Careless Driving in NJ: Points, Penalties, and How to Avoid Them

A careless driving charge can happen to any driver. One momentary lapse of attention—glancing at your phone, not seeing a stop sign, or misjudging a turn—can lead to a ticket that brings points, hefty fines, and even increased insurance rates. 

At Rosengard Law Group, we understand how frustrating and stressful this situation can be. The good news? It may be possible to fight the ticket or reduce the penalties associated with this charge. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about careless driving in New Jersey, the consequences, and how to protect your driving record.

How Many Points Can You Get for Careless Driving in New Jersey?

Careless driving in New Jersey is considered a moving violation. If you’re found guilty, two points will be added to your driving record, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). 

While two points might not seem like a lot, they can quickly add up, especially if you have had other recent violations. And, as you may know, accumulating too many points can lead to higher insurance premiums, surcharges, and even a suspension of your license.

Fines and Other Penalties for Careless Driving

In addition to the points, careless driving comes with financial consequences. You may face:

• Fines: Typically ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the circumstances.
• Court costs: These fees can add an additional $33 or more.
• Potential jail time: Although rare, judges can impose up to 15 days in jail, especially for severe cases involving accidents or injuries.
• Increased insurance rates: Careless driving convictions are flagged by insurance companies, often leading to significant rate hikes.

These penalties go beyond just paying a fine—they disrupt your daily life. For example, higher insurance premiums could stretch an already tight budget, forcing you to cut back on other necessities. 

How to Fight a Careless Driving Ticket in NJ

If you have received a careless driving ticket, you could still fight it to avoid fines, points, and increased insurance costs. But fighting a careless driving ticket—or any other ticket, for that matter—is easier said than done. 

The first thing you should do is understand the charge. Careless driving is a broad offense, meaning the prosecution must prove you drove in a way that “endangered or could endanger” people or property. You can hire a lawyer to analyze your case, challenge the evidence against you, and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Any photos, witness statements, and dashcam footage can help prove your actions were not careless, so focus on collecting evidence to bolster your case. If you choose to fight the ticket, it means you will most likely have to appear in court to present your case and minimize or eliminate penalties. 

Ways to Reduce Points on Your NJ Driving Record

If you already have points on your record, this isn’t the end of the world. It’s not like you cannot do anything about those points or they stay on your record forever. There are ways to reduce them:

1. Take a defensive driving course: Completing a state-approved course can remove up to two points from your record, according to the NJMVC. 
2. Stay violation-free: NJ removes three points from your record for every year you go without a ticket or violation.
3. Request probationary dismissal: In some cases, judges may allow first-time offenders to avoid points by completing specific conditions.

Clearing points from your driving record doesn’t just help your wallet—it helps restore peace of mind. Reducing points keeps your insurance costs in check and ensures your driving privileges remain intact. 

Tips to Avoid Careless Driving Charges in the Future

Needless to say, it’s always best to avoid a careless driving charge altogether than to deal with it when it’s already happened. Preventing future charges starts with mindful driving. This means eliminating distractions when driving. So, no texting, eating, fiddling with the radio, or reaching for things in the backseat when you operate a motor vehicle. Please keep in mind that the use of handheld cell phones while driving is prohibited in New Jersey. 

It’s equally important to follow speed limits, as careless driving often involves going too fast for road conditions. Since missing road signs is also a common cause of getting a careless driving ticket in NJ, you should pay attention to signs at all times when driving. 

You should also keep in mind that rushing may lead to risky maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of a violation. So, be patient on the road, and don’t wait until the very last minute to leave home and drive where you need to be. 

Got Into a Car Accident? We Can Help

If you have been involved in a car accident and got a careless driving ticket, you might be wondering how the charge might impact your ability to obtain compensation. Our car accident lawyer at Rosengard Law Group is here to help you secure the compensation to which you are entitled, even if the police believe you violated any traffic laws. Schedule a free case evaluation by calling (856) 284-6446 or filling out a contact form on our website.

See More: You can also hire our expert car accident lawyers in Newark.