended 2004, c.69.