Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Options?
An improper passing on the right ticket in Bergen County is a moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85, carrying fines, points, and potential insurance increases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for drivers cited at locations like the Garden State Parkway or I-80. A strong defense can challenge the officer’s observation or the necessity of the maneuver. Contact us for a case review.
New Jersey Law on Improper Passing on the Right
New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 specifically governs passing on the right. The law permits passing on the right only under certain conditions, such as when the overtaken vehicle is making or about to make a left turn, or on a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction. Passing on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway is generally prohibited. A conviction adds two points to your New Jersey driving record and can lead to significant fines and surcharges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and filing information for Bergen County can be found at the Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Bergen County Ticket
Your ticket will list a court date at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. The process involves an initial appearance where you can plead guilty, not guilty, or seek a plea negotiation. For an improper passing on the right charge, the prosecutor may offer a plea to a zero-point offense, but this is not guaranteed. An experienced improper passing on the right lawyer Bergen County can negotiate on your behalf or prepare for trial.
- Review your ticket and note the court date and time.
- Contact an attorney to discuss the specifics of your traffic stop and possible defenses.
- Your attorney may file for discovery to obtain the officer’s notes and any dashcam footage.
- Attend a pre-trial conference with the municipal prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, your attorney will prepare for and represent you at trial.
Potential Penalties for Improper Passing
In Bergen County, a conviction for improper passing on the right under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 typically results in a fine, court costs, and two motor vehicle points.
| Offense | Classification | Fine Range | NJ MVC Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improper Passing on the Right | Moving Violation | $50 – $200 + court costs | 2 points | Possible insurance premium increase; surcharges. |
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. Our firm handles traffic violations across New Jersey. We focus on the details of each case, from the officer’s report to the specific location of the alleged violation. We aim to protect your driving record from points that lead to higher insurance costs.
Representing Clients in Bergen County
Our team represents drivers in Bergen County traffic court. We understand the local procedures and work to achieve a favorable result for each client. While specific local case counts are not published, our firm-wide approach is to scrutinize the state’s evidence and advocate for reductions or dismissals where possible.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Jersey Location
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. If you need an improper passing on the right lawyer near me Bergen County, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only. We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is passing on the right always illegal in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey law allows passing on the right under specific conditions, such as when the car ahead is turning left or on multi-lane roads. An affordable improper passing on the right lawyer Bergen County can analyze if your situation met these legal exceptions.
How many points is improper passing on the right?
It carries two points on your New Jersey driving record. Accumulating points can lead to surcharges and license suspension, making it important to contest the ticket.
Can I just pay the ticket and not go to court?
Yes, but paying the fine is an admission of guilt. This will add the points to your license and likely cause your insurance rates to increase. Appearing in court with an attorney gives you a chance to fight the points.
What are common defenses to this ticket?
Defenses may include proving the pass was legally justified, challenging the officer’s clear view, or arguing an emergency situation. The success of a defense depends on the specific facts.
How can a lawyer help if I already have points?
An attorney can seek to have the charge amended to a non-moving violation that carries no points, which is a critical step if you are near the threshold for suspension.
Other Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Bergen County, business law matters, and federal criminal cases. For more information on traffic defense statewide, visit our New Jersey civil litigation hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Atlantic County.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on improper passing on the right charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. 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 the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. 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 · Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.