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What A Reckless Driving Ticket Really Means in New Jersey — and Why It Matters
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Driving with a suspended license under N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 is a serious traffic offense in New Jersey and is commonly charged in Lakewood Municipal Court. This offense applies when a person operates a motor vehicle while their driving privileges are suspended for any reason, including unpaid tickets, insurance issues, point accumulation, administrative MVC suspensions, or prior DUI-related suspensions. Many drivers are surprised to learn that intent does not matter — driving while suspended can be charged even if the suspension was overlooked or misunderstood.
Penalties for Driving While Suspended in New Jersey
Penalties for driving while suspended can escalate quickly. A first offense may result in fines, court costs, additional suspension time, and mandatory insurance surcharges. Second and third offenses carry increased penalties and can expose a driver to mandatory jail time, depending on the circumstances. Because this charge does not carry motor vehicle points, many drivers underestimate its seriousness until jail exposure becomes an issue.
Second and Third Offenses: When Jail Becomes a Real Risk
For second or subsequent driving while suspended convictions, New Jersey law allows the court to impose jail time, along with extended suspension periods and higher fines. Judges often look closely at a driver’s prior record, the length of the suspension, and whether the driver continued to operate a vehicle despite prior court involvement. Repeated violations are treated far more aggressively than first-time offenses.