Racing Lawyer Bergen County — What Are the Penalties for Street Racing in NJ?
Street racing in Bergen County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52, carrying up to 60 days in jail, a $200 fine, and a 2-year license suspension for a first offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for racing charges at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
NJ Racing Statute and Penalties
In New Jersey, street racing is defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 as participating in a race or speed contest on a public highway. The law is strict, treating the offense as a quasi-criminal traffic violation. The statute is part of Title 39, which governs motor vehicles and traffic regulation in the state. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a deep understanding of how traffic cases are built and prosecuted.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the racing statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and filing information for Bergen County can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Bergen County Court Process for Racing Charges
Racing charges in Bergen County are heard at the Municipal Court level within the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Prosecutors often seek the maximum penalties for racing due to the significant public safety risk. An experienced Racing Lawyer Bergen County can challenge the evidence, which often relies on officer observation and may lack independent verification like calibrated speed detection devices.
- You will receive a summons with a court date at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack.
- Consult with a racing lawyer immediately to review the charges and evidence.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence.
- Engage in plea negotiations, often aiming to reduce the charge to avoid license suspension.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for a trial before a Municipal Court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can advocate for minimal penalties at sentencing.
In Bergen County, NJ, a racing conviction carries a mandatory license suspension of up to 2 years, significant fines, and possible jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing (1st Offense) | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 60 days | Up to $200 | 2-year suspension | 5 MVC points, insurance surcharges |
| Racing (2nd+ Offense) | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | Up to 5-year suspension | 5 MVC points, higher surcharges |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Racing Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients. We have a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the severe consequences of a racing conviction in New Jersey, including the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) surcharge system that can add hundreds of dollars per year in costs.
Case Results in Bergen County
While specific locality counts are proprietary, SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges dismissed, reduced to non-criminal offenses, or penalties minimized. For example, our attorneys have successfully negotiated reductions from racing to lesser moving violations, avoiding mandatory license suspensions for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Racing Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you are searching for an affordable racing lawyer Bergen County, we offer flexible consultation options.
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.
Racing Charge FAQs for Bergen County, NJ
Is street racing a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No, but it is a quasi-criminal traffic offense. While not a crime like theft, it is prosecuted in Municipal Court, can result in jail time, and creates a criminal-case-like record. The penalties, including license suspension, are severe.
What are the insurance consequences of a racing conviction?
It depends on your insurer, but they are severe. A racing conviction typically leads to policy non-renewal or extreme premium increases. NJ also adds MVC surcharges of $100 per year for each point over 6 on your license, and racing carries 5 points.
Can I get a racing charge reduced in Bergen County?
Yes. Plea bargaining is common in NJ Municipal Courts. An experienced attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge like careless driving (2 points), which avoids the mandatory 2-year license suspension associated with a racing conviction.
How many points is a racing ticket in NJ?
5 points. Under the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission point system, a racing conviction adds 5 points to your driving record. Accumulating 6 or more points triggers annual surcharges of $100 per point for three years.
Should I just pay my racing ticket?
No. Paying the ticket is a guilty plea that triggers all penalties: 5 points, a 2-year license suspension, fines, and surcharges. You must appear in court. Always consult with a racing lawyer near me Bergen County before your court date.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.