In New Jersey Reckless Driving Speed is a more serious traffic infraction than a standard speeding infraction. Driving 25 mph or more over the speed limit frequently results in a reckless driving prosecution, while high speed alone does not always carry this penalty.

New Jersey Penalties for Careless Driving

In New Jersey, a conviction for reckless driving has severe consequences, such as:

Penalties: For a first infraction, they can range

Points on Your License: Five points are added to your driving record for reckless driving, which may result in higher insurance costs.

Jail Time: For a first offense, up to 60 days; for a second offense, up to three months.

License Suspension: If excessive speeding or reckless driving were involved, the judge may decide to suspend your driver's license.

If irresponsible driving causes an accident, injuries, or property damage, these sanctions may be substantially harsher.

How a Reckless Driving Charge May Result from Speeding

Police officers may issue a reckless driving ticket if they judge the driver's speed constituted a threat, even though New Jersey does not have a predetermined speed threshold that automatically qualifies as reckless driving. Typical situations that may result in charges of reckless driving include:

exceeding the speed limit by at least 25 mph.

excessive speeding in school zones or residential neighborhoods.

driving too fast in hazardous situations, such persistent rain, snow, or fog.

exhibiting aggressive driving techniques, like tailgating or weaving across traffic.

Protections Against a Charge of Reckless Driving

You have legal remedies to contest a reckless driving accusation if you were charged with driving too fast. Among the potential defenses are:

Contesting the Officer's Observations: An attorney may raise doubts about whether your actions actually qualified as reckless driving under the law.

Errors in Speed Measurement: Laser and radar speed detectors are not always reliable and may be contested in court.

Emergency or Necessity: This could be a good defense if you were speeding because of an urgent circumstance.

The Significance of a New Jersey Traffic Lawyer

A conviction for reckless driving may result in greater insurance costs and license suspension, among other long-term repercussions. A skilled New Jersey traffic attorney can assist in contesting the accusations, negotiating lighter sentences, or even having the case dropped. To safeguard your future and driving record, speak with an attorney right now.