Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Salem County — What Are Your Options?
Driving in the wrong direction in Salem County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, often charged as reckless driving. A conviction can lead to fines, points, and license suspension. If you are facing this charge, a driving in wrong direction lawyer Salem County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can analyze your case. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Statutory Definition of Wrong-Way Driving in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the specific act of driving in the wrong direction is addressed under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, which prohibits driving the wrong way on a one-way street or roadway. More broadly, this conduct is frequently prosecuted under the state’s reckless driving statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, which defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle “heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others.” Wrong-way driving is considered a prime example of such disregard due to the extreme danger it poses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the New Jersey traffic statutes, refer to the New Jersey Statutes (official New Jersey Legislature site). For information on court procedures in Salem County, visit the Salem Vicinage website (official NJ Courts).
Local Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Charge in Salem County
Wrong-way driving charges in Salem County are typically heard in the Municipal Court of the township where the violation occurred. Prosecutors in these courts treat these charges seriously due to the high risk of accidents. The process involves an arraignment, potential plea negotiations, and if no resolution is reached, a bench trial before a municipal judge.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a traffic ticket (summons) with a court date for the Salem County Municipal Court where the violation happened.
- Initial Arraignment: At your first court date, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading not guilty sets the case for trial.
- Discovery and Review: Your attorney will request all evidence from the prosecutor, including the officer’s report, any dashcam footage, and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may meet with the prosecutor to discuss possible reductions, such as amending the charge to a less serious moving violation.
- Trial or Resolution: If a plea agreement is not reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial where the municipal judge hears evidence and decides guilt or innocence.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If found guilty, the judge will impose fines and penalties. You have the right to appeal the decision to the Superior Court, Law Division.
Potential Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in Salem County
In Salem County, a conviction for driving in the wrong direction as reckless driving carries a fine of $50 to $200, up to 60 days in jail, and 5 motor vehicle points on your license.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong-Way Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1) | Traffic Violation | None | $50 – $200 | 2 points | Court costs, surcharges |
| Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) | Traffic Violation (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 60 days | $50 – $200 | 5 points | Insurance increase, possible jail |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Salem County Traffic Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand that a traffic charge like driving the wrong way is more than just a ticket—it can affect your driving privileges and insurance rates. Our approach is to examine every detail, from the officer’s observations to the calibration of any traffic monitoring devices, to build a strong defense for you.
Our Commitment to Client Defense
Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights. We focus on the specifics of your stop and citation. Was the signage clearly visible? Were there mitigating circumstances? We work to present these factors effectively in court. While we strive for the best result in every case, we provide clear, realistic guidance about the process and potential outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Salem County Traffic Defense Team
If you need a driving in wrong direction lawyer near me Salem County, our firm is ready to help. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Salem County, including Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro.
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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving in Wrong Direction Charges
Is driving in the wrong direction a criminal charge in New Jersey?
No, it is typically a traffic violation. However, if charged as reckless driving, it is considered a quasi-criminal offense with potential jail time.
How many points will I get for a wrong-way driving ticket?
If cited under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, you face 2 motor vehicle points. If charged as reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96), you face 5 points. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension and high surcharges.
Can I go to jail for driving the wrong way?
Yes, if convicted of reckless driving. The statute allows for a jail sentence of up to 60 days, though this is less common for first-time offenses without an accident.
Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?
It depends. Pleading guilty accepts all penalties, including points and insurance consequences. Consulting an affordable driving in wrong direction lawyer Salem County first can help you understand if you have defenses or can negotiate a better outcome.
What defenses are there to a wrong-way driving charge?
Possible defenses include unclear or missing signage, an emergency situation, mistaken identity of the driver, or a challenge to the officer’s observation. An attorney reviews the evidence to identify the best defense strategy.
Related Practice Areas: Salem County DUI Lawyer | Salem County Reckless Driving Lawyer
Other Localities We Serve: Atlantic County Civil Litigation Lawyer | Camden County Civil Litigation Lawyer
State Hub: New Jersey Traffic Lawyer
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 driving in wrong direction charge in Salem County.
Salem County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on driving in wrong direction cases in New Jersey explains each stage.
Your case in Salem 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 Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem County NJ lawyers directory · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.