A summons for reckless driving in New Jersey is a serious traffic violation. The statute which governs this offense is N.J.S. 39:4-96 which provides:
§ 39:4-96. Reckless driving; punishment
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 and be punished by imprisonment in the county or municipal jail for a period of not more than 60 days, or by a fine of not less than $ 50.00 or more than $ 200.00, or both.
On a second or subsequent conviction he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months, or by a fine of not less than $ 100 or more than $ 500, or both.
As the above statute details, the penalties for reckless driving in New Jersey include:
First Offense:
- Five (5) New Jersey Motor Vehicle points
- Up to sixty (60) days in the county jail
- Up to a $200.00 fine
- Potential license suspension (at the discretion of the judge)
Second Offense:
- Five (5) New Jersey Motor Vehicle points
- Up to three (3) months in the county jail
- Up to a $500.00 fine
- Potential license suspension (at the discretion of the judge)
As a result of the five (5) motor vehicle points, your insurance company will also undoubtedly assess surcharges as well. Moreover, if you accumulate ten (10) to twelve (12) motor vehicle points on your license, your license may be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles. As you can see, reckless driving is a serious traffic violation in New Jersey. This type of offense typically occurs when there is a motor vehicle accident, when you are driving at a dangerously high rate of speed (over 90 mph), or when you are driving while intoxicated (DWI) or under the influence of drugs. Many judges in New Jersey want to suspend your driving privileges if you are clocked driving over 90 mph. It is important to consult with an attorney to defend against these types of offenses.