On average here in the United States, more than 20 million drivers get pulled over by the police every single year.
Most of the time, the offenses are not serious. But, if you’re pulled over for reckless driving, you can face dire consequences.
So, is reckless driving a felony? And, what constitutes driving recklessly?
This guide is here to help. Keep reading to learn about what qualifies as reckless driving, whether or not it’s a felony, and the consequences you can face if you’re charged with it.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Anytime you’re operating a motor vehicle in a way that can be considered dangerous, careless, or negligent, you’re at risk of being pulled over for reckless driving.
Any of the following actions may qualify as reckless driving:
- Driving more than 25mph more than the posted speed limit
- Racing with another driver
- Driving through a stop sign or red light
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles
- Texting while driving
- Evading a police officer
- Driving at night without headlights
Depending on where you live, reckless driving may also be called careless or dangerous driving.
There are certain factors that also come into play when determining if you were driving recklessly.
For example, if it was during poor weather conditions when you were going well over the speed limit, a court could weigh the weather into the decision of whether or not you’re guilty.
Is Reckless Driving a Felony?
The short answer is that it depends. Most of the time, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense. However, it can vary by state law.
In some states, it becomes a felony if your reckless driving causes serious injury or death to another person.
And, in some states, reckless driving can also be a felony if you’re found to be driving with a suspended or invalid license.
If you’re injured as a result of someone else’s reckless driving, learn more about how to seek compensation for your injuries here.
What Are the Consequences of Reckless Driving?
Once again, the penalties for reckless driving vary by state laws. However, it’s almost always considered a serious offense.
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, you could face some jail time, potentially even up to a year. And, if you’re charged with a felony, you may have to serve time in a state prison.
Most reckless driving cases result in a fine at the minimum. The total amount depends on the specifics of your case.
If you have a history of poor driving, you could also face a probation period of 12 months or more. And, most states require a license suspension of at least 30 days for reckless driving offenders.
Always Prioritize Safe Driving
While the answer to “is reckless driving a felony?” is that it depends on your specific case, you should always prioritize driving safely.
The next time you get behind the wheel, consider the consequences we discussed above before making dangerous decisions.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other posts before you go!
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