New Jersey
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in New Jersey
Careless or reckless driving is one of the most serious moving violations — in many states it is a misdemeanor with jail exposure. An attorney can often negotiate it down to a simple infraction that protects your record.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed New Jersey attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in New Jersey
What a careless & reckless driving costs in New Jersey
- Typical fine
- $50–$200 first offense (up to $500 for repeat offenses)
- License points
- 5 points (reckless, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96); careless driving is 2 points
- Insurance impact
- Five points from a single conviction can push you past the surcharge threshold by itself and triggers steep eligibility-point increases.
- License risk
- Up to 60 days in jail on a first offense, plus discretionary license suspension and 5 points toward the 12-point limit.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between reckless and careless driving in NJ?
Reckless driving (39:4-96) requires willful disregard for safety — 5 points and jail exposure. Careless driving (39:4-97) covers mere inattention — 2 points. Getting a reckless charge amended down to careless, or careless down to a zero-point offense, is the standard defense goal.
Can I really go to jail for reckless driving in New Jersey?
The statute allows up to 60 days for a first offense. Jail is uncommon for ordinary cases, but it's a real risk after accidents or at high speeds — exactly the situations where representation matters most.
I was charged with reckless after a crash. Is that typical?
Yes — officers who didn't witness the driving often write reckless or careless tickets based on the accident scene. That proof gap (no independent observation of your driving) is often the strongest defense angle.
How much will 5 points cost me beyond the fine?
Five points alone nearly reaches NJ's 6-point surcharge threshold, and insurers treat a reckless conviction as a major violation. The multi-year cost usually dwarfs the fine — and dwarfs the cost of fighting it.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation