Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Options?
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street in New Jersey is a serious moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, carrying points, fines, and potential license suspension. A Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street lawyer New Jersey from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the evidence and seek to reduce penalties. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your ticket.
New Jersey Law on Wrong-Way Driving
New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 specifically prohibits driving a vehicle in a direction opposite to the official traffic flow on a one-way roadway. This violation is not a simple oversight; it is treated as a serious moving violation due to the high risk of head-on collisions it creates. The law applies on any street, highway, or roadway designated and marked as one-way by proper authority.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For information on points and surcharges, visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.
Local Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Ticket
In New Jersey municipal courts, prosecutors have wide discretion in offering plea deals for traffic offenses. For a wrong-way driving charge, a common initial offer might be to a lesser 2-point violation. An experienced attorney can often negotiate for a non-moving violation that carries no points, which is critical for avoiding insurance hikes.
- Receive Your Ticket & Court Date: You will receive a traffic ticket (summons) with a court date, typically in the municipality where the violation occurred.
- Consult with an Attorney: Contact a Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street lawyer near me New Jersey to review the ticket and discuss possible defenses before your court date.
- Pre-Court Negotiation: Your attorney can often contact the municipal prosecutor before your hearing to discuss a plea agreement to a reduced charge.
- Court Appearance: If a favorable plea is reached, your attorney will appear with you in court to present it to the judge for approval. If not, your attorney will be prepared to contest the ticket at trial.
- Post-Trial Actions: If convicted, your attorney can advise on any appeal options or steps to mitigate the impact on your driving record.
Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in New Jersey
In New Jersey, driving the wrong way on a one-way street is a 2-point moving violation with a standard fine of $85, plus court costs that can bring the total to over $200.
| Offense | Classification | Motor Vehicle Points | Fine (Base) | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong-Way Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1) | Moving Violation | 2 points | $85 + court costs | Points accumulate toward suspension; potential insurance increase. | New Jersey Surcharge of $150 per year for 3 years if 6+ points are accumulated. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Traffic Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to traffic defense. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is grounded in a detailed review of every ticket and aggressive advocacy in municipal court.
Documented Case Results in Traffic Court
Our attorneys have a proven record of achieving positive results for clients facing traffic violations. This includes negotiating dismissals, reductions to non-moving violations, and avoiding license suspensions. For example, we have successfully argued for dismissal of wrong-way driving tickets based on insufficient evidence of proper signage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact an Affordable Driving Wrong Way on a One-Way Street Lawyer New Jersey
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
100 Metroplex Dr, Suite 104
Edison, NJ 08817
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 659-3788
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location is centrally located to serve clients across the state. We provide experienced legal defense for traffic tickets in Edison, New Brunswick, Woodbridge, and surrounding communities. Contact an affordable Driving Wrong Way on a One-Way Street lawyer New Jersey for a 24/7 phone consultation at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Wrong-Way Driving in NJ)
Is driving the wrong way on a one-way street a criminal offense in NJ?
No. It is a traffic violation, not a criminal offense. You will not face jail time, but you will receive points on your driving record and a fine.
How many points is a wrong-way driving ticket in New Jersey?
It carries 2 motor vehicle points. Accumulating 6 or more points within three years triggers a state surcharge of $150 per year for three years.
Can I just pay the ticket online without going to court?
Yes, but paying is an admission of guilt. The points will be added to your record, which will likely increase your insurance premiums for years. It is often worth contesting the ticket.
What are common defenses to a wrong-way driving ticket?
Defenses can include missing or obscured signage, an error in the officer’s observation, or necessity (e.g., avoiding an immediate hazard). An attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Will my insurance go up if I get this ticket?
It depends. Most insurers raise rates after any moving violation that adds points to your license. Avoiding a conviction or reducing the charge to a non-moving violation can help prevent an increase.
A driving wrong way on a one way street case is one part of general traffic defence work, and our page on violation of hov lawyer New Jersey covers the wider process.