Racing Lawyer Camden County — What Are the Penalties for Street Racing in NJ?
Street racing in Camden County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, classified as reckless driving and carrying 5 points on your license, up to 60 days in jail, and a $200 fine for a first offense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for racing charges at the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
NJ Racing and Reckless Driving Statute
In New Jersey, street racing is prosecuted under the reckless driving statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. The law prohibits driving a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Racing, which involves speed competitions on highways or public roads, is a clear violation. A conviction results in a mandatory 5-point assessment on your driving record, which triggers significant insurance surcharges under New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) point system.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the reckless driving statute, see N.J.S.A. Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation). Traffic cases for Camden County are heard at the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage located at 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103.
Local Court Process for Racing Charges in Camden County
Racing charges in Camden County are handled as quasi-criminal matters in Municipal Court. The process is more formal than a simple traffic ticket. Prosecutors often have use to negotiate, and a common defense strategy is to seek a reduction from the 5-point racing/reckless charge down to a 2-point careless driving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97. This reduction can save thousands of dollars in insurance surcharges over three years.
- Receive your traffic summons with a court date for the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney before your first appearance to discuss strategy.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions or engage in plea negotiations with the municipal prosecutor.
- If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a municipal court judge.
- If convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Superior Court Law Division for a new trial.
Penalties for Racing in New Jersey
In Camden County, a racing conviction carries severe penalties including license points, jail time, fines, and long-term financial surcharges from the state.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Points | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing / Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 60 days (1st offense) | Up to $200 | 5 points | NJ MVC Surcharges: $100/yr per point over 6 for 3 years; possible license suspension. |
| Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) – Potential Reduction | Traffic Offense | None | Up to $200 | 2 points | Reduced insurance impact; avoids “Unsafe Driver” surcharge. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Camden County Racing Charge?
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex traffic cases like racing. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the specific procedures and tendencies of the Camden County courts, allowing us to build effective, case-specific defense strategies.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide results demonstrate our commitment to client advocacy. SRIS has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across all practice areas and jurisdictions, including traffic defense in New Jersey.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Camden County Traffic Defense
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Camden County. We represent individuals in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, and surrounding communities. If you are searching for an affordable racing lawyer Camden County, our team is accessible.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Racing Charges in Camden County
Is street racing a criminal offense in New Jersey?
Yes. While processed in traffic court, racing is charged as reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, which is a quasi-criminal offense. This means you face potential jail time, significant fines, and a permanent record, unlike a simple speeding ticket.
What are the insurance consequences of a racing conviction?
Substantial. A 5-point conviction triggers New Jersey’s insurance surcharge system: you will pay $100 per year for each point over 6 on your license, for three years. This is also to certain conviction fines and almost certain premium increases from your private insurer.
Can I get a racing charge reduced in Camden County?
It depends. Plea bargaining is permitted in NJ Municipal Court. A common and favorable outcome is negotiating a reduction from reckless driving (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points). This saves 3 points and can avoid thousands in state surcharges. An attorney can advocate for this reduction.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Camden County, New Jersey?
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. An attorney can often negotiate reckless (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points).
What should I do if I’m charged with racing?
First, do not ignore the ticket. Contact a traffic defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with law enforcement without counsel. An attorney can review the evidence, identify potential defenses, and represent you in Camden County court to seek the best possible outcome.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles criminal defense in Camden County, DUI/DWI cases, and family law matters. For more information on New Jersey traffic defense, visit our state hub page for Reckless Driving Lawyers in NJ. We also serve neighboring areas like Hunterdon County and Somerset County.
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.