My question involves a reckless driving ticket from the State of: New Jersey
Hi,
I got two tickets in Plainsboro, NJ today, one for improper passing and one for reckless driving. It would be good to get some advice from members to see how much trouble I am in (I am suspecting a lot). I should have used better judgment and I have all respect for the police officers and the police department, but I think the punishment is somewhat harsh.
So here is the story: I was going on a rural road with 45 mph speed limit. It was a single lane road, and a woman was going in front on me at low speed (she was just accelerating very slowly away from a traffic light). I decided to pass the woman, there were no cars in the oncoming lane, and there was a small part of the road where the line was not solid yellow, but dotted. So I passed her, probably exceeding the speed limit while passing her, but not by much. I never endangered anybody or cut anybody off during the passing maneuver.
Anyways, right when I started passing her, I saw a police officer came around the corner in the oncoming lane about 1/4 mile ahead and he pulled me over. He said he pulled me over for reckless driving and improper passing since I crossed a solid yellow line when passing. I only told the police officer that for the record, the line was not solid where I passed, but other than that I know better than to argue with a police officer.
This was my first driving offense ever, thus far I have an absolute clean driving record. But reckless driving (5 points) + improper passing (4 points) add up to 9 points! I think this is a little too harsh of a punishment, considering the line I crossed was not solid and I did not cut off or endanger anybody.
So here my questions now:
- Is it advisable to get a lawyer? It seems that reckless driving is quite a serious offense. Can anybody recommend a good traffic lawyer in the Plainsboro, NJ area?
- What can I realistically expect, with respect to points, fines, and license suspension? Since this is my first offense, can I hope for leniency from the judge to reduce the offenses?
- A friend of mine was in the car with me and he could testify that I did not cross a solid yellow line or cut anybody off. Should I take him to court with me on the scheduled court date?
I am thankful for any advice. Thanks for your help everybody.

