It seems simple enough, but the terminology is horribly misleading. Reckless driving means driving or using a motor vehicle, motorcycle or other vehicle driven by the use of a wheel, wheelbarrow, tire, brake pedal or similar device in a manner that unduly impairs the free and proper use of the public road. A person who violates this provision is guilty of that offense. This would make reckless driving a misdemeanour and, if convicted, result in a criminal record.
What does “public highway” actually mean? Well, basically it means “any public highway.
The conditions that constitute “reckless driving” are also incredibly varied. Virtually any motor vehicle could qualify according to the language of the law, not just cars and trucks.
The breadth of reckless driving gives officials considerable leeway to justify issuing tickets. Just because you get a ticket doesn’t mean you’re guilty. The original interpretation will have been made by the officer who stopped you, not the court. What makes this provision even more worrying is the wording “undue prejudice or undue risk. With regard to “reasonable risk,” it creates a situation in which certain forms of risk are permissible as long as they are not unreasonable.
The court in New York has clarified how such a broad standard is to be determined. To clarify, the court stated that a stop would not be considered reckless, but if it had three lanes. Circumstances essentially determine how the standard of the law is to be applied.
Reckless driving can result in substantial fines and fines. If convicted, 5 points and a $1,000 fine will be added to your license.
There is no mandatory surcharge. Penalties for repeat offences of reckless driving are rising. Depending on the seriousness of the recklessness, a prison sentence is also possible.
Insurance.com conducted a study in 2012 and found that reckless driving increased car insurance premiums by an average of 22%. They could also be fined up to $1,000 for a first offense and $2,500 for each additional offense.
Reckless driving is a serious charge that should be dealt with by a lawyer. If someone is convicted of reckless driving, there are comprehensive and serious charges to be fought. It ranks at the top of 14 categories and even exceeds DWI fees by 19%.