Reckless Driving: Penalties by State and How it Affects Car Insurance
 Written by Derek San Filippo Derek San FilippoDerek has over 10 years of experience writing web content for a variety of online publications. His pieces range from fi... Read more |  Edited by Fran MajidiFran MajidiFran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i... Read more |
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Reckless driving is defined as the operation of a vehicle in such a way that it disregards the safety of others and traffic laws. This could include aggressive driving, illegal passing, or tailgating. If you're convicted of reckless driving, your car insurance rates are likely to go up. It's also possible your carrier will drop you altogether. You could face fines, criminal charges which go on your driving record for years, jail time, and a suspended license depending on the severity of the offense. Find out more about what constitutes reckless driving and how it can impact your life and coverage.
On This Page
What Is Reckless Driving?
Examples of Reckless Driving
What Is Considered a Reckless Driving Speed?
What Are the Consequences of Reckless Driving?
How Does Reckless Driving Affect Car Insurance?
How Long Does a Reckless Driving Conviction Stay on Your Record?
Reckless Driving and Car Insurance FAQs
Don't Let Reckless Driving Stop You From Being Covered
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a term used to describe dangerous or negligent driving. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors, but generally, it refers to driving in a way that puts others at risk. This could be from, but necessarily due to, driving under the influence (DUI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI). Reckless driving is often considered a serious offense, as it can lead to accidents and injuries. Drivers should be careful to avoid engaging in reckless behavior, as it can result in costly tickets or even license suspensions.
Examples of Reckless Driving
Below are some of the most common forms of reckless driving:
-
Exceeding the posted speed limit
-
Tailgating
-
Making unsafe lane changes
-
Passing on the shoulder or in a no-passing zone
-
Running a red light or stop sign
What Is Considered a Reckless Driving Speed?
There is no definitive answer to the question of what constitutes a reckless driving speed. In general, however, excessive speeding - that is, driving more than 20 miles over the posted speed limit for example - is usually considered to be reckless. Similarly, driving more than 20 miles per hour under the posted limit can also be considered reckless. Of course, these are merely guidelines; depending on the circumstances, even driving a few miles over the speed limit can be considered reckless. For instance, if there is heavy traffic or poor visibility, driving even a small amount over the limit can be dangerous and constitute reckless driving. Ideally, such actions will only result in a citation should they occur.
What Are the Consequences of Reckless Driving?
Below you will find national data from the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and the Revisor of Missouri on the consequences of reckless driving and whether the violation is a misdemeanor or a felony.
|
State |
Penalty |
Category |
|---|---|---|
|
Alabama |
Imprisonment - First offense - 5 to 90 days; Subsequent offense - 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense - $25 to $500; subsequent offense - $50 to $500 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Alaska |
Imprisonment - Not more than 1 year Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Arizona |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 4 months. Subsequent offense (within 24 months) — not more than 6 months Fine - First offense — not more than $750. Subsequent offense (within 24 months) — not more than $2,500 |
Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation within 24 months is a Class 1 misdemeanor |
|
Arkansas |
Imprisonment - I. Non-Injury-related offense: first offense — 5 to 90 days. Subsequent offense (within 3 years) — 30 days to 6 months II. Injury-related Offense — first offense — 30 to 90 days. Subsequent offense (within 3 years) — 60 days to 1 year Fine - I. Non-Injury-related Offense: first offense — $25 to $500. Subsequent offense (within 3 years) — $500 to $1,000 II. Injury-related Offense — first offense —$100 to $1,000; Subsequent offense (within 3 years) — $500 to $1,000 |
Class B misdemeanor |
|
California |
Imprisonment - 5 days to 90 days Fine - $145 to $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Colorado |
Imprisonment - First offense — 10 to 90 days. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — $10 to $300. Subsequent offense — $50 to $1,000 |
Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense |
|
Connecticut |
Imprisonment - First offense — Not more than 30 days. Subsequent offense — Not more than 1 year. Fine - First offense — $100 to $300. Subsequent offense — not more than $600 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Delaware |
Imprisonment - First offense — 10 to 30 days. Subsequent offense (within 3 years) — 30 to 60 days. Fine - First offense — $100 to $300. Subsequent offense (within 3 years) — $300 to $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
