I was stopped at Haddon Heights NJ MV check point while in my 2008 Ford E250 Cargo Van. I am not in business and no signage of any kind on my van, this is my personal vehicle with a bulkhead, shelving and my tools and no roof racks.
I was issued a ticket and mandatory court appearance for not having commercial plates.
At the time I purchased the vehilce from a car dealer it was an option of standard or commercial. What is the law.

N.J. is in bad shape financially and they are looking for revenues, one way or another. Hopefully, you'll be well-prepared to plead your case. In the mean time, I'd call the car dealer, who gave you the choice, and the N.J. DMV. Go to the source.

Nice van, by the way.

Hello t:

Where I live, if you don't use your vehicle for commercial purposes, you don't need commercial plates. Driving it to and from work isn't commercial. Certainly the cop told you why he THOUGHT your rig WAS commercial. He's going to repeat it in court, and if he's right, you'll lose. I'm on your side though. Me and cops ain't friends.

excon

The policeman may not even show--you never know.

I haven't gotten a ticket in quite some time (knock on wood) and I carry a CDL Class A but I was always under the impression that the ticket needed the statute written on it somewhere. Maybe, maybe not...
Do they really expect you to show up in court not knowing which code you violated?