In Union County, reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 carries 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and a $200 fine for a first offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Out of State Driver Lawyer Union County can help reduce charges and save thousands in surcharges.
What Is Reckless Driving Under New Jersey Law?
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, not an administrative violation. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, a reckless driving conviction adds 5 points to your driving record and triggers the New Jersey Insurance Surcharge Program. For drivers from other states, the consequences can extend beyond New Jersey through the Driver License Compact. An Out of State Driver Lawyer Union County understands how these interstate agreements affect your license back home.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
For the full text of the reckless driving statute, see N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court information, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website.
Insider Knowledge: How Union County Municipal Court Handles Traffic Cases
Union County Municipal Court at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207 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 the traffic ticket and note your court date at Union County Municipal Court.
- Contact an Out of State Driver Lawyer Union County before your court date to discuss plea options.
- Your attorney reviews the police report for procedural errors or weak evidence.
- Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor to reduce reckless driving to careless driving.
- If no agreement is reached, your attorney represents you at trial before the Municipal Court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can advise on defensive driving courses to remove 2 points from your record.
In Union County, reckless driving carries 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and a $200 fine for a first offense, plus significant insurance surcharges.
| 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; insurance increase |
| Reckless Driving (2nd) | Quasi-criminal | Up to 3 months | $500 | 5 points | $100/year per point over 6 for 3 years; possible suspension |
| Careless Driving | Quasi-criminal | None | Up to $200 | 2 points | Lower insurance impact |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Union 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 tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We understand the unique challenges faced by out-of-state drivers in New Jersey courts. Our team includes attorneys who have worked as prosecutors, giving you an insider’s perspective on how the Union County Municipal Court operates.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Union County Traffic Lawyer Services
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Union County courts. We are accessible via NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, and I-78.
Looking for a reckless driving lawyer near Union County? We serve Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving in Union County
How many points is a speeding ticket in Union 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 Union County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge at Superior Court of NJ, Union 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.
Will an out-of-state ticket affect my home state license?
Yes. New Jersey is a member of the Driver License Compact. Points and convictions from Union County will be reported to your home state, potentially resulting in license suspension or increased insurance rates there.
How long do points stay on my New Jersey driving record?
It depends. Points from a traffic conviction in New Jersey remain on your driving record for 3 years from the date of the violation. However, insurance companies may consider the conviction for longer periods.
Can a non-resident traffic violation defense lawyer Union County help with my case?
Yes. A non-resident traffic violation defense lawyer Union County understands the interstate implications of your case. They can negotiate reductions that protect your driving privileges in both New Jersey and your home state.
What should I do if I received a reckless driving ticket in Union County?
It depends. Contact an out-of-state license defense lawyer Union County immediately. Do not simply pay the ticket, as that constitutes a guilty plea. Your attorney can evaluate the evidence and negotiate for reduced charges.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.