Racing Lawyer Burlington County — What Are the Penalties for Street Racing in NJ?
Street racing in Burlington County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52, carrying severe penalties including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. As a Racing Lawyer Burlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing these charges at the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage. Our firm has extensive experience handling complex traffic cases throughout New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
NJ Racing and Speed Contest Laws
In New Jersey, street racing and speed contests are prohibited by statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-52. The law defines racing as using a vehicle to compete in a speed contest, test a vehicle’s speed, or race against another vehicle on a highway. This is distinct from simple speeding and is treated with greater severity by the courts. A conviction can have long-term consequences for your driving record and insurance rates.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the racing statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 (New Jersey Legislature). All Burlington County traffic cases, including racing charges, are adjudicated at the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage in Mount Holly.
Local Court Process for Racing Charges
Racing charges in Burlington County are heard as quasi-criminal matters in Municipal Court. The process is more formal than a simple traffic hearing. A key local procedural fact is that New Jersey’s point and surcharge system makes racing convictions particularly costly. Beyond the base fine, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission imposes surcharges of $100 per year for each point over six, paid for three years. A racing conviction brings 5 points, triggering these surcharges immediately. An experienced Racing Lawyer Burlington County can often negotiate to reduce the charge to a lesser offense with fewer points.
- Receive the racing summons with a court date for the Burlington County Municipal Court.
- Consult with a racing lawyer to review the evidence and police report.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions or engage in plea negotiations with the municipal prosecutor.
- If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a trial before a municipal court judge.
In Burlington County, NJ, a racing conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years, a fine of $100-$200, and 5 motor vehicle points.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing / Speed Contest (N.J.S.A. 39:4-52) | Traffic Offense (Quasi-Criminal) | Possible up to 90 days jail (rare for first offense) | $100 – $200 | Mandatory suspension: 1st offense up to 2 years; 2nd offense up to 3 years | 5 motor vehicle points; NJ MVC surcharges; significant insurance increase. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Racing Lawyer in Burlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to your defense. Our understanding of local Burlington County court procedures and the NJ point system is critical for building an effective strategy to mitigate the severe penalties associated with racing charges.
Case Results in Burlington County
While specific locality counts are not available, SRIS actively practices in Burlington County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our service areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Racing Lawyer Near Me Burlington County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and Burlington City. We offer an affordable racing lawyer Burlington County option with flexible consultation plans.
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 street racing a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No, street racing is classified as a quasi-criminal traffic offense under New Jersey law, not a traditional crime. However, it is heard in Municipal Court with procedures similar to criminal cases and carries severe penalties like license suspension and potential jail time.
How many points is a racing ticket in Burlington County, New Jersey?
5 points. A conviction for racing or a speed contest under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 adds 5 points to your New Jersey driving record. This immediately triggers the state’s surcharge system, costing you $100 per year for each point over six, paid for three years.
Can I fight a racing charge in Burlington County, NJ?
Yes. You have the right to contest the charge at the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage. An attorney can challenge the evidence, argue procedural defenses, or negotiate a plea to a lesser offense like careless driving, which carries only 2 points.
What is the license suspension for a first-time racing offense?
For a first offense, the court must impose a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years. The actual length is at the judge’s discretion based on the case specifics and your driving history.
What are NJ insurance surcharges for a racing ticket?
NJ assesses surcharges on top of fines: $100/year per point over 6 (for 3 years). A racing conviction (5 points) puts you at 5 points total; you would not pay this surcharge unless you had other points. However, a separate $250/year Unsafe Driver Surcharge applies for 3+ violations in 3 years.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New Jersey Traffic Lawyer hub page, or learn about traffic defense in neighboring Hunterdon County. If you are also facing other charges, consider our Burlington County criminal defense lawyers.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. 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.