Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer Monmouth County — What Are Your Options?
A wrong-way driving ticket in Monmouth County is a serious moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, carrying 2 points, fines up to $200, and potential insurance hikes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges, focusing on challenging the officer’s observation or the signage’s adequacy. Contact our Monmouth County traffic defense team for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Law on Wrong-Way Driving
In New Jersey, driving the wrong way on a one-way street is specifically prohibited by statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1. The law is clear: no person shall operate a vehicle on any highway or roadway designated for one-way traffic except in the direction authorized by official traffic control devices. This is distinct from simply making an illegal turn; it involves traveling against the established flow of traffic, which creates a significant hazard.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Monmouth Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 (official New Jersey Legislature). For local court procedures and information, visit the Monmouth Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Ticket
- You will receive a traffic ticket (summons) with a court date for the Monmouth County Superior Court, Municipal Division.
- You must decide to plead guilty and pay the fine or plead not guilty and request a trial.
- If pleading not guilty, your attorney will file a discovery request for the officer’s notes and any available evidence.
- Your attorney may negotiate with the municipal prosecutor for a reduction to a zero-point offense.
- If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a municipal court judge.
- The judge will render a verdict based on the evidence presented.
Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in Monmouth County
In Monmouth County, a conviction for driving the wrong way on a one-way street under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 results in a fine of $50 to $200, 2 motor vehicle points, and a potential surcharge of $250 per year for three years.
| Offense | Classification | Fine | NJ MVC Points | Insurance Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong-Way Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1) | Moving Violation | $50 – $200 | 2 points | Premium increase likely | $250/yr surcharge for 3 years; possible court costs. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Monmouth County 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 every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a simple traffic ticket can have lasting financial consequences, and we fight to protect your driving record and wallet. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive representation for every client.
Our Approach to Wrong-Way Driving Cases
We don’t just advise you to pay the fine. We investigate. Was the one-way sign obscured by foliage, especially in areas like the older streets of Freehold or Asbury Park? Was the lighting inadequate? Did the officer have a clear, unobstructed view to confirm your direction of travel? We request all available evidence, including the officer’s notes and any dashcam footage, to build a defense aimed at getting your charge dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation with no points.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Monmouth County Traffic Defense Lawyers
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 all Monmouth County courts, including Freehold. We are accessible via the Garden State Parkway, Route 18, and Route 35. We provide representation for individuals in Freehold, Tinton Falls, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Middletown, Holmdel, Marlboro, Manalapan, Howell, Wall Township, Neptune, and Colts Neck. For an affordable driving wrong way on a one-way street lawyer Monmouth County residents can trust, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation — meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Driving Wrong Way on a One-Way Street in NJ
Is wrong-way driving a points violation in New Jersey?
Yes. A conviction for violating N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 adds 2 points to your New Jersey driving record. These points remain for two years from the violation date and can trigger significant insurance premium increases.
Can I just pay the ticket online without going to court?
Paying the fine online is an automatic plea of guilty. This will result in a conviction, the 2 points on your license, and the associated surcharges. To fight the ticket and avoid points, you must plead not guilty and appear in Monmouth County Municipal Court.
What are common defenses against a wrong-way driving ticket?
Defenses often focus on inadequate signage (missing, obscured, or non-compliant signs), mistaken identity of the vehicle, or an error in the officer’s observation due to poor lighting or sightlines. A driving wrong way on a one-way street lawyer near me Monmouth County can investigate these angles.
Will my insurance go up if I get this ticket?
It is very likely. New Jersey insurers regularly review driving records, and a 2-point moving violation is a common trigger for a premium increase, which could last for three years or more.
What is the New Jersey surcharge for this violation?
also to the court fine, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission imposes a mandatory surcharge of $250 per year for three years upon conviction for a 2-point violation like wrong-way driving. This is paid separately from any court fines.
Can the charge be reduced to a non-moving violation?
It depends. In many Monmouth County municipalities, an experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a zero-point offense like “Unsafe Operation” (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.2). This avoids points and surcharges but may still carry a fine.
Related Legal Resources in Monmouth County
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Monmouth County, federal criminal matters, and business law. For a broader view of our traffic defense practice, visit our New Jersey Traffic Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Bergen County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your specific case.
Monmouth County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on driving wrong way on a one way street cases in New Jersey explains each stage.
Your case in Monmouth 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 Monmouth County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Monmouth Vicinage (9th Vicinage), 71 Monument Park, Freehold, NJ 07728, telephone (732) 677-4200, 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 Monmouth 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: Monmouth County NJ lawyers directory · Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer Bergen County · Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer Hudson County.