In Bergen County, reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 carries up to 60 days in jail and 5 points on your license. A Racing Lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can negotiate charge reductions that save thousands in surcharges. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
New Jersey Reckless Driving Statute in Bergen County
New Jersey defines reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 as operating a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This includes racing, excessive speeding, and aggressive maneuvers. Unlike careless driving (2 points), reckless driving carries 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and fines up to $200 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can bring up to 3 months in jail and $500 in fines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Resources for Bergen County Traffic Law
- N.J.S.A. Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation) — official New Jersey General Assembly
- Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge for Bergen County Traffic Cases
Bergen County Municipal Court handles all traffic violations. New Jersey traffic offenses are quasi-criminal and are tried before a Municipal Court judge — this is more formal than administrative hearings used in some other states. Plea bargaining is permitted and common.
- Receive your traffic summons — note the court date and location (10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601).
- Contact a Racing Lawyer Bergen County immediately — early intervention allows your attorney to review the police report before the first court appearance.
- Your attorney appears at the Municipal Court arraignment — you may not need to appear personally if represented by counsel.
- Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor — common outcomes include reduction to careless driving (saving 3 points) or dismissal with defensive driving course completion.
- If no acceptable plea deal, your attorney prepares for trial — challenging radar calibration, officer observations, and procedural errors.
In Bergen County, reckless driving carries 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and fines up to $200 for a first offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (1st) | Quasi-criminal | Up to 60 days | $200 | 5 points | $100/year per point over 6 for 3 years |
| Reckless Driving (2nd+) | Quasi-criminal | Up to 3 months | $500 | 5 points | Possible license suspension |
| Careless Driving | Quasi-criminal | None | $200 | 2 points | Insurance premium increase |
| Aggressive Driving | Quasi-criminal | None | $450 | 5 points | Unsafe Driver Surcharge $250/year |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Bergen County Traffic Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating our firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Bergen County Traffic Matters
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have successfully reduced reckless driving charges to careless driving for countless clients in Bergen County Municipal Court, saving them thousands in insurance surcharges and keeping points off their licenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Racing Lawyer Near Me Bergen County — Local Representation
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts, accessible via I-80, NJ Turnpike, Route 17, Route 4, Route 46, GW Bridge, and GSP. We serve Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving in Bergen County
How many points is a speeding ticket in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Yes. In New Jersey: 1-14 mph over = 2 points; 15-29 over = 4 points; 30+ over = 5 points. Reckless driving = 5 points. At 6+ points, NJ adds surcharges of $100/year per excess point for 3 years.
Can I fight a traffic ticket in Bergen County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge at Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving, saving 3 points and thousands in insurance surcharges.
What are NJ insurance surcharges for traffic tickets?
It depends. NJ assesses surcharges on top of fines: $100/year per point over 6 (for 3 years) and $250/year Unsafe Driver Surcharge for 3+ violations in 3 years. A defensive driving course removes 2 points.
Can a Racing Lawyer Bergen County help reduce my charges?
Yes. An experienced Racing Lawyer Bergen County can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce reckless driving (5 points) to careless driving (2 points), saving you thousands in surcharges and keeping your insurance rates lower.
How long do points stay on my New Jersey driving record?
It depends. Points remain on your driving record for 3 years from the date of the violation. However, insurance companies may consider the conviction for up to 5 years when calculating premiums.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.