Reckless Driving in California

Reckless driving in California is a misdemeanor and the citing officer has the right to either issue a ticket to the offender or take them into custody. According to California traffic laws driving on a freeway or in a off-street parking lot in a way that shows disregard to the safety of other people or their property is considered reckless driving. Even if this reckless driving occurs in a private property, the officer still has the right to cite the offender. If this California reckless driving offense is accompanied by a California DUI/DWI offense or results in bodily injury to a person other than the driver the consequences are far more severe.

Reckless driving has at least 5 days in jail, sometimes up to 90 days, and or fines somewhere between $500 and $5000 or both. Also the accused driver might have their driver's license suspended for one month and their car impounded for 30 days. Sometimes, the insurance company would cancel their policy and the offender would have to pay higher premiums thereafter.

If reckless driving results in bodily injury to a person other than the driver, the imprisonment would be for at least 30 days and up to six months in county jail and the fine would be between $1000 and $10,000. Also the offender would face a suspended driver's license for one year. Second and third California reckless driving offense has the same consequences as a reckless driving resulting in bodily injury.

Making unsafe maneuvers, like making a sharp turn, could also be considered reckless driving as it shows disregard to other's safety. Some even consider reckless driving as three moving traffic violations committed in rapid succession, like speeding, excessive change of lanes and making a sharp turn. If the offender is convicted, this offense adds two points to the driver's record and the misdemeanor appears on any background check.

Although California reckless driving offense has severe consequences for the offender, many California DUI offenders who would not be able to dismiss their case in courts would plea to a reckless driving offense because of the more serious consequences of a DWI offense. Consult with our traffic ticket attorney before you decide what to do with your case.