Excessive Points Lawyer Bergen County — How to Fight NJ Surcharges
Excessive points on your New Jersey license trigger costly insurance surcharges and potential suspension. In Bergen County, a conviction for reckless driving adds 5 points under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage, aiming to reduce charges and points.
New Jersey Law on Excessive Points
New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses a point system to track moving violations. Points accumulate on your driving record, and reaching certain thresholds triggers severe consequences. The system is governed by Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand insight into how traffic cases are built and prosecuted.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New Jersey’s traffic laws, refer to the official state statute website: N.J.S.A. Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation). For procedures and filing information specific to Bergen County, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Bergen County Court Process for Fighting Points
All traffic violations in Bergen County are heard as quasi-criminal matters before a Municipal Court judge at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage in Hackensack. The key to avoiding excessive points is proactive defense during plea negotiations. Prosecutors here are often open to reducing a 5-point reckless driving charge down to a 2-point careless driving violation, which can save you thousands in surcharges.
- Receive Your Ticket & Summons: Note your court date, typically 30-60 days from issuance, for the Hackensack courthouse.
- Consult an Attorney: Before your court date, have a lawyer review the charges and your driving history to build a defense strategy focused on point reduction.
- Negotiate with the Prosecutor: Your attorney will engage in pre-trial negotiations to seek a reduction in the charge (e.g., from reckless to careless driving) to minimize points.
- Present Your Case: If a satisfactory plea cannot be reached, your attorney will present your defense before the Municipal Court judge.
- Address the Outcome: If convicted, your attorney can advise on options like defensive driving courses to remove points or appeal procedures.
- Manage Surcharges: Your lawyer can help you understand and handle payment plans for any imposed fines and state surcharges.
Penalties for Excessive Points in New Jersey
In Bergen County, accumulating excessive points leads to mandatory state surcharges, license suspension, and significant insurance premium increases.
| Point Threshold | MVC Action | Financial Impact | License Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 Points | $100/year surcharge per point for 3 years | $300-$3,300 total surcharge | Warning letter |
| 12-14 Points | Surcharges + mandatory driver improvement program | Program fee + surcharges | Potential suspension |
| 15+ Points | Surcharges + Unsafe Driver Surcharge ($250/year for 3 years) | Surcharges + $750 | Automatic suspension |
| Any 3+ violations in 3 years | Unsafe Driver Surcharge applies | $750 total | N/A |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Excessive Points Case
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the financial strain New Jersey’s surcharge system can cause and focus on strategies to minimize points from the start.
Case Results for Traffic Violations
While specific local counts are proprietary, our firm has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results in traffic and related matters across all jurisdictions we serve, with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges dismissed, reduced to non-moving violations, or amended to lower-point offenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Excessive Points Lawyer Near Me Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, and Englewood. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Excessive Points in NJ
How many points is a speeding ticket in Bergen County, New Jersey?
It depends on your speed. 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, and the NJ surcharge system adds significant 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 can negotiate charge reductions that minimize point and surcharge impact.
When should I hire an excessive points lawyer?
Immediately after receiving a ticket for a high-point violation like reckless driving or speeding 30+ mph over the limit. Early intervention allows your attorney to secure evidence and begin plea negotiations before your court date, which is the best opportunity to reduce points.
Is an affordable excessive points lawyer Bergen County effective?
Yes. An experienced attorney focuses on the specific goal of reducing points to avoid surcharges. Many firms, including ours, offer clear fee structures for traffic defense. The cost of a lawyer is often far less than the three-year total of state surcharges and insurance hikes a conviction can bring.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New Jersey Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Hunterdon County and Morris County. If you are facing other charges, explore our Bergen County Criminal Defense services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your excessive points case.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.