Driving Left of Center Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — What Are Your Defenses?
Driving left of center in Bergen County is a traffic violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-88.1 that can lead to fines, points, and increased insurance rates. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these charges in the Bergen County Superior Court. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a detailed approach to challenge the state’s evidence. Contact us for a consultation about your specific case.
New Jersey Law on Driving Left of Center
In New Jersey, the offense of driving left of center is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-88.1. The law prohibits operating a vehicle to the left of the center of a roadway when it is not safe to do so, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or when the right side of the roadway is closed. A conviction is a traffic violation, not a crime, but it carries significant penalties. The statute is designed to prevent head-on collisions and maintain orderly traffic flow.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-88.1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Driving Left of Center Ticket in Bergen County
If you receive a ticket for driving left of center in Bergen County, you will have a court date at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. Prosecutors there routinely handle these as part of a high-volume traffic docket. An experienced driving left of center lawyer near me Bergen County can identify weaknesses in the officer’s observation or the ticket’s details.
- Receive the traffic summons and note your court date and plea options.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney to review the ticket and potential defenses.
- Decide to plead guilty and pay fines or plead not guilty and prepare for a hearing.
- If pleading not guilty, your attorney may file for discovery to review the officer’s notes and any evidence.
- Attend a pre-trial conference where your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or dismissal.
- Proceed to a bench trial before a judge if no settlement is reached.
Penalties for Driving Left of Center in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a driving left of center conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-88.1 carries fines, motor vehicle points, and potential insurance consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Fine | Motor Vehicle Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Left of Center | Traffic Violation | $50-$200+ | 2 points | Court costs; Surcharges; Increased insurance premiums |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, our practice is built on a deep understanding of traffic courts. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to client defense. For a Bergen County driving left of center charge, we examine the specific circumstances, such as road conditions or obstructed lanes, to build a strong defense.
Legal Representation for Bergen County Residents
Our firm defends clients against driving left of center charges in Bergen County. We focus on the details of each case, from the accuracy of the citation to the officer’s vantage point. Every case is different, and we prepare a defense based on the unique facts you provide.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We provide representation for individuals in 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving left of center a serious offense in NJ?
Yes. While it is a traffic violation and not a crime, a conviction adds 2 points to your driving record, leads to fines and court costs, and will likely cause your car insurance rates to increase significantly.
Can I fight a driving left of center ticket?
Yes. Common defenses include proving a necessity (like avoiding an obstacle), challenging the officer’s line of sight, or demonstrating that the road markings were faded or unclear. An affordable driving left of center lawyer Bergen County can evaluate the best approach for your case.
What if I was passing a cyclist or a parked car?
It depends. The law allows crossing the center line when necessary and safe to pass an obstruction. Your defense would need to show that the maneuver was conducted safely, with proper visibility, and that you returned to the right side of the roadway as soon as possible.
How many points is a driving left of center ticket?
2 points. These points are added to your New Jersey driving record and remain for two years from the date of violation. Accumulating 6 or more points within three years triggers additional surcharges from the state.
Should I just pay the ticket to avoid court?
Not necessarily. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt, which means you accept all the penalties, including the points and insurance consequences. Consulting with a lawyer first can reveal options to potentially avoid these long-term costs.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a traffic charge in Bergen County, you may also want to learn about DUI defense. For other legal matters in our service area, see our pages for Atlantic County civil litigation and New Jersey civil litigation overview.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your driving left of center charge in Bergen County.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on driving left of center charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
DWI and traffic charges are heard first in the municipal court for the town where the stop occurred; appeals go to the Law Division of the county Superior Court. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 (driving while intoxicated) within N.J.S.A. Title 39, the motor vehicle and traffic code. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Driving Left of Center Lawyer in Hudson County, NJ · Driving Left of Center Attorney Monmouth County, NJ.