Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Union County — What Are Your Options?
An improper passing on the right ticket in Union County, NJ, is a moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 that can lead to fines, points, and insurance hikes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for drivers cited in Elizabeth, Westfield, and across Union County.
What Is Improper Passing on the Right in New Jersey?
New Jersey law strictly regulates when and how a driver may pass another vehicle on the right. Improper passing on the right, defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85, is generally prohibited except under specific conditions. You may only pass on the right when the vehicle you are overtaking is making or signaling a left turn, or when you are on a roadway with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Passing on the right on a shoulder, in a bicycle lane, or across solid lines is illegal and can be cited as careless driving or even reckless driving in more dangerous circumstances.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of traffic statutes. This background is critical for building defenses against improper passing charges, which often hinge on the officer’s perspective and the specific road conditions at the time of the alleged violation.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s website for N.J.S.A. 39:4-85. Court procedures and filing information for Union County can be found on the New Jersey Courts website for the Union Vicinage.
Local Court Process for a Union County Ticket
If you received a ticket for improper passing on the right in Union County, your case will be heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, located in Elizabeth. The process begins with you receiving a summons with a court date. You have the option to plead guilty and pay the fine or plead not guilty and contest the ticket. For many drivers, hiring an affordable improper passing on the right lawyer Union County is the first step to exploring a not-guilty plea or negotiating a reduction to a non-points violation.
- Review the Summons: Carefully check the ticket for the court date, time, location (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth), and the specific statute cited (e.g., 39:4-85).
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a lawyer to discuss the details of your stop and the potential defenses, such as unclear lane markings or a misinterpretation of the other vehicle’s intent.
- Plea Entry: Your attorney can enter a not-guilty plea on your behalf and request discovery, which includes the officer’s notes and any dashcam footage.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Before your court date, your lawyer will engage with the municipal prosecutor to seek a dismissal or a favorable plea deal to avoid points.
- Trial or Resolution: If a deal cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you at a bench trial before a judge, arguing your defense.
Potential Penalties for Improper Passing on the Right
In Union County, a conviction for improper passing on the right under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 carries a fine, court costs, and motor vehicle points that can increase your insurance premiums.
| Offense | Classification | Fine & Costs | Motor Vehicle Points | License Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improper Passing on the Right (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85) | Moving Violation | $50 – $200 + court costs | 4 points | Possible surcharge; points accumulate toward suspension | Insurance premium increases; 2 points if amended to Unsafe Operation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We operate on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders,” providing dedicated representation. We understand that a traffic ticket is more than a fine—it’s a threat to your driving record and financial well-being. Our approach is to scrutinize the state’s evidence, from the officer’s report to calibration records for any measuring devices, to protect your rights.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results for improper passing on the right in Union County are not enumerated here, our firm-wide track record across all practice areas includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our focus is on achieving dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses, or not-guilty verdicts to help clients avoid points and insurance hikes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Service for Union County Drivers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County. If you need an improper passing on the right lawyer near me Union County, we are accessible. Our location is a strategic distance from the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, convenient for clients traveling via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, or I-78. We provide representation for residents in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All in-person meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Improper Passing on the Right)
Is passing on the right always illegal in New Jersey?
No. Passing on the right is permitted under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 only when the overtaken vehicle is making a left turn or on a multi-lane highway. Passing on the right using the shoulder, bike lane, or over solid lines is illegal.
How many points is improper passing on the right in NJ?
It carries 4 motor vehicle points. Accumulating points can lead to surcharges and eventual license suspension. An attorney may seek to reduce the charge to “Unsafe Operation,” which carries only 2 points.
Can I fight an improper passing on the right ticket?
Yes. Defenses can include challenging the officer’s line of sight, proving the roadway had multiple lanes, or showing the other vehicle was signaling a left turn. An affordable improper passing on the right lawyer Union County can evaluate the strength of these defenses.
Should I just pay the ticket to avoid court?
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will add 4 points to your driving record, which will increase your insurance costs for years. Consulting a lawyer first to explore options for avoiding points is often more cost-effective long-term.
What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket in Union County?
Ignoring a ticket leads to a failure to appear, resulting in additional fines, a possible bench warrant for your arrest, and the suspension of your driver’s license. It is critical to address the citation by the court date.
Internal Resources
For more information on traffic defense in New Jersey, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. If you are facing related charges, consider reading about DUI defense in Union County. For defense against other traffic matters, see our page for traffic lawyers in nearby Bergen County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your improper passing on the right charge in Union County.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey improper passing on the right practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Improper Passing on the Right Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.