Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Options?
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Bergen County is a serious traffic violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, carrying points, fines, and potential insurance hikes. A conviction can complicate your driving record for years. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for these charges in Hackensack and surrounding Bergen County courts.
New Jersey Law on Wrong-Way Driving
In New Jersey, the specific statute governing driving the wrong way on a one-way street is N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1. This law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle in the direction opposite to that which is officially indicated by traffic signs or markings. The violation is not merely an error in judgment; it is treated as a moving violation that demonstrates a failure to obey traffic control devices, which are in place to ensure orderly and safe traffic flow.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands that such charges, while common, require a precise defense strategy to protect your driving privileges and finances.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures and information, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
Handling a Wrong-Way Driving Ticket in Bergen County
In Bergen County, a ticket for driving the wrong way on a one-way street is typically heard in the municipal court of the town where the violation occurred. Prosecutors often treat these as clear moving violations. An experienced Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street lawyer Bergen County can examine the specifics, such as the visibility of signage or the officer’s vantage point, to challenge the state’s evidence.
- Review Your Ticket and Options: Do not simply pay the fine. Pleading guilty means an automatic conviction, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Contact a Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street lawyer near me Bergen County to discuss the details of your stop and the potential defenses.
- Prepare for Court: Your attorney will gather evidence, which may include photos of the signage, diagrams, or witness statements, to build your defense.
- Appear in Municipal Court: Your lawyer will represent you, argue before the judge, and negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a favorable resolution.
- Evaluate the Outcome: Whether the charge is dismissed, reduced, or you are found not guilty, your attorney will explain the impact on your record and any next steps.
Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a conviction for driving the wrong way on a one-way street under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 carries a fine, court costs, and two motor vehicle points added to your driving record.
| Offense | Classification | Fine & Costs | License Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Wrong Way on One-Way Street (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1) | Moving Violation | $50-$200 + court costs | 2 points | Potential insurance surcharge; possible driver responsibility fees. |
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, the 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 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We focus on the specific procedures of Bergen County’s municipal courts, from Hackensack to Fort Lee, to build effective, localized defenses for traffic violations.
Our Approach to Your Case
We treat every traffic ticket as a threat to your driving record and financial well-being. For a wrong-way driving charge, we meticulously review the police report and citation for errors, assess the traffic control devices at the location, and develop a strategy aimed at dismissal, reduction to a zero-point offense, or a not-guilty verdict. Our goal is to protect your license and keep your insurance rates from rising.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Traffic Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17, making it convenient to meet with an affordable Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street lawyer Bergen County.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve clients in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving the wrong way on a one-way street a serious ticket in NJ?
Yes. It is a 2-point moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1. While not a criminal offense, the points can lead to insurance surcharges and, if you accumulate too many, license suspension.
Can I just pay the ticket online to avoid going to court?
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt. It results in an automatic conviction, the two points being added to your license, and potential insurance increases. It is almost always better to contest the ticket with legal help.
What are common defenses to a wrong-way driving ticket?
Defenses can include improperly placed or obscured signage, incorrect officer observation, emergency circumstances, or mistaken identity. A lawyer can evaluate which defense applies to your specific situation.
Will I need to go to court myself?
In many cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf for initial proceedings in municipal court, especially for a traffic violation. They will advise you if your personal appearance is required.
How can a lawyer help if I clearly made a mistake?
Even if you believe you committed the violation, a lawyer can often negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a non-moving, zero-point offense, which avoids the negative consequences on your driving record.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on driving wrong way on a one way street 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 · Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer Hudson County · Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer Monmouth County.