In Union County, reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 carries up to 60 days in jail and 5 points on your license. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Out of State Traffic Ticket Lawyer Union County can help you fight these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | N.J.S.A. Title 39 (official New Jersey Legislature)
New Jersey classifies reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 as a quasi-criminal traffic offense. Unlike a simple moving violation, reckless driving requires proof that you operated a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This is more serious than careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97), which only requires a showing of ordinary negligence. The distinction matters because reckless driving carries 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and fines up to $200 for a first offense. An Out of State Traffic Ticket Lawyer Union County understands these statutory nuances and can build a defense strategy specific to your case.
For out-of-state drivers ticketed in Union County, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) reports convictions to your home state under the Driver License Compact (DLC). N.J.S.A. 39:5-30 governs this interstate reporting. A conviction for reckless driving in New Jersey may trigger license suspension or surcharges in your home state, making it critical to fight the ticket rather than simply pay the fine. A traffic violation defense lawyer Union County can negotiate reductions that minimize the impact on your out-of-state driving record.
Review the official statutes: N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 (reckless driving) — official New Jersey Legislature and the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage — official court website.
Union County Municipal Court handles all traffic violations at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. New Jersey traffic offenses are quasi-criminal and are tried before a Municipal Court judge — this is more formal than administrative hearings used in some other states. Plea bargaining is permitted and common. A frequent defense strategy is negotiating reckless driving (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points), which can save thousands in insurance surcharges over 3 years.
- Contact an attorney immediately after receiving the ticket — do not pay the fine, as that counts as a guilty plea.
- Request a court date at Union County Municipal Court (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207).
- Your attorney reviews the police report for procedural errors or insufficient evidence.
- Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction to careless driving (2 points) or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, your attorney represents you at trial before the Municipal Court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can advise on appeal options to the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage.
In Union County, reckless driving carries up to 60 days in jail, $200 in fines, and 5 points on your New Jersey driving record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (1st offense) | Quasi-criminal | Up to 60 days | Up to $200 | 5 points | Insurance surcharges: $100/year per point over 6 for 3 years |
| Reckless Driving (subsequent) | Quasi-criminal | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | 5 points | Possible license suspension |
| Careless Driving (negotiated reduction) | Quasi-criminal | None | Up to $200 | 2 points | No insurance surcharge for 2 points |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. For Union County traffic cases, Mr. Sris brings decades of experience defending clients against reckless driving and other serious traffic offenses.
SRIS actively practices in Union County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not-guilty verdicts in traffic cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Jersey location is accessible from Union County via NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, and I-78. We serve clients throughout Union County including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Looking for a reckless driving lawyer near Union County? Our firm represents clients at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage in Elizabeth.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Union County, New Jersey?
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. Cases heard at Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207). An attorney can often negotiate reckless (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points).
Can I fight a traffic ticket in Union County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge at Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207). Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving (saving 3 points and thousands in insurance surcharges). Court costs: $33 per ticket.
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 at Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage can negotiate charge reductions that minimize point and surcharge impact.
Will an out-of-state traffic ticket in Union County affect my home state license?
Yes. New Jersey is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC). A reckless driving conviction in Union County will be reported to your home state’s DMV. Your home state may impose equivalent points, surcharges, or license suspension. Fighting the ticket with an attorney can prevent these consequences.
How long do points stay on my New Jersey driving record?
Points remain on your New Jersey driving record for 3 years from the date of the violation. However, insurance companies may consider the conviction for up to 5 years. Completing a defensive driving course removes 2 points from your record once every 5 years.
Related pages: New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer | Hunterdon County Reckless Driving Lawyer | Somerset County Reckless Driving Lawyer | Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Union County DUI/DWI Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.