Reckless driving in New Jersey carries 5 points under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 — and unlike most tickets, it also carries the possibility of jail and a separate driver’s-license penalty. It’s a charge worth taking seriously.
Points for Reckless Driving in NJ
| Violation | License Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving (39:4-96) | 5 points |
Point values from the official New Jersey MVC point schedule. New Jersey adds points to your license when you’re convicted — and paying a ticket by mail counts as a guilty plea.
What N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 Actually Covers
N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 covers driving "heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others." It sits a step above careless driving — the State has to show more than a simple mistake — which is exactly why a reckless charge is often a candidate for negotiation down to careless driving (2 points) or lower, depending on the facts and your record.
Why the Points Matter
Points stack across tickets and follow you. In New Jersey, reaching 6 points on your record within three years triggers an annual state surcharge, and 12 points triggers a license suspension. Points can also raise your insurance for years. You can knock 3 points off after a year with no violations, and 2 more by completing an approved driver-improvement course — but the conviction itself stays on your history. That’s why keeping points off in the first place is almost always cheaper than paying the ticket and dealing with the fallout.
Can You Beat Reckless Driving?
Because reckless driving carries 5 points plus possible jail and license consequences, the stakes are higher than a routine ticket — and so is the upside of fighting it. The common goal is to bring the charge down to a lesser, lower-point offense and take the jail exposure off the table. The State's proof of "willful or wanton" conduct is often contestable. Don't just pay this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is reckless driving in NJ?
Reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 is a 5-point offense in New Jersey.
Can you go to jail for reckless driving in NJ?
It's possible. Reckless driving carries potential jail time in addition to the 5 points and fines, which is why it's treated more seriously than an ordinary moving violation. A lawyer's goal is usually to reduce the charge.
Can a reckless driving charge be reduced?
Frequently. Reckless is often negotiated down to careless driving or another lesser offense depending on the facts and your record. No outcome is guaranteed, but reduction is a realistic goal.
Related: use the free NJ traffic points calculator to total your points, or read more about fighting a New Jersey traffic ticket. This page is general information, not legal advice — every case turns on its own facts, and prior results don’t guarantee a similar outcome.