98%* Success Rate to Win, Reduce or Eliminate the penalties on all cases we handle, Criminal Charges, Traffic Tickets, DWI, DUI, Shoplifting, Assault and Drug Charges, put Attorney Aalsberg's proven success rate to work for you!

Charged With Reckless Driving
in NJ? 39:4-96
We can Help Reduce or Eliminate

NJ Reckless Driving Penalties:

1st Offense:

  • Up to 60 days in Jail
  • $50.00 to $200.00 Fine
  • 5 points on your driver license

2nd Offense:

  • Up to 90 days in Jail
  • $100 to $500 Fine
  • 5 points on your drivers license

NJ Reckless Driving Law:

A person who drives a vehicle heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of reckless driving. Commentary: The key words here are likely to endanger—a person or property. The law does not require an accident, injuries, or property damage, just that your actions were more likely to endanger a person or property. In practice, reckless driving charges are frequently based on subjective allegations, such as driving at a high rate of speed, even when traffic conditions were clear and no harm occurred. Because “likely to endanger” is the easiest conduct for a prosecutor to establish for a conviction.

Fight Your New Jersey Reckless Driving Charge with Attorney H Scott Aalsberg

When you’re facing a reckless driving charge in New Jersey, you need more than a lawyer who files paperwork. You need real results—not quick pleas. With a 98%* success rate, Attorney Aalsberg fights aggressively to protect your freedom, your license, and your financial future.

Our Approach to Winning Your Case

  • Eliminate Jail Time at All Costs
    Reckless driving can carry jail time. Attorney Aalsberg challenges every piece of evidence, scrutinizes officer reports, and fights overcharged allegations to keep you out of custody.
  • Protect Your Driving Record
    Points on your license can trigger surcharges, insurance hikes, or even suspension. Our strategy is to reduce or eliminate points whenever possible, so your driving privileges stay intact.
  • Minimize or Eliminate Fines
    Reckless driving fines can be significant and long-lasting. Attorney Aalsberg fights aggressively to lower or remove fines, saving you money and stress.

Why Attorney Aalsberg’s 98%* Success Rate Matters

A 98%* success rate is proof of experience, strategy, and results. Attorney Aalsberg knows New Jersey traffic law inside and out, understands the local courts and prosecutors, and refuses to settle for quick pleas that leave clients exposed but are easier for the attorney. The result? Clients who are far more likely to avoid jail, protect

Take Action Now

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Attorney Aalsberg today at 1-800-9-RIGHTS for a free in office case evaluation and start building a defense designed to win.

Reckless Driving: All Drivers

Because Reckless Driving in NJ is a serious offense, most prosecutors are more interested in the jail sentence and points not the fine, thus the reason for the relatively low fine but high points and penalties. In addition to the possibility of jail, if convicted of Reckless Driving you will also receive 5 points on your license. Luckily unlike some other states NJ does not consider Reckless Driving a Criminal or Misdemeanor offense even though jail is possible. So you will not have a criminal record from NJ. But if you are licensed in another state you will need to check your states law to understand how and if a reckless driving conviction may effect your record.

A Reckless Driving Ticket is a surprisingly popular ticket in NJ. Why? Because the standards of proof are so low. To get convicted of Reckless driving the Judge only needs to find that your actions were likely to endanger a person or property. Thus, this offense is like a catchall offense and can include a violation of many other traffic offenses. The most common example is: Speeding can endanger a person or property because the faster you go the more likely you are to get in an accident because it takes more time to brake and slow down in an emergency. Failing to stop at a red light can also be considered reckless driving because, it could have caused an accident if you didn't stop long enough and hit another car etc.

In addition to possible jail the judge does have the option to suspend your drivers license. If you lose your license you could lose your job, your house and all that is important to you! Don't go it alone we can help. Call our office at 1-800-9-RIGHTS or (732) 257-5040 to setup a free in office consultation to find out how we have reduced or eliminated these penalties for our Reckless Driving Clients.

In addition to possible jail and loss or your drivers license you will also be assessed 5 Points on your license for a NJ Reckless Driving ticket. These points can easily amount to an increase in your auto insurance premium of up to $5,000.00 over the next 3 years. The costs of hiring our firm to defend you should save you more than half this money. Most our clients think of hiring our firm for a reckless driving ticket not as a cost but as a refund. This fact alone should be the main reason to hire our firm for your Reckless Driving ticket, Saving Money!

Reckless Driving: CDL Drivers

If you are a CDL licensed truck driver and get a Reckless Driving Ticket in NJ you face the same penalties as a normal passenger car driver. However a judge is much more likely to impose jail or suspension of your drivers license if the offense occurred while you were operating your commercial vehicle. This is because you are considered to be a "professional driver" and judges will hold you to a higher standard because you have a CDL license.

