Bergen County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Bergen County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, carrying up to 60 days in jail, a $200 fine, and 5 points on your license; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide experience with 4,739+ documented results. A skilled Reckless Driving Lawyer Bergen County can challenge the state’s evidence and work to have your reckless driving charge dismissed.
New Jersey Reckless Driving Statute
In New Jersey, reckless driving is defined by statute as operating a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This broad language under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 gives prosecutors significant leeway. The charge is not based on a specific speed but on the manner of driving, which can include excessive speed, aggressive lane changes, or other dangerous behavior. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, understands how the state builds these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 (official New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and local rules are managed by the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
Local Court Process for a Reckless Driving Charge
All Bergen County traffic cases, including reckless driving, are heard in Municipal Court, which operates under the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. These are quasi-criminal proceedings before a judge. A common and effective defense strategy involves negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce a 5-point reckless driving charge down to a 2-point careless driving violation, which can save thousands in insurance surcharges over three years.
- Receive your traffic summons with a court date for the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
- Consult with a Reckless Driving Lawyer Bergen County to review the evidence and police report.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to challenge radar calibration or officer observations.
- Attend a pre-trial conference where your lawyer negotiates with the municipal prosecutor.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before the municipal court judge.
- Receive the judge’s verdict and, if convicted, explore options for appeal to the Law Division.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving in Bergen County
In Bergen County, a reckless driving conviction carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail, a $200 fine, and 5 motor vehicle points, plus significant long-term insurance surcharges.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Points | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (1st offense) | Traffic Offense | Up to 60 days | Up to $200 | 5 points | NJ Surcharges: $100/yr per point over 6 for 3 years |
| Reckless Driving (Subsequent) | Traffic Offense | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | 5 points | Possible license suspension; increased insurance premiums |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use insights from defending clients across multiple states to build strong, localized defenses in New Jersey courts. We focus on the specific procedures and tendencies of the Bergen County Municipal Court system.
Documented Case Results
While specific local counts are proprietary, SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our attorneys actively practice in New Jersey and understand the nuances of achieving a favorable resolution, whether through negotiation or trial. An aggressive driving defense lawyer Bergen County relies on can make a significant difference.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving Defense Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Bergen County courts in Hackensack. We represent individuals from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. Contact us for a reckless driving lawyer near Bergen County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Yes, points vary by speed. In New Jersey: 1-14 mph over = 2 points; 15-29 over = 4 points; 30+ over = 5 points. Reckless driving = 5 points. At 6+ points, NJ adds surcharges of $100/year per excess point for 3 years. An attorney can often negotiate reckless (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points).
Can I fight a traffic ticket in Bergen County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge. Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving (saving 3 points and thousands in insurance surcharges). Court costs are $33 per ticket, and NJ’s surcharge system adds significant long-term costs.
What are NJ insurance surcharges for traffic tickets?
NJ assesses surcharges on top of fines: $100/year per point over 6 (for 3 years) and $250/year Unsafe Driver Surcharge for 3+ violations in 3 years. A defensive driving course removes 2 points. An attorney can negotiate charge reductions that minimize point and surcharge impact.
What is the difference between reckless and careless driving in NJ?
It depends on intent. Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) requires “willful or wanton disregard,” is 5 points, and carries jail time. Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is a lesser standard of negligence, is 2 points, and has no jail. A reduction from reckless to careless is a common defense goal.
Should I just pay my reckless driving ticket in Bergen County?
No. Paying is a guilty plea. It adds 5 points to your license, triggers state surcharges for three years, and will cause a major increase in your auto insurance premiums. Consulting a Reckless Driving Lawyer Bergen County to fight the ticket is almost always the better financial decision.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Bergen County and DUI/DWI charges in Bergen County. For a broader view of our traffic defense practice, visit our New Jersey reckless driving lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Morris County and Monmouth County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.