Have you ever wondered about the dangers of reckless driving in the USA?
Reckless driving is a broad term for a range of driving offenses that make our roads a lot more dangerous. As a result, you might be wondering is reckless driving a criminal offense?
It all depends on the severity of the offense and rules might vary depending on your jurisdiction.
Here’s what you need to know about what constitutes a reckless driving offense:
What Is Reckless Driving?
In most states, reckless driving is defined as intentionally driving a vehicle while showing blatant disregard for someone else’s safety and/or property.
In some jurisdictions, there are certain behaviors that can get considered as “per se” reckless driving. These can include the following:
- Excessive speeding over the set limit
- Street racing including drag racing
- Driving past a parked school bus
- Texting or looking at your phone while driving
These laws can always change in your jurisdiction and are usually based on the general attitude of your local government toward civil liberties.
If your jurisdiction has seen a spike in car accidents, you might expect the scope of “reckless driving” to increase. You can look here to learn how to defend yourself if accused of reckless driving.
Make sure you learn about the rules regarding reckless driving in your area. To remain on the safe side, always observe the rules of driving to a T.
Is Reckless Driving a Criminal Offense?
In most states, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor. On average, you can expect a fine of between $50 to $1,000 for your reckless driving.
You can also expect to receive points on your driver’s license. Too many points can lead to you losing your license. You might have to attend driving school before you can apply for a new license.
It’s also possible to spend a maximum (on average) of 90 days in jail for reckless driving. This all depends on the severity of laws in your state.
In more authoritarian states, reckless driving can be considered a felony. In these jurisdictions, you can expect heavier fines and longer jail or even prison sentences.
In such a scenario, reckless driving will be considered a criminal offense. This can make it harder for you to live a regular civilian life. You might have trouble opening a bank account, finding employment, starting a business, etc.
You might receive a license suspension that can last for several years. You might have to attend community service along with driving school to receive your driver’s license again.
Stay Safe On the Road
Now that you know the answer for is reckless driving a criminal offense you can take the necessary precautions.
A reckless driving offense can range from a misdemeanor in some states and a felony in others. Something as simple as speeding much over the limit can lead to a reckless driving charge.
In some cases, you’ll have to pay a small fine and attend driving school. In other cases, you might have to spend at least 1 year in prison! Make sure you observe the rules of the road to avoid reckless driving.
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