A reckless driving conviction can have devastating consequences for CDL drivers. It is considered a serious traffic offense under federal law. Many insurance companies are unwilling to insure commercial drivers with a recent reckless driving conviction, leaving truck drivers unable to work for up to three years after a first offense.

Don't let one traffic ticket jeopardize your career, your livelihood, and your future.

Contact our office today to schedule your free in-office consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and aggressively fight to have your reckless driving charge reduced or dismissed whenever possible. Protecting your commercial driver's license is our top priority. We work tirelessly to help our clients avoid the serious consequences of a reckless driving conviction, including points, license suspension, substantial fines, increased insurance costs, and even jail time.
But you must take the first step. Call our office today at 1-800-9-RIGHTS to schedule your free in-office consultation.

Put Attorney Aalsberg's 98% success rate* in obtaining dismissals, reductions, or minimizing the penalties associated with reckless driving charges to work for you. A favorable outcome can protect your career, your income, and—most importantly—your commercial driver's license, the license that provides your livelihood and supports your family. Don't risk your future. Call today and let us start fighting for you.

Charged with a Reckless Driving Ticket in New Jersey? Don't go to jail, get your license suspended or get 5 points on your license. We Can Help. CALL 1-800-9-RIGHTS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS WITH A FREE OFFICE CONSULTATION and learn how we can help you WIN your New Jersey reckless driving ticket!

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Attorney H. Scott Aalsberg, Esq., P.C.

www.GetNotGuilty.com "our name says it all"
Put our Winning Team to Work For You! Call 1-800-9-RIGHTS

New Jersey Reckless Driving Ticket (39:4-96) Facts:

You may lose your insurance if you get convicted of Reckless Driving in NJ

In NJ if you have 2 or more points already on your NJ drivers license or if you received other tickets worth 2 or more points with your reckless driving ticket you face the loss of your insurance. In NJ if you have more than 7 points on your license most insurance companies will drop your coverage and require you to obtain insurance thru the New Jersey Personal Automobile Insurance Plan. In this plan the insurance premiums are typically more than double or triple what most people pay.

By Hiring our office to represent you, you can save money , points and most importantly jail

NJ is one of the states with the highest insurance rates. Except for DWI or Leaving the Scene of an Accident a reckless driving ticket will raise your insurance more than any other ticket, in fact many insurance companies charge you as if you got up to 3 tickets. Thus, hiring our firm to reduce this ticket will in most cases save you money. If you got other tickets with your reckless driving charge we can help you with those too. Call today and setup your free in office consultation to learn more!

You may lose your insurance if you get convicted of Reckless Driving in NJ

Most people assume that a DWI is the worst ticket that you can get from a police officer. Wrong! A 1st offense reckless driving ticket (39:4-96) in NJ carries double the possible jail time compared to a first offense DWI (30 days for DWI versus 60 days for Reckless Driving). Thus, if you are charged with a Reckless Driving Ticket in the State of New Jersey you must seek out the assistance of the best lawyer you can afford. With over 30 years of experience and over 12,000 cases you know that Attorney H. Scott Aalsberg, can get the result you need for your Reckless Driving Charge: Not Guilty.

Did you Get your Reckless Driving ticket with other tickets if so you face additional penalties

Although not common many people get a Reckless Driving Ticket with other tickets such as Speeding (30mph plus), Racing on the Highway, DWI or Leaving the Scene of an Accident. You can get convicted of both the Reckless driving and the underlying ticket. The good new is that unlike other states Reckless Driving in NJ is not considered a criminal offense. The bad new is that it can have the same consequences including jail and the loss of your drivers license.

Your International Travel Could Be Restricted After a Reckless Driving Conviction

A reckless driving conviction is more than a traffic offense—it can affect your ability to enter certain countries. If your job or family requires international travel, protecting your record may be just as important as protecting your driver's license.

If you've been convicted of reckless driving, your ability to travel internationally may be affected—but this depends on the country you're visiting and the specific details of your conviction. The better the sentence you get for your case the easier it will be to travel.

In New Jersey, unlike many other states, reckless driving is not considered a criminal offense. However, many countries don't make that distinction and may apply blanket policies to any reckless driving conviction, regardless of how your state treats it.

If your conviction only involved a fine and points on your license (e.g., 5 points in NJ), you're far less likely to face travel restrictions than if your conviction included jail time. Thus, the reason if guilty you need to fight for the best sentence.

Some countries may:

  • Require a special visa or clearance before entry.
  • Ask questions about your conviction at the border or during visa processing.

For example: Canada is very strict—reckless driving can make you inadmissible, even without jail time. You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation.On the other hand, countries like Mexico tend to be more lenient.