District of Columbia |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 3 months. Subsequent offense (within 2 years) — not more than 1 year Fine - First offense — not more than $250. Subsequent offense (within 2 years) — not more than $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Florida |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 90 days. Subsequent offense — not more than 6 months Fine - First offense — $25 to $500. Subsequent offense — $50 to $1,000 |
Misdemeanor (Moving Violation) |
|
Georgia |
Imprisonment - Not more than 12 months Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Hawaii |
Imprisonment - Not more than 30 days Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Petty misdemeanor |
|
Idaho |
Imprisonment - First offense — 5 to 90 days. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — $25 to $300. Subsequent offense — $50 to $300 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Illinois |
Imprisonment - Any term less than 1 year Fine - Not more than $2,500 |
Class A misdemeanor |
|
Indiana |
Imprisonment - Not more than 180 days Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Class B misdemeanor |
|
Iowa |
Imprisonment - Not more than 30 days Fine - $50 to $500 |
Simple misdemeanor |
|
Kansas |
Imprisonment - First offense — 5 to 90 day. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — $25 to $500. Subsequent offense — $50 to $500 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Kentucky |
Imprisonment - None Fine - $20 to $100 |
Violation |
|
Louisiana |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 90 days. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — not more than $200. Subsequent offense — $25 to $500 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Maine |
Imprisonment - Not more than 6 months in the county jail Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Felony |
|
Maryland |
Imprisonment - None Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Massachusetts |
Imprisonment - Two weeks to 2 years Fine - $20 to $200 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Michigan |
Imprisonment - Not more than 90 days Fine - Not more than $100 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Minnesota |
Imprisonment - Not more than 90 days Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Mississippi |
Imprisonment - First offense — none. Subsequent offense — not more than 10 days Fine - First offense — $5 to $100. Subsequent offense — not more than $500 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Missouri |
Imprisonment - None Fine - Up to $1000 - $2000 |
Class B misdemeanor. If the violation results in an accident, it is a Class A misdemeanor |
|
Montana |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 90 days; subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months. Fine - First offense — $25 to $300; subsequent offense — $50 to $500 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Nebraska |
Imprisonment - First offense (Class III misdemeanor) — not more than 3 months. Second offense (Class II misdemeanor) — not more than 6 months. Subsequent offense (Class I misdemeanor) — not more than 1 year Fine - First offense (Class III misdemeanor) — not more than $500. Second offense (Class II misdemeanor) — not more than $1,000. Subsequent offense (Class I misdemeanor) — not more than $1,000 |
Class I, II or III misdemeanor |
|
Nevada |
Imprisonment - Not more than 6 months Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
New Hampshire |
Imprisonment - None. Fine - $250 to $500 |
Violation |
|
New Jersey |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 60 days. Subsequent offense — not more than 3 months Fine - First offense — $50 to $200. Subsequent offense — $100 to $500 |
Quasi-criminal/Petty Offense |
|
New Mexico |
Imprisonment - First offense — 5 to 90 days. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — $25 to $100. Subsequent offense — $50 to $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
New York |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 30 days. Second offense (within 18 months) — not more than 90 days. Subsequent offense (within 18 months) — not more than 180 days Fine - First offense — not more than $300, Second offense (within 18 months) — not more than $525. Subsequent offense (within 18 months) — not more than $1125 |
Misdemeanor |
|
North Carolina |
Imprisonment - 1 to 60 days Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Class 2 misdemeanor |
|
North Dakota |
Imprisonment - Not more than 30 days Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Class B misdemeanor |
|
Ohio |
Imprisonment - First offense (minor misdemeanor) — none. Second offense (within 1 year) (4th-degree misdemeanor) — not more than 30 days. Subsequent offense (within 1 year) (Third-degree misdemeanor) — not more than 60 days Fine - First offense (minor misdemeanor) — not more than $100. Second offense (within 1 year) (4th-degree misdemeanor) — not more than $250. Subsequent offense (within 1 year) (Third-degree misdemeanor) — not more than $500 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Oklahoma |
Imprisonment - First offense — 5 days to 90 days. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — $250 to $500. Subsequent offense — $300 to $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Oregon |
Imprisonment - Not more than 1 year Fine - Not more than $5,000 |
Class A misdemeanor |
|
Pennsylvania |
Imprisonment - None Fine - $200 |
Summary Offense |
|
Rhode Island |
Imprisonment - First offense — not more than 1 year. Subsequent offense — 1 to 5 years Fine - First offense — not more than $500. Subsequent offense — not more than $5,000 |
First offense — misdemeanor; subsequent offense — Felony |
|
South Carolina |
Imprisonment - Not more than 30 days Fine - $25 to $200 |
Misdemeanor |
|
South Dakota |
Imprisonment - Not more than 1 year Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Class 1 misdemeanor |
|
Tennessee |
Imprisonment - Not more than 6 months Fine - Not more than $500 |
Class B misdemeanor |
|
Texas |
Imprisonment - Not more than 30 days Fine - Not more than $200 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Utah |
Imprisonment - Not more than 6 months Fine - Not more than $1,000 |
Class B misdemeanor |
|
Vermont |
Imprisonment - 1 year to 4 years Fine - Negligent Motor Vehicle operation - First offense — not more than $1,000. Subsequent offense — not more than $3,000. Grossly Negligent Motor Vehicle Operation - First offense — not more than $5,000. Subsequent offense — not more than $10,000. Offense Involving Either Serious Bodily Injury or Death — not more than $15,000 |
Lower Severity - Misdemeanor. Higher severity - First offense — Misdemeanor; subsequent offense — Felony; Offense Involving Either Serious Bodily Injury or Death-Felony |
|
Virginia |
Imprisonment - Not more than 12 months Fine - Not more than $2,500 |
Class 1 misdemeanor |
|
Washington |
Imprisonment - Not more than 1 year Fine - Not more than $5,000 |
Gross misdemeanor |
|
West Virginia |
Imprisonment - First offense — 5 to 90 days. Subsequent offense — 10 days to 6 months Fine - First offense — $25 to $500. Subsequent offense — $50 to $1,000 |
Misdemeanor |
|
Wisconsin |
Imprisonment - Endangering Persons or Property: first offense (Forfeiture) — none; subsequent offense (within 4 years)(misdemeanor) — not more than 1 year in the county jail. Causing Bodily Harm (misdemeanor) — 30 days to 1 year in the county jail. Causing Great Bodily Harm-Felony 531-90 days to 2 years and 3 months Fine - Endangering Persons or Property: first offense (Forfeiture) — $25 to $200; subsequent offense (within 4 years) (misdemeanor) — not more than 1 year in county jail. Causing Bodily Harm (misdemeanor) — $300 to $2,000. §346.65(3) Causing Great Bodily Harm (Felony) — $600 to $2,000 |
Civil Forfeiture, misdemeanor or felony |
|
Wyoming |
Imprisonment - Not more than 6 months Fine - Not more than $750 |
Misdemeanor |
How Does Reckless Driving Affect Car Insurance?
If you're convicted of reckless driving, your car insurance rates will almost certainly go up. You may even be dropped by your carrier. It can be difficult to get new insurance if you're dropped for a felony or misdemeanor, but it's not impossible, just expensive. There are a few insurance carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers. You may also be asked to file an SR-22, which is a certification that proves you have the minimum amount of car insurance for liability. Getting an SR-22 will typically require you to pay higher rates, but it will allow you to get coverage.
How Long Does a Reckless Driving Conviction Stay on Your Record?
A reckless driving conviction can stay on your record for at least three years. In most states, a reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor offense. This means that it will show up on your record if someone does a background check. The court may also order you to complete a defensive driving course, pay a fine, or both. You may also have trouble renting a car or getting a job that requires you to drive. If you are convicted of more than one reckless driving offense, the penalties become more severe. You may lose your license for a year or more and be required to pay steep fines.
Don't Let Reckless Driving Stop You From Being Covered
Reckless driving is a serious offense in many states and can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record. It can also seriously affect your insurance, causing your rates to go up or possibly causing your carrier to drop you as a customer.
Don't let reckless driving stop you from being insured. Enter your zip code below and fill out a quick questionnaire. SmartFinancial will send you free quotes for the lowest rates in your area based on your answers.
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Derek has over 10 years of experience writing web content for a variety of online publications. His pieces range from finances and entertainment to religion and philosophy. For the past three years, Derek has focused on writing financial literacy articles for credit unions throughout the country. He prides himself on being able to take complex topics and make them accessible to the general public.
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