Reckless driving is a term used to describe the actions of a driver who isn’t paying attention or obeying the traffic laws. For example, someone texting and driving or driving too quickly could face reckless driving allegations.
Reckless driving charges can impact your ability to drive and keep your license. It’s important to defend yourself quickly if you’re accused, so you can protect your right to drive and avoid other penalties.
What constitutes reckless driving?
Several acts may be considered reckless including speeding 25 mph or more over the speed limit, racing other vehicles, passing another vehicle with oncoming traffic or trying to escape or elude an officer of the law.
Every state is slightly different in their laws, but on the whole, if you’re doing something that puts you or others at risk, you’re probably driving recklessly.
What happens if you’re caught driving recklessly?
It depends on what you were doing at the time. If you were speeding, it’s likely you’ll be ticketed. You may face jail time in extreme cases. It’s more likely that you’ll find yourself fined for going over the speed limit.
Every time you break a traffic law and are ticketed, points are put onto your license. These points add up, and if you get too many, the courts can take your license. Recklessly driving is just one way to add up points on your license. Speeding, drunk driving, running stop signs and other errors also add points if you’re caught by an officer.
No matter what the situation, it’s important that you defend yourself if you’re accused of reckless driving. There are cases when the officers are wrong or you can show why you were acting negligently or recklessly for a good reason. A strong defense can help you avoid penalties and get back to your life.