How Bad Is a Reckless Driving Charge?

A charge of reckless driving is a serious offense that can leave a permanent stain on your driving record. But that is just the least of your worries. A reckless driving charge can also result in serious financial repercussions and severe legal trouble, such as fines or imprisonment.

Needless to say, reckless driving should be avoided at all costs, not just for the reasons stated previously, but also because it can be a significant danger to yourself and others.

You may be wondering just what constitutes reckless driving. If so, continue reading to find out if your current driving habits put you at risk for such a charge.

What Counts As Reckless Driving?

This may seem like a somewhat vague term designed to entrap drivers, but it is an offense that both law enforcement and the legal community take very seriously. Reckless driving is defined as driving that shows a wanton disregard for people and property. This charge can range from relatively minor infractions to serious violations. Here are some examples:

• Speeding – Specifically, driving 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit.
• Ignoring Traffic Signs or Signals – This includes running through red lights, stop signs, or other such indicators.
• Tailgating – Following too closely behind a vehicle is a major risk to everyone in the proximity of both vehicles.
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way – This involves vehicles at intersections and four-way stops, but also applies to pedestrians at zebra crossings as well.
• Distracted Driving – The unfortunately ubiquitous texting while driving is the main example of this.

In case you are wondering about driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that is a separate, and often more serious, charge than reckless driving.

What Are The Consequences Of Reckless Driving?

This depends on how serious the offense is and whether it involves the destruction of property or the injury or death of another person. In the latter case, there are usually separate charges to just the reckless driving offense. In California, repercussions for reckless driving include the following:

• If No One Besides The Driver is Injured – A fine of $1000 or less, or jail time of ninety days or less.
• Minor Injury To a Third Party – A fine of $1000 or less, or six months or less in jail.
• Serious Injury To a Third Party – This can be a misdemeanor or a felony. If it counts as a misdemeanor, then the penalties are similar to that of a minor injury. If it is charged as a felony, then it can result in up to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

These charges increase if the individual has prior convictions for reckless driving. There are other collateral consequences to reckless driving, which includes:

• Increased Insurance Premiums – Aside from higher premiums, a reckless driving charge could result in the complete cancellation of your policy.
• Points On Your DMV Record – If enough points are accumulated on your record, it could result in a suspension of your license.

Avoid Reckless Driving Penalties

The best way to avoid reckless driving penalties is to avoid reckless driving in the first place. If you end up making a mistake, then you should find a law firm such as the Grossman Law Offices to represent you. A good law firm can get the charges reduced, which results in little to no fines or jail time. It pays to be a careful driver, but if you ever make a mistake, then it pays to have a good lawyer by your side.