If you are an avid driver, you know how easy it is to get fined. You drive at one speed the whole time, and suddenly, there’s a sign that you accidentally miss. One thing leads to another, and if law enforcement doesn’t stop you, the camera system will ensure you get a ticket anyway.
However, under no circumstances do you want to get a reckless driving charge. It will make your life much harder and certainly have severe repercussions. So, if you’ve been wondering how fast you can go to be charged with that, read on to find out more.
It depends on state laws; some states consider it reckless driving when you go from 15 to 36 mph or more over the posted speed limit, while others consider speeding between 80 and 100 mph or more as reckless driving regardless of the speed limit.
The speed numbers vary by state, with some applying restrictions and strict enforcement rules and procedures. Below are some states that apply both restrictions.
The following are some states that apply one restriction:
Reckless driving is not just about excessive speeding or disregarding speed limits. It relates to any behavior that can cause loss of life and property damage while driving. Therefore in some states, the term “careless driving” or “dangerous driving” are used to describe the same offense and classified as a misdemeanor.
Aside from excessive speeding, other acts considered reckless driving include:
Driving a vehicle that is not in good condition and has faulty brakes, failing to use your turn signals or headlights when required, and disregarding the weather when driving also constitutes reckless driving.
Fines are the common consequences imposed on people charged with reckless driving. Fines usually range from $50 to $1,000, depending on state laws and the circumstances.
If a person is convicted of driving recklessly, they could spend some time in jail. That’s because reckless driving is considered a criminal offense. Again, jail time varies by state and circumstances, but the maximum jail time one can expect is 12 months.
Sentencing a person to probation depends on the circumstances and the person’s driving history. Probation sentencing only applies to those who fit the exact criteria. A couple of examples of such a punishment include making visits to a probation officer and refraining from committing traffic violations or crimes. Not complying with the stipulations can lead to imprisonment.
Another penalty for reckless driving is the addition of demerit points to your license. Up to 6 points can be added and will remain on your license for 11 years. Having these points on your license shows you have a bad driving history, directly causing higher insurance premiums. Getting too many points can lead to the suspension of your license too.
You risk having your license suspended if charged with reckless driving. The suspension is usually 30 days, but you could get a lengthier one if you have a history of traffic violations. In some cases, you can outright lose the license.
Speeding over the speed limit by 15 to 36 mph or more is considered reckless driving. And driving between 80 and 100 mph, irrespective of the speed limit, is also considered reckless driving in most states. Apart from this, any behavior that can cause loss of life and property damage also counts as such. So, keep your eyes on the road, don’t ignore road signs, and try not to get into legal trouble.
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