Texting While Driving Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
Texting while driving in Bergen County is a primary traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3, carrying fines, points, and potential insurance increases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these charges in the Bergen County Superior Court. A conviction can add significant costs beyond the initial fine. Contact a texting while driving lawyer Bergen County for a case review.
New Jersey Texting While Driving Law
New Jersey law strictly prohibits using a hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device to text while driving. The statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3, defines this as a primary offense, meaning an officer can stop you solely for this violation. The law applies when a vehicle is in motion or temporarily stopped in traffic, such as at a red light.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for Texting While Driving Tickets
In Bergen County, texting while driving tickets are typically heard in the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part. Prosecutors often seek the standard penalties. The court sees a high volume of these violations, making an efficient defense important.
- Receive your ticket and note the court date and location (Hackensack).
- Decide whether to plead guilty and pay the fine or contest the charge.
- If contesting, you or your attorney must appear in court on the scheduled date.
- Present your defense or negotiate with the municipal prosecutor for a possible reduction.
Potential Penalties for Distracted Driving in NJ
In Bergen County, a texting while driving conviction carries a fine of $200 to $400 for a first offense, plus court costs and a potential insurance surcharge.
| Offense | Classification | Fine | Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Traffic Violation | $200 – $400 | 3 | Court costs; possible insurance increase |
| Second Offense | Traffic Violation | $400 – $600 | 3 | Court costs; mandatory insurance increase |
| Third+ Offense | Traffic Violation | $600 – $800 | 3 | Court costs; possible driver’s license suspension; significant insurance increase |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm handles traffic violations, including texting while driving charges. We understand the procedures in Bergen County courts. If you need a texting while driving lawyer near me Bergen County, we are available to discuss your ticket.
Contact Our Bergen County Location
Our firm represents clients facing texting while driving charges in Bergen County. If you are looking for an affordable texting while driving lawyer Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your situation.
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.
We serve clients 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.
Texting While Driving Lawyer Bergen County FAQ
Is texting at a red light illegal in New Jersey?
Yes. N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3 prohibits using a hand-held device to text while operating a vehicle, which includes being stopped in traffic. The law considers you to be driving.
Can I just pay the fine online instead of going to court?
It depends. Paying the fine online is an admission of guilt and will result in points on your license and likely higher insurance premiums. Contesting the ticket in court may allow you to avoid points, though it requires a court appearance.
How many points is a texting while driving ticket?
Three points. A conviction for texting while driving adds three points to your New Jersey driving record. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension and surcharges.
Will my insurance rates go up?
It is very likely. Insurance companies regularly check driving records and often impose surcharges for moving violations like texting while driving, which they classify as a serious offense. The increase can last for several years.
Can the charge be reduced to a non-moving violation?
It depends on the circumstances and the prosecutor. In some cases, negotiation may lead to a reduction to a lesser offense with no points, such as an unsafe driving charge (which carries a fine but no points). An attorney can present your case for a reduction.
For related legal help, see our pages on DUI defense in Bergen County and New Jersey traffic lawyer services. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Atlantic County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. 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 texting while driving 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 · Texting while Driving Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Texting while Driving Attorney Monmouth County, NJ.