Important: If you have a reckless driving conviction and plan to travel internationally, it's highly recommended that you consult an immigration or travel lawyer in the country you intend to visit. This can help avoid unexpected issues at the border and this rule applies even if your case is still pending in court.

Reckless Driving

Helping Reckless Drivers Get NOT GUILTY Verdicts For 30+ Years
Experience You Can Trust: The Results That You Need!

Attorney H. Scott Aalsberg has represented over 12,000 clients over the past 30+ years. We handle Reckless Driving Tickets in every municipal and criminal court in New Jersey. If you want to win your Reckless Driving charge you must get the Best Lawyer possible. Just because you made a mistake does not mean that you deserve to go to jail, have your drivers license suspended or have 5 points on your license. Attorney H. Scott Aalsberg is ranked one of the TOP TEN Criminal Lawyers by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and was selected for the past five years as one of the Top 25 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. Call Now and setup your Free In Office Consultation for your NJ Reckless Driving Ticket Now at 1-800-9-RIGHTS to learn how to Win. Because, its simple when you hire the best lawyer you put the best chance of winning on your side!

In (2026) The New Jersey Courts Have Signaled a Broader View of Reckless Driving:

In the recent case of State of New Jersey v. Thomas Parker, a New Jersey court upheld a reckless driving conviction after the defendant performed what is commonly known as the "Jersey Slide"—changing lanes from the far left lane across the center lane and directly into the far right lane in a single maneuver.

Under New Jersey traffic laws, drivers are generally expected to change only one lane at a time before safely moving into another lane. In this case, Mr. Parker argued that this type of lane change is common among New Jersey drivers and therefore did not demonstrate the willful or wanton disregard traditionally associated with reckless driving. The court rejected that argument and affirmed both the reckless driving conviction and the defendant's conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI).

What Does This Decision Mean?

The Parker decision suggests that New Jersey courts may place greater emphasis on a driver's conduct than on direct evidence of the driver's subjective intent or state of mind. Rather than requiring proof of what the driver was actually thinking, the court indicated that the surrounding facts and circumstances may be sufficient to establish the level of disregard necessary for a reckless driving conviction. As a practical matter, this decision may make it easier for prosecutors to prove reckless driving based primarily on the manner in which a vehicle was operated. If a driver's conduct created—or was likely to create—a danger to persons or property, a court may infer the requisite willful or wanton disregard from the conduct itself based on the facts and circumstances of the case.

Protect Yourself Against a Reckless Driving Conviction

This decision underscores the importance of mounting the strongest legal defense. When the prosecution can rely more heavily on the driver's conduct itself, having an experienced attorney who knows how to challenge the evidence and the State's legal arguments becomes even more important.

Don't wait until it's too late. Put Attorney Aalsberg's 98%* success rate to work for you and fight your reckless driving charge with proven, experienced representation.*

How A Judge Can Suspend Your Drivers License For a Reckless Driving Charge

Although the penalties for reckless driving do not specifically require a license suspension, New Jersey law still gives judges the authority to suspend your driving privileges. Under NJSA 39:5-31, a judge may suspend the driver’s license of any person found guilty of a “willful violation” of the law. In simple terms, this means that if the court believes the driver knew — or reasonably should have known — that their conduct was illegal or dangerously improper, the judge can impose a license suspension even if the specific traffic offense does not normally carry one.

Examples of conduct that may lead a judge to consider a suspension include:

  • Running a red light
  • Driving 25 MPH or more over the speed limit
  • Driving at double the posted speed limit
  • Aggressive or dangerous driving behavior

Accordingly, Don't think just because the statute says fine or jail this does not mean the judge does not have other options. Do not try to handle this ticket yourself, put the experience of Attorney Aalsberg to work for you and put Attorney Aalsberg's 98%* Success rate to win, reduce or eliminate the penalties for all NJ traffic tickets to work for you!

FAQs

The outcome depends on the specific facts of your case the general rule is either a fine or jail time of up to 60 days, but a judge may tailor your penalty to the facts of your case. Thus the presentation of the facts of your case in court is very important.

No, the consequences of a conviction are very serious including fines and possible jail time of up to 60 days for a first offense and 90 for a second offense. Before pleading guilty, it is wise to understand not just the penalties your facing but also the long-term consequences. A guilty plea can affect your driving record, insurance rates, employment opportunities, and commercial driver's license (CDL), if applicable. Speaking with an attorney before making a decision can help you understand your options.

The timeline varies depending on the court, the complexity of the case, and whether a plea can be reached on your case or whether a trial is needed. The Key is not how long your case takes, but the result that you get. Some cases are resolved in a single court appearance, while others may take more. The good news is Attorney Aalsberg when in court will do most of the talking for you to assure that you will get the best result.