Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Street Lawyer in Morris County, NJ
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Morris County is a serious traffic violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, carrying fines, points, and potential license suspension. A conviction can increase your insurance rates significantly. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges in Morristown court.
On this page
ToggleNew Jersey Law on Wrong-Way Driving
New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1 specifically prohibits driving in the direction opposite to the flow of traffic on a one-way roadway. This law is strictly enforced due to the high risk of head-on collisions. The violation is not merely an error but is treated as a moving violation that demonstrates a disregard for traffic control devices and public safety.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Morris Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how prosecutors in Morris County approach these charges. We use this insight to build effective defenses for our clients.
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, visit the Morris Vicinage court website.
Morris County Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Ticket
In Morris 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, such as Morristown or Parsippany. The process is administrative but can have serious consequences. An affordable driving wrong way on a one-way street lawyer Morris County can help you handle this. Prosecutors often seek the full penalties for these violations due to the safety risk involved.
- Receive the Ticket & Plead Not Guilty: Do not simply pay the fine. Plead not guilty by the date on the ticket to preserve your right to a hearing and avoid automatic conviction.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney will meet with the municipal prosecutor before your court date to discuss the facts and seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Motion to Suppress (if applicable): If there are issues with the traffic stop or evidence, your lawyer may file a motion to challenge its admissibility.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a municipal judge, where the officer must prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If found guilty, the judge will impose sentence. You have the right to appeal the decision to the Superior Court, Law Division.
Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in Morris County
In Morris County, driving the wrong way on a one-way street is a 2-point moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1, with fines set by the local municipality, typically starting around $85 plus court costs.
| Offense | Classification | NJ MVC Points | Fine Range | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong-Way Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1) | Moving Violation | 2 points | $85+ (varies by municipality) | Points on license; potential surcharges | Increased insurance premiums; possible careless driving upgrade |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has a deep understanding of New Jersey traffic courts. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who brings that perspective to building defenses for clients charged with serious moving violations like wrong-way driving.
Mr. Sris
Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York
A former prosecutor and founder of the firm, Mr. Sris leads our traffic defense practice in New Jersey. He leverages his prosecutorial experience to anticipate the state’s case and protect clients’ driving privileges in Morris County and across the state.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific Morris County results for this charge are not enumerated, our firm-wide approach to traffic defense has secured numerous favorable outcomes across our jurisdictions, including dismissals and reductions of serious moving violations. We apply the same diligent defense strategy for every client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Morris County Traffic Defense Lawyers
If you need a driving wrong way on a one-way street lawyer near me Morris County, our New Jersey location serves clients throughout the area. We represent clients in Morristown, Parsippany, Dover, Randolph, Denville, Madison, Florham Park, Chatham, Boonton, Mount Olive, Roxbury, and Chester.
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.
FAQs: Driving Wrong Way on a One-Way Street in NJ
Is driving the wrong way on a one-way street a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No. It is a traffic violation, not a criminal offense. However, it is a 2-point moving violation that can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many points and carries significant financial penalties.
Can I just pay the ticket to make it go away?
Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt. This will result in a conviction, the points being added to your driving record, and likely a substantial increase in your car insurance premiums for years. It is almost always better to contest the ticket with legal help.
What are the possible defenses to this charge?
Defenses can include challenging the officer’s view of the violation, proving inadequate or obscured signage, demonstrating a necessity (e.g., avoiding an immediate hazard), or showing a mistake of fact. A lawyer can evaluate the specific circumstances of your case.
How many points will I get for a wrong-way driving ticket?
Two points will be assessed on your New Jersey driving record upon conviction for violating N.J.S.A. 39:4-85.1. Accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period can lead to a license suspension.
Will my insurance rates go up?
It depends. Most insurance companies raise rates significantly after a 2-point moving violation conviction. The increase can last for three to five years, often costing far more than the fine itself. Contesting the ticket can help avoid this.
Should I hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
Yes, for a wrong-way driving charge. The long-term costs of insurance increases and potential license issues far outweigh the cost of an attorney. A driving wrong way on a one way street lawyer Morris County can seek to have the charge reduced or dismissed, saving you money and protecting your record.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing this charge, you may also want to learn about DUI defense in Morris County. For other traffic matters, see our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist 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 driving wrong way on a one way street charge in Morris County.