As traffic ticket attorneys, we handle tickets for both careless driving and reckless driving in New Jersey, and while they sound similar, there is a big difference between these two traffic violations.
What is Careless Driving in New Jersey?
Under the New Jersey statute NJSA 39:4-97, if you drive without due caution and in a manner that may endanger people or property, you will receive a ticket for careless driving.
Examples of careless driving are inadvertently changing lanes and following too closely behind another vehicle. You can also be ticketed for careless driving if you have been involved in an accident and the police officer blames you, especially if it was a single-car accident.
As for the penalties for careless driving in New Jersey, they include a fine of $85 – $200 and 2 points on your driving record. Points will not only increase your insurance rates, but they can also lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. Serial offenders also face license suspension and community service.
What is Reckless Driving in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey statute NJSA 39:4-96, if you drive without due caution and in a manner intended to endanger and cause harm to people and property, you will be issued a ticket for reckless driving. However, unlike careless driving, reckless driving assumes that your behavior was intentional and, therefore, carries much more severe consequences, including a suspended license, more expensive fines, and more jail time.
The specific penalties you will receive for a reckless driving conviction will depend on a number of factors. For example, was it a first-time, second, or third offense? Was there any resulting property damage or personal injury?
Based on these factors and others, the specific penalties you will receive for a reckless driving conviction can be anywhere from a fine of $50 – $500 and/or up to 60 days jail (even for a first offense). A second conviction will prompt harsher penalties, including up to 3 months in jail and/or a fine of $100 to $500. Serial offenders may also have their license suspended or revoked.
Again, the difference between careless driving and reckless driving is intent. With reckless driving, the law assumes that you knew that you were breaking the law and endangering people and property, but did so regardless.
Common examples of reckless driving include, intentionally running a red light, weaving in and out of traffic to pass other motorists,and speeding excessively. It is also very common for a motorist to receive a reckless driving ticket when they are accused of DUI.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Regardless of whether you have received a ticket for careless or reckless driving in New Jersey, an experienced New Jersey traffic ticket attorney can help. Your attorney can fight to reduce or eliminate the penalties associated with that traffic ticket.
If you have been ticketed for careless driving or reckless driving in New Jersey, give us a call to arrange a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey traffic ticket attorney. We have successfully represented thousands of New Jersey motorists in their traffic ticket cases and we can do the same for you. Call us today!