Here are some surprising facts about careless driving in New Jersey that you might wish you’d known earlier:

 1. It’s Easier to Get a Careless Driving Ticket Than You Think

"Careless Driving New Jersey" can cover a wide range of behaviors that aren’t extreme but still unsafe. For example, not signaling properly, driving while distracted (like looking at your phone), or even driving a little too fast for road conditions can result in a careless driving ticket. It's broader than most people realize.

 2. You Can Get Points on Your License Even if You Don’t Cause an Accident

You don’t have to be involved in an accident to get a careless driving ticket. Even minor careless behavior on the road can earn you 2 points on your driving record. The points alone can lead to higher insurance rates, even if the incident was minor.

 3. It Can Be Costly

In addition to the points, the fines for a careless driving ticket can range from $85 to $200. And if you cause an accident, you may face even higher fines. The indirect costs, such as increased insurance premiums, can add up fast.

 4. Many people don’t realize that you can contest a careless driving ticket. You don’t have to just accept the points. Going to court could lead to the charge being reduced to a no-point violation, or the ticket being dismissed altogether, especially if the evidence is weak.

 5. Careless Driving Can Affect Your Insurance Premiums

Even a single careless driving ticket can cause your insurance rates to jump. Many insurance companies will increase your premium for three to five years after the incident, making it a long-term cost you might not expect.

 6. You Could Get a Surcharge for Accumulating Points

If you accumulate 6 or more points within three years, New Jersey will charge you a surcharge, which is a yearly fee until your points drop below 6. Many drivers are caught off guard by this extra cost, which can be hundreds of dollars.

 7. You Can Reduce Points Over Time

You might not know that points can be reduced over time. For every year you go without a violation, 3 points will be subtracted from your total. Plus, taking a defensive driving course can remove 2 points from your record, which helps in avoiding surcharges and keeping insurance rates lower.

 8. It’s Different from Reckless Driving

Many people confuse careless driving with reckless driving, but the two are different. Reckless driving involves intentional and extreme disregard for safety, while careless driving is unintentional but still dangerous. The penalties for reckless driving are much harsher, including more points and the possibility of jail time.

 9. Your Ticket Could Be Downgraded to a No-Point Violation

Many people don’t realize that with the help of a lawyer, a careless driving ticket can sometimes be downgraded to a no-point violation. This can save you from the long-term consequences like points, higher fines, or increased insurance rates.

 10. Out-of-State Drivers Can Be Affected Too

If you’re from out of state and get a careless driving ticket in New Jersey, you could still get points added to your home state's driving record, depending on the agreement between states. Many drivers overlook this and are surprised when they see points show up on their record back home.

Knowing these facts can help you make smarter decisions when it comes to What are The Grounds for Divorce in New York, potentially saving you from fines, points, and higher insurance costs.