Careless Driving Ticket (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)

Careless Driving is one of the most common violations in New Jersey. In order to be found guilty of Careless Driving, the State must prove that you were the driver of the vehicle on a public road and were driving in a careless way or without caution in a manner that is likely to endanger person or property.

Pleading guilty or being found guilty of Careless Driving comes with serious exposure. The Motor Vehicle Commission will automatically assess two (2) points to your driving record. In addition, the Municipal Court will assess a fine that you will be required to pay. Lastly, while it is a rare penalty, you are subject to up to fifteen (15) days in State prison or a license suspension, especially if the Court deems that the manner by which you were driving was purposeful. In addition to these penalties, your insurance company can issue their own “insurance points” for their records and potentially raise your insurance rates or charge you a surcharge.