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Is a reckless driving ticket a criminal offense?
I got a ticket for reckless driving after I was pulled over for going 22 mph over the speed limit. The officer said it was a serious ticket, