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.
- 98%
- Win rate
- 5,000+
- Drivers helped
- $7M+
- Saved for drivers
- $1,422
- Avg. insurance savings
Ticket Takedown has a 98% win rate across more than 5,000 traffic ticket cases, saving drivers over $7M in fines and insurance increases.
How it works
- 1
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- 2
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- 3
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
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
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.
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.
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.
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