Driving on Revoked License Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Options?
Driving on a revoked license in Bergen County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:3-40, carrying potential jail time, fines, and extended license loss. If your license was revoked for a prior DWI or serious violation, a new charge escalates penalties. As a driving on revoked license lawyer Bergen County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Law on Driving with a Revoked License
In New Jersey, driving while your license is revoked is distinct from driving while suspended. A revocation means your driving privilege has been terminated and must be formally restored after a mandatory period. The primary statute is N.J.S.A. 39:3-40. A conviction is a disorderly persons offense, which is a criminal charge. The court will also impose additional license suspension. If the original revocation was for a DWI or refusal, or if this is a subsequent offense, penalties increase significantly, including mandatory jail time.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms are available through the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Bergen County Court Process for Revoked License Charges
Your case will be heard in the Municipal Court within the Bergen County Vicinage where the violation occurred. These are quasi-criminal proceedings. Prosecutors often seek the statutory penalties, especially for repeat offenses. A common defense is challenging whether you had proper notice of the revocation. The court may also consider your efforts toward restoration.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a summons with a court date at the Bergen County Municipal Court.
- Initial Consultation: Speak with a lawyer to review the charge, your driving history, and the reason for the revocation.
- Case Investigation: Your attorney will obtain evidence, including the revocation order and police report, to identify defenses.
- Court Appearance & Strategy: Appear in court with your lawyer, who may argue motions, negotiate with the prosecutor, or prepare for trial.
- Resolution or Trial: Work toward a plea agreement for a lesser charge or proceed to a bench trial before the judge.
- Post-Resolution Steps: If convicted, address fines and jail time. Begin the process for eventual license restoration with the NJ MVC.
Potential Penalties for Driving on a Revoked License in NJ
In Bergen County, driving on a revoked license carries a base penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense, with penalties escalating sharply for subsequent offenses or if the original revocation was for DWI.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense (General) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Additional suspension period | Court costs, insurance surcharges |
| Subsequent Offense | Disorderly Persons Offense | Mandatory jail time (e.g., 10-90 days) | $500 – $1,000+ | Extended revocation | Possible vehicle forfeiture |
| Offense While Revoked for DWI/Refusal | Disorderly Persons Offense | Mandatory 180 days jail (may be served in a program) | $1,000 | Further extended revocation | Ignition interlock device requirement |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Bergen County Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience includes over 120 combined years in practice and more than 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom. For clients seeking an affordable driving on revoked license lawyer Bergen County, we provide clear options and vigorous representation focused on protecting your driving future and avoiding jail.
Case Results in Traffic Defense
While specific local results are proprietary, our firm-wide record includes thousands of traffic matters resolved favorably through dismissal, reduction of charges, or minimized penalties. We apply this extensive experience to every Bergen County case. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Traffic Lawyers
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. If you need a driving on revoked license lawyer near me Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving on a revoked license a criminal offense in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-40, driving while revoked is a disorderly persons offense, which is a criminal charge. This means a conviction will result in a criminal record, unlike a simple traffic ticket.
What’s the difference between a suspended and a revoked license in NJ?
It depends on the severity and cause. A suspension is temporary, after which your license is reinstated, often by paying a fee. A revocation means your license is terminated; you must wait a mandatory period, often appear before a hearing officer at the NJ MVC, and re-apply as a new driver, which may include retesting.
Can I go to jail for driving on a revoked license in Bergen County?
Yes. The law allows for up to 6 months in jail for a first offense. For a second offense, or if the revocation was for a DWI, mandatory jail time applies, which can range from 10 days to 180 days.
What are the fines for a revoked license charge?
Fines start at $500 for a basic violation and can reach $1,000. Court costs and mandatory NJ Motor Vehicle Commission surcharges will add hundreds more to the total amount you must pay.
How can a lawyer help with a driving on revoked license charge?
A driving on revoked license lawyer Bergen County can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, argue you lacked knowledge of the revocation, present evidence of attempted compliance, or negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser offense like driving while suspended, which may avoid mandatory jail.
Will my car be impounded?
It depends. For a first offense, impoundment is less likely. However, for subsequent offenses, the court has the authority to order the seizure and potential forfeiture of the vehicle you were driving when arrested.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are dealing with a driving on revoked license charge, you may also need assistance with: Bergen County Criminal Defense Lawyer, Bergen County DUI/DWI Lawyer, or Bergen County Traffic Lawyer. For a full overview of our traffic practice, visit our New Jersey Traffic Lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.