Traffic Defense Lawyer in Bergen County, New Jersey — What Are Your Options?
A traffic ticket in Bergen County, New Jersey, is a quasi-criminal charge under N.J.S.A. Title 39, carrying points, fines, and costly insurance surcharges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
New Jersey Traffic Law and Penalties
New Jersey classifies most moving violations as traffic offenses under Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.). These are not simple infractions; they are quasi-criminal matters heard in Municipal Court. A conviction adds points to your license, triggers state-mandated surcharges, and leads to significant insurance premium increases. The statutory framework is detailed in N.J.S.A. Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice focused on client advocacy. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years, providing a deep understanding of New Jersey’s traffic court system.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. Title 39 (official New Jersey Legislature site)
- Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website
Handling a Traffic Case in Bergen County
Bergen County Municipal Court handles all traffic violations. New Jersey’s system is formal, with plea bargaining a common and effective strategy. A frequent goal is negotiating a reckless driving charge (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points), which can save thousands in surcharges. The court is located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack.
- Receive your ticket and note your court date at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney to review the charges and potential defenses.
- Your attorney may engage in pre-trial negotiations with the municipal prosecutor to seek a charge reduction.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for and attend a bench trial before a Municipal Court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can advise on post-trial motions or the appeals process to the Law Division.
Potential Penalties for Traffic Violations
In Bergen County, traffic violations carry points, fines, and long-term financial surcharges that can total thousands of dollars.
| Offense | Classification | Points | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1-14 mph over | Traffic Offense | 2 | $85-$200 | None (unless points accumulate) | Insurance increase, surcharges if over 6 points |
| Speeding 15-29 mph over | Traffic Offense | 4 | $200+ | Possible suspension for excessive speed | Substantial insurance increase, surcharges |
| Reckless Driving | Traffic Offense | 5 | Up to $200 (1st) | Possible suspension | Up to 60 days jail (1st), high surcharges |
| Careless Driving | Traffic Offense | 2 | Up to $200 | None (unless points accumulate) | Insurance increase, lower surcharge impact |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, our team understands the nuances of New Jersey traffic defense. Our approach is grounded in thorough case preparation and strategic negotiation.
Documented Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charge dismissals, reductions from reckless to careless driving, and negotiated settlements that avoid license suspension.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Bergen County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 509-1111
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Bergen County courts in Hackensack. We represent individuals from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. For a traffic defense attorney Bergen County NJ, call for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Bergen 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. An attorney can often negotiate reckless (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points).
Can I fight a traffic ticket in Bergen County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge. Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving (saving 3 points and thousands in insurance surcharges). Court costs are $33 per ticket; NJ surcharge system adds $100-$1,500/year in additional costs for drivers with 6+ points.
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, Bergen Vicinage can negotiate charge reductions that minimize point and surcharge impact.
Should I hire a traffic defense law firm Bergen County NJ for a first offense?
Yes. Even a first conviction adds points and triggers NJ’s surcharge system, costing you thousands over three years. A law firm can seek a reduction to a zero-point violation or careless driving, which significantly lowers long-term costs and protects your insurance rates.
What is the difference between reckless and careless driving in NJ?
Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is a more serious offense implying willful disregard, carrying 5 points and up to 60 days in jail. Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is a lesser offense of negligence, carrying only 2 points and no jail time. Negotiating this reduction is a common defense strategy.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges related to a traffic stop, see our page on criminal defense lawyer Bergen County NJ. For charges involving alcohol, visit our DUI/DWI lawyer Bergen County NJ page. For a broader view of our traffic defense practice, see our New Jersey reckless driving lawyer hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Hunterdon County and Somerset County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on traffic defense charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.