What Constitutes a Reckless Driving Ticket in NJ?
As someone who operates a motor vehicle, you are expected to adhere to the laws and traffic signs in place to keep motorists safe. If you violate these rules, you can face serious consequences. If you are issued a reckless driving ticket, it’s critical to understand what warrants this offense, the penalties you can face, and why working with a Bergen County, NJ reckless driving defense attorney is critical if you want to fight this offense. The following blog explores these charges in further detail so you can fight to protect your future.
What Is Reckless Driving?
If charged with reckless driving in New Jersey, under the law, it means you were caught driving with disregard for the safety of others in a manner that puts others and property in danger of harm and damages. As you can see, this is a vague definition, which allows many different behaviors and actions to be considered reckless.
For example, common behaviors associated with reckless driving include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Speeding
- Disobeying traffic signs
- Making illegal maneuvers
- Driving too closely to another vehicle
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Racing
None of these actions are specifically listed in New Jersey law as reckless behavior, but due to the broad definition of reckless driving, these actions are commonly associated with reckless driving charges.
What Are the Penalties for This?
Though receiving a traffic ticket may not seem like a big deal to most, this slip of paper can carry considerable consequences. Like most tickets, reckless driving carries a fine between $50 and $200 and will result in points on your license. This carries five points, and once you reach six, you face a motor vehicle surcharge. This means you will pay an additional $150 annually, in addition to a fee of $25 per point on your record.
Reckless driving also carries the potential to spend time in jail. Receiving a ticket carries up to 60 days for a first-offense conviction and 90 days for a second offense.
Finally, when you receive a ticket for reckless driving, you can expect your insurance rates to skyrocket. This is because you will be considered a high-risk driver, so your insurance will charge more to keep you. However, depending on the nature of your charge and prior offenses on your record, you may be dropped by your insurance altogether.
Can I Get a Reckless Driving Ticket Dismissed?
Getting a reckless driving ticket dismissed can be a complicated legal process for many. However, just because it can be challenging doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. When you are charged, the prosecution must demonstrate that you violated the law. As such, working with an attorney can help you gather evidence to show that you didn’t do anything wrong or that the officer’s account of what happened isn’t credible to cast doubt on their testimony.
Regardless, you should not try to navigate these matters on your own. At the Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, we understand how complicated these issues can be, which is why our firm is dedicated to assisting you through these times. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you if you receive a charge for reckless driving in New Jersey.