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What a Careless Driving Ticket Means — and Why It Matters
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A careless driving ticket under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 is one of the most commonly issued traffic citations in New Jersey. While it is often treated as a “minor” offense, a conviction carries two motor vehicle points, significant fines, and can increase insurance premiums for years. Careless driving is broadly defined and gives officers wide discretion, which means these tickets are frequently issued in situations involving momentary lapses, judgment calls, or minor driving behavior rather than truly dangerous conduct.
Penalties for Careless Driving in New Jersey
A careless driving conviction carries two motor vehicle points, fines that typically range from $87 to over $200 plus court costs, and potential insurance increases. For drivers with prior points, additional points can lead to surcharges, license suspension exposure, or mandatory driver improvement programs. Even a first careless driving ticket can have long-term financial consequences beyond the court fine.
Common Situations That Lead to Careless Driving Charges
Careless driving tickets are commonly issued after motor vehicle accidents, sudden braking incidents, lane-change disputes, distracted driving stops, or situations where an officer believes a driver failed to exercise proper caution. In some cases, careless driving is charged instead of a more serious offense, while in others it is added as a catch-all citation when no specific violation clearly applies.