New Jersey Statutes
N.J. Stat. § 39:4-96 (2026)
Reckless driving; punishment
✓ current as of May 2026
39:4-96. A person who drives a vehicle heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of reckless driving and be punished by imprisonment in the county or municipal jail for a period of not more than 60 days, or by a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $200.00, or both.
On a second or subsequent conviction he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months, or by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500, or both.
Amended 1955,c.220,s.1; 1982,c.45,s.3; 1995,c.70,s.2.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 108
cases (48 in the last 5 years), 1940–2026 · leading case: Levine v. State, Dept. of Transp., 768 A.2d 192 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2001).
Levine v. State, Dept. of Transp., 768 A.2d 192 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2001). “56, § 3) provides in pertinent part: No special identifying mark may be issued to any applicant who: (a) has been convicted of a violation of either section 39:4-50, or section 39:4-96 of this Title; or (b) has been convicted of a misdemeanor in violation of section 2A:113-9 of…”
Herman v. City of Millville, 66 F. App'x 363 (3rd Cir. 2003). “Groff also had a statement from Maria Bonilla, Jillian’s mother, that her daughter told her about the incident.”
State v. Julie L. Michaels (072106), 95 A.3d 648 (N.J. 2014). “39:3-40; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; failure to keep right, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Louise Frank, 136 A.3d 429 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2016). “Consequently, defendant was charged that same day with the following motor vehicle offenses: reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; failure to report an accident, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Scott Robertson, 102 A.3d 381 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2014). “39:4-88(b), and reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. The municipal court denied defendant's motion for a jury trial, and his motion to suppress evidence based on an alleged lack of probable cause to arrest.”
Saudi Basic Indus. Corp. v. ExxonMobil Corp., 401 F. Supp. 2d 383 (D.N.J. 2005). “1984) (court interprets New Jersey criminal definition of recklessness to mean that “one acts recklessly when he acts unreasonably and while aware that he is ignoring an obvious danger”); N.J.S.A. § 39:4-96 (reckless driving is defined in New Jersey as “[a] person who drives a…”
In Re Bill, 90 B.R. 651 (Bankr. D.N.J. 1988). “On April 19, 1985 Bill was convicted of reckless driving in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 (West Supp.1988) and of refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test in violation of N.”
DeBlasio v. Groff (In Re Groff), 301 B.R. 644 (Bankr. D.N.J. 2003). “39:4-97; reckless driving under N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; operating an unregistered vehicle under N.”
State of New Jersey v. Donna Jones, 96 A.3d 297 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2014). “2C:12-1(c)(2), and was issued related summonses for reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, and driving while intoxicated, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Armando Carreon, 96 A.3d 305 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2014). “, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 (reckless driving); N.J.”
State v. Willhite, 123 A.2d 237 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 1956). “This statute is expressly made subject to the provision of section 39:4-96 which deals with reckless driving and section 39:4-97 which deals with careless driving.”
Baker v. Court of Special Sessions, 15 A.2d 102 (N.J. 1940). “39:4-98, the pertinent language of which is as follows: “Subject to the provisions of section 39:4-96 of this title * * *, it shall be prima facie lawful for the driver of a vehicle to drive it at a speed not exceeding the following: * * * f.”
State of New Jersey v. William Fish (6215, Union Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2022). “PER CURIAM Defendant William Fish appeals from his convictions for reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, and operating an unregistered vehicle, N.”
In Re Registrant S.O. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:4-50; and reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. On August 25, 2020, the trial court once again classified S.”
Elfar v. Twp. of Holmdel (D.N.J. 2025). “§ 39:4-50 (driving while intoxicated), N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:4-96 (reckless driving), N.”
Oyebanji v. Atty Gen USA, 418 F.3d 260 (3rd Cir. 2005). “§ 39:4-50, and reckless driving, in violation of N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:4-96 . The New Jersey state court sentenced Oyebanji to six years’ imprisonment.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Jamar B. Cockren (15-01-0049, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018). “After a subsequent bench trial, defendant was found guilty of nine motor vehicle violations, including reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; two counts for disregarding a traffic control device, N.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Kelby B. Kramer (18-022, Morris Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019). “2C:29-1(a), and reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. The court sentenced defendant to three months loss of driving privileges and assessed mandatory fines and penalties.”
Russell v. Rigby (D.N.J. 2020). “§ 39:4-96. Pursuant to § 39:4-50, “a person who .”
State of New Jersey v. Leia Tyger (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024). “39:4 -50, her second such offense, and reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. We affirm. I. The following summarizes the testimony adduced at trial in the municipal court.”
State of New Jersey v. Thomas L. Parker (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2026). “39:4-50; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; failure to maintain lane/unsafe lane change, N.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Karen Born (13-065, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017). “She was also charged with eight motor vehicle offenses, including reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; careless driving, N.J.S.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Omar Gassama (18-17, Atl. Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019). “39:4- 88(b); reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; and using a handheld cell phone while driving, N.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Timothy Seck (16-008, Morris Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018). “39:3-66; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; refusal to consent to take samples of breath, N.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Krya Harrison (17-12-0715, Somerset Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020). “39:4-88(b); (7) reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; (8) failure to maintain lamps, N.”
State of New Jersey Vs. Sahil Kulgod (15-04-0231, Somerset Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2021). “In this case, they were reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, and failure to keep right, N.”
State of New Jersey v. William J. Davenport (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024). “39:4-97 and N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 respectively. N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 governing (careless driving) states: A person who drives a vehicle carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of…”
State of New Jersey Vs. Adam J. Petruzziello(15-035, Morris Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017).
State of New Jersey Vs. Eric Menzzopane (2014-10, Mercer Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017).
State of New Jersey Vs. Anthony J. Dicarlo, Jr. (e12-0757, E12-0758 & E12-0759, Atl. Countyand Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017).
State of New Jersey Vs. Timothy Chmiel(16-015, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017).
State of New Jersey Vs. Lino R. Quizphi-patino (2013-026, Mercer Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017).
State of New Jersey Vs. Nicole D. Zambrano-quillen (15-04-0268, Gloucester Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2017).
State of New Jersey Vs. Keith R. Greenwood (17-037, Morris Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Robert Spinelli (18-05-0690, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (record Impounded) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Robert J. Young, Jr. (8-18, Atl. Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Christopher R. Haas (15-02-0206, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Chayim Goodman (16-21, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Janet E. Coyle (27-17, Burlington Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Jamie Appleby (0017-10, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. John J. Cantalupo (13-07-1772, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Pamela M. Targan (0001-17, Atl. Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Paramjit Singh (380992, Atl. Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Kenneth W. Verpent (09-09-1757, Bergen Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Carroll T. Quinn (15-08-16, Sussex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Victor Norwood (11-08-1402, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Sean Courter (14-01-0314, Essex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Orlando Trinidad (14-01-0314, Essex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Dylan Ogden (17-004, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2018).
State of New Jersey Vs. Michael Delmeier (18-009, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Gregory J. Parkhill (13-07-2155, Camden Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. S.E. (17-14, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2019).
State of New Jersey Vs. Joseph Peters (18-28, Bergen Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. John a. Jedra (17-27, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Gary H. Condit (18-013, Morris Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Phillip G. Colson (6219, Union Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Jason E. Louis (16-01-0350, Essex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Jonathan Lim (18-23, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Elias Guzman, III (31-2017, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Robert a. Watson (17-01-0011, Cumberland Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Jeremie Faber (17-036, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Michael J. Meyer (17-15, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Michael J. Meyer (17-15, Ocean Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
In the Matter of Monique Smith, Irvington Twp., Dep't of Pub. Saf. (new Jersey Civil Serv. Comm'n) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Jeremie Faber (17-036, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Manuel S. Riveiro (19-24, Somerset Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2020).
State of New Jersey Vs. Vandana Rupani (7-19, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2021).
State of New Jersey Vs. Reginald I. Eaford-moses (15-03-0240, Union Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2021).
State of New Jersey Vs. Kevin Haigh (11-2018, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2021).
State of New Jersey Vs. Joseph M. Tomza (19-034, Morris Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2021).
State of New Jersey Vs. Danuweli M. Keller State of New Jersey Vs. Abdutawab Kiazolu State of New Jersey Vs. Phobus E. Sullivan (17-01-0009 & 17-12-0801, Mercer Cnty. & Statewide) (Consol.) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2021).
State of New Jersey v. Belal Rahim (ma-3-2020, Middlesex Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2022).
State of New Jersey v. John Bianco (19-042, Monmouth Cnty. & Statewide) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2022).
State of New Jersey v. Frank P. Crusen (w-2022-977-1111, Mercer Cnty. & Statewide) (record Impounded) (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2022).
State of New Jersey v. C.G.H. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2023).
Cheryl Sauselein-Racz v. New Jersey Mfrs. Ins. Co. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2023).
Cheryl Sauselein-Racz v. New Jersey Mfrs. Ins. Co. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2023).
State of New Jersey v. Angel Alamo (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Robert Van Pelt (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Juan A. Lema (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Endy Rolando Cruz Cruz (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Jonathan Cruz (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Kellyann Houghtaling (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Jamie Catelli (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State v. Thomas Zingis (N.J. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Nicole K. Chopp (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Anthony C. Barbato (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Karl T. Stahl (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State v. Thomas Zingis (N.J. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Jeffrey T. Morton (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2024).
State of New Jersey v. Nina N. Gonsalves (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025).
State of New Jersey v. Gerald Sigmon, Jr. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025).
State of New Jersey v. Tony T. Yusufov (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025).
State of New Jersey v. Chaz Dunton (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025).
State of New Jersey v. Nicole K. Chopp (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “Defendant was charged in municipal court with: DWI; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; traffic on marked lanes, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Frank Leone (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “1 Defendant was also charged with reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; failure to keep right, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Jean-Odlin Jean-Noel (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 and -97. He also sentenced defendant, consistent with the municipal court, to a thirty-day license suspension and a $580 fine.”
In the Matter of Trooper Michael R. Travis 7349 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:4-50, reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, and 1 N.J.S.A. 53:1-33 provides that a complaint against a State Police trooper for violations of internal rules must be filed within forty-five days of the complainant obtaining sufficient information to support the claim.”
State of New Jersey v. Andrea Smith (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:4-50; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; and failure to inspect a vehicle, N.”
Michael Greco v. Twp. of East Windsor (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:4-50); (2) Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96); and (3) Unsafe Lane Change (N.”
State of New Jersey v. Victor Baverov (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:4-50; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; and failure to maintain lane, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Jessica N. Yannacone (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “2; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; following too closely, N.”
In the Matter of Rickie Dooley (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “2, along with charges for reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; careless driving, N.J.S.”
State of New Jersey v. Kendal L. Donelson (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:4-50; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, N.”
State of New Jersey v. Jessica Ferguson (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2025). “39:3- 10; and reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. At trial, defendant and Officer Hackett gave conflicting accounts of the reading of the standard statement and defendant's refusal to provide a breath sample.”
State of New Jersey v. Cody J. Sells (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2026). “39:4-82; reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96; and failure to report an address change, N.”
Dcpp v. E.K.A., in the Matter of J.M., R.P., & R.P. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2026). “39:4-130; and reckless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-96. Following defendant's arrest, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (Division) conducted an emergency removal of the children on August 15, 2023, and placed them in a resource home.”
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