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How fast do you need to go for it to be considered reckless driving?
I was recently given a speeding ticket for driving 12 miles above the speed limit. Now I’m worried that I am going to be charged with reckless driving as well. When does a speeding ticket become a reckless driving charge?
Sean Boehme · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear that you were given a speeding ticket. The good news is that it’s very unlikely that you’ll be charged with reckless driving for going just 12 miles over the speed limit.
Reckless driving is a criminal charge given to drivers who put other people or property at risk while on the road. While speeding is sometimes considered reckless driving, how fast you have to be going
depends on the state
.In some states, such as Wyoming, there’s no speed threshold that warrants a reckless driving charge. Instead, you’ll be charged with reckless driving only if your specific actions put someone at risk.
In other states, there are set speeds that can elevate a moving violation to a reckless driving charge. In New York, driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit qualifies as reckless driving. In other states, the rule may be subjective.
The standard penalties for reckless driving are as followed:
- A misdemeanor charge
- A fine of up to $500
- Points that will be addedto your license
- Jail time of up to 90 days
In some cases, it’s also possible that your license will be suspended for the violation.
If your speeding ticket is for driving 15 mph or less over the speed limit, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be charged with reckless driving. You’ll probably just face a standard ticket and fine, without having to worry about any kind of criminal charges.
A speeding ticket may not constitute reckless driving, but it can certainly play a part in raising your insurance rates. If you think you’re paying too much for car insurance, the broker app
Jerry
can help you get set up with a new and affordable plan from one of over 50 insurers.The best part is, the average Jerry user saves $887 on their car insurance payments every year.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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