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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Driver License Compact Lawyer Bergen County can help you protect your driving privileges.
New Jersey Reckless Driving Law and Penalties
New Jersey defines reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 as operating a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This is a quasi-criminal offense heard in Municipal Court. A first offense carries up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to $200, and 5 points on your driving record. Subsequent offenses increase jail time to 3 months and fines to $500. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) imposes surcharges of $100 per year for each point over 6, lasting three years. An experienced Driver License Compact Lawyer Bergen County understands how these penalties affect your license across state lines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Resources
- N.J.S.A. Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation) — Official New Jersey Legislature
- Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage — Official Court Website
How to Handle a Reckless Driving Case in Bergen County
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 — a frequent defense strategy is negotiating reckless driving (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points), which can save thousands in insurance surcharges over 3 years. NJ’s surcharge system adds $100/year per point over 6 for three years, plus $250/year Unsafe Driver Surcharge for 3+ violations in 3 years. Completing a defensive driving course removes 2 points from the record. The Municipal Court at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 handles Bergen County traffic matters.
- Receive your traffic summons — note the court date and location (10 Main Street, Hackensack).
- Contact a Driver License Compact Lawyer Bergen County immediately to discuss plea options.
- Your attorney requests discovery from the prosecutor to review evidence against you.
- Attend Municipal Court with your lawyer — negotiate a reduction to careless driving (2 points).
- Complete a defensive driving course to remove 2 additional points from your record.
In Bergen County, reckless driving carries up to 60 days in jail, $200 fine, and 5 points on your license.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (1st) | Quasi-Criminal | Up to 60 days | Up to $200 | 5 points | Surcharge $100/yr per point over 6 for 3 years |
| Reckless Driving (2nd+) | Quasi-Criminal | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | 5 points | Possible license suspension |
| Careless Driving | Quasi-Criminal | None | Up to $200 | 2 points | No surcharge |
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. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how to build strong defenses. We serve clients across New Jersey, including Bergen County. Advocacy Without Borders.
Case Results in Bergen County
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team has successfully reduced reckless driving charges to careless driving for many Bergen County clients, saving them thousands in insurance surcharges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts, accessible via I-80, NJ Turnpike, Route 17, Route 4, Route 46, GW Bridge, GSP.
We serve Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, Lyndhurst.
Looking for a driver license compact lawyer near me Bergen County? Contact us today.
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 (10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601). 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?
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.
Do I need a Driver License Compact Lawyer Bergen County for an out-of-state ticket?
Yes. New Jersey is a member of the Driver License Compact. A conviction in Bergen County can result in points and suspension on your home state license. An affordable driver license compact lawyer Bergen County can help minimize interstate consequences.
How long do points stay on my New Jersey driving record?
It depends. Points from a traffic conviction remain on your NJ driving record for 3 years from the date of the violation. Surcharges apply for 3 years from the date of conviction.
- New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer
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- Bergen County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Bergen County DUI/DWI Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.