Bergen County Negligent Driving Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Negligent driving in Bergen County is a serious traffic offense under New Jersey law that can lead to fines, points, and insurance increases. If you are facing a ticket, a negligent driving lawyer Bergen County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the state’s evidence and work to protect your driving record.
What Is Negligent Driving in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, negligent driving is not defined by a single statute but is a common traffic offense often charged under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97, which covers careless driving. The law prohibits operating a vehicle “carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property.” This is a broad statute that gives police officers significant discretion to issue a summons for driving behavior they deem unsafe. A conviction results in two motor vehicle points and fines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bergen County Municipal Courts | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures, visit the Bergen County Municipal Court information page on the New Jersey Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Negligent Driving Ticket
Your case will be heard in the Bergen County Municipal Court where the ticket was issued, such as Hackensack, Paramus, or Teaneck. Prosecutors in these courts often have high caseloads, which can create opportunities for negotiation. An experienced negligent driving lawyer near me Bergen County can review the officer’s narrative for weaknesses, such as a lack of specific details about how your driving endangered others.
- Receive Your Summons: Note your court date and the specific municipal court location listed on the ticket.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a lawyer to review the summons and discuss potential defenses before your court date.
- Pre-Court Preparation: Your attorney may contact the municipal prosecutor to discuss the case and explore resolution options.
- Court Appearance: Appear in court with your attorney. You may enter a plea, proceed to a hearing, or finalize a negotiated plea.
- Address the Outcome: If convicted, your attorney can advise on next steps, which may include paying fines or addressing insurance implications.
Potential Penalties for Negligent Driving in Bergen County
In Bergen County, a negligent driving conviction typically carries a fine of $50 to $200, plus court costs and a two-point assessment on your New Jersey driving record.
| Offense | Classification | Fine Range | License Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negligent Driving (Careless Driving) | Traffic Violation | $50 – $200 + costs | 2 points | Possible insurance surcharge |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Bergen County Courts
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings decades of combined experience to traffic defense. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom. We are familiar with the procedures and personnel in Bergen County’s busy municipal courts. We focus on building a defense specific to the details of your ticket, whether that involves questioning the officer’s observations or negotiating for a reduced charge.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our approach is to seek the best possible resolution, which often means avoiding points on a client’s license. While results depend on the unique facts of each case, our firm has a documented history of favorable outcomes in traffic matters. We work to have charges dismissed, reduced to zero-point offenses, or otherwise mitigated to minimize the long-term impact on our clients’ driving records and insurance premiums.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Traffic Defense Lawyers
Our firm is positioned to assist drivers throughout Bergen County. If you need an affordable negligent driving lawyer Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your ticket.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations.
We serve clients in Hackensack, Paramus, Teaneck, Englewood, Fort Lee, and surrounding Bergen County communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is negligent driving a misdemeanor in New Jersey?
No. Negligent driving (charged as careless driving) is a traffic violation, not a criminal misdemeanor, in New Jersey. However, a conviction adds points to your license and can significantly increase your insurance rates.
Can I just pay my negligent driving ticket online?
It depends. Paying the ticket online is an admission of guilt, which results in a conviction, two points on your license, and an insurance surcharge. Consulting a negligent driving lawyer Bergen County first allows you to explore options to potentially avoid these consequences.
How many points is negligent driving?
Two points. A conviction for negligent driving (careless driving) under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 adds two points to your New Jersey driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to additional surcharges and license suspension.
Should I go to court for a negligent driving ticket?
Yes. Appearing in court, especially with an attorney, gives you the opportunity to contest the charge or seek a reduction. Failure to appear can result in a default conviction, additional fines, and a possible warrant for your arrest.
What’s the difference between reckless and negligent driving in NJ?
Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is a more serious offense implying a willful disregard for safety, carrying 5 points and potential jail time. Negligent driving implies a failure to use due care but without willful intent, and it carries 2 points.
Under Va. Code § 13.1-1000 et seq., state law governs this practice area.