Union County reckless driving is a quasi-criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 carrying 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and a $200 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Racing Lawyer Union County can negotiate reckless down to careless driving, saving 3 points and thousands in surcharges.
New Jersey defines reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 as operating a motor vehicle “in a 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 careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97), reckless driving carries 5 points, potential jail time, and significant insurance surcharges. The statute applies to all Union County roadways including the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled thousands of traffic cases across New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | N.J.S.A. Title 39 (official New Jersey Legislature)
Review the official statute: N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 (official New Jersey Legislature). Court information available at: Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (official NJ Courts).
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 — 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.
- Receive the traffic ticket — note the court date and location (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207).
- Contact a Racing Lawyer Union County immediately to review the citation and assess defense options.
- Your attorney files a not guilty plea and requests discovery from the prosecutor.
- Negotiate a plea — common to reduce reckless (5 points) to careless (2 points) saving surcharges.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial before the Municipal Court judge.
- Complete a defensive driving course to remove 2 points from your record after resolution.
In Union County, New Jersey, traffic violations carry points, fines, and insurance surcharges that can cost thousands over three years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (39:4-96) | Quasi-criminal | Up to 60 days (1st); up to 3 months (subsequent) | $200 (1st); $500 (subsequent) | 5 points | $100/year per point over 6 for 3 years; insurance increase |
| Speeding 30+ over | Quasi-criminal | Possible suspension | $200+ | 5 points | Surcharge $100/year per point over 6 for 3 years |
| Careless Driving (39:4-97) | Quasi-criminal | None | Up to $200 | 2 points | Insurance increase varies by carrier |
| Aggressive Driving (39:4-97.2) | Quasi-criminal | None | Up to $450 | 5 points | Insurance surcharge; possible suspension |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 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, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Union County courts, accessible via NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, I-78.
Looking for a racing lawyer near me Union County? We serve Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, Springfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Union 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.
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 (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207). Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving.
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.
Can a Racing Lawyer Union County help reduce my charges?
Yes. An affordable racing lawyer Union County can negotiate reckless driving (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points), saving thousands in insurance surcharges over 3 years. SRIS actively practices here.
What is the difference between reckless and careless driving in NJ?
Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is willful or wanton disregard for safety — 5 points, up to 60 days jail. Careless driving (39:4-97) is failure to exercise due care — 2 points, no jail, up to $200 fine.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. 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.