Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer in Camden County, NJ
Driving in the wrong direction in Camden County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, often classified as reckless driving. This charge can lead to severe penalties, including fines, points, and license suspension. If you are facing this charge, a driving in wrong direction lawyer Camden County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide a strong defense.
What Is the Law on Driving in the Wrong Direction in New Jersey?
New Jersey law specifically prohibits driving in the wrong direction on a roadway. The statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle in a direction opposite to the flow of traffic on any roadway divided into separate roadways. This offense is often charged alongside reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) due to the extreme danger it poses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has extensive experience handling traffic violations. We understand the immediate and long-term consequences a wrong-way driving charge can have on your driving record and insurance rates.
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 court procedures and forms, visit the Camden Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Charge in Camden County
In Camden County, a wrong-way driving ticket is typically heard in the Municipal Court of the township where the violation occurred. The process is adversarial, with a prosecutor presenting the state’s case. A key local procedural fact is that Camden County courts take these charges very seriously due to the high risk of catastrophic accidents. An affordable driving in wrong direction lawyer Camden County can handle this process to seek a favorable outcome.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a ticket (summons) with a court date, location, and the specific statute violated.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a driving in wrong direction lawyer near me Camden County as early as possible to discuss your case and options.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor before your court date to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Court Appearance: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a hearing before a municipal judge.
- Potential Trial: You have the right to a trial where the officer must prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If found guilty, the judge will impose penalties. You may have the right to appeal to the Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in Camden County
In Camden County, driving in the wrong direction can result in fines up to $500, 5 motor vehicle points, a potential 60-day license suspension, and a mandatory court appearance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Wrong Way (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1) | Traffic Violation | Jail possible if combined with reckless driving | $50 – $500 | 5 points; possible suspension | Insurance surcharges; mandatory court appearance |
| Reckless Driving (if also charged) | Traffic Violation | Up to 60 days | $50 – $200 | 5 points | Possible jail time; significant insurance increases |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Camden County Traffic Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your driving privileges and minimizing penalties.
Our Approach to Wrong-Way Driving Cases
We begin every case with a detailed review of the traffic stop and the evidence against you. We examine whether the officer had probable cause, the accuracy of the violation, and any potential defenses such as improper signage or emergency circumstances. Our goal is to build a defense that challenges the charge or negotiates for a reduced offense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Camden 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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Camden County courts. We are accessible via I-76, Route 30, and the NJ Turnpike. If you need a driving in wrong direction lawyer near me Camden County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, and Collingswood.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving in Wrong Direction Charges
Is driving the wrong way a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No, it is typically a traffic violation, not a criminal offense. However, it carries severe penalties like high fines, points, and possible license suspension. If charged alongside reckless driving, jail time becomes a possibility.
How many points is a wrong-way driving ticket in NJ?
Five motor vehicle points are assessed for a conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1. Accumulating 6 or more points within three years triggers a state surcharge, and 12 or more points can lead to a license suspension.
Can I just pay the ticket and not go to court?
It depends. A wrong-way driving summons often requires a mandatory court appearance, which will be marked on the ticket. Paying it without appearing may result in a default conviction, all applicable penalties, and a possible bench warrant for your arrest.
What are the defenses against a wrong-way driving charge?
Potential defenses include challenging the officer’s observation, proving inadequate or obscured signage, demonstrating an emergency situation, or showing you were following erroneous GPS instructions. An experienced driving in wrong direction lawyer Camden County can evaluate the best defense for your case.
Will my insurance go up?
Yes, a conviction for wrong-way driving will almost certainly lead to a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums due to the 5-point assessment and the high-risk nature of the violation.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Camden County and federal criminal charges.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your driving in wrong direction charge in Camden County.
For the full picture beyond Camden County, our page on driving in wrong direction cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Camden 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 Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, 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 Camden 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: Camden 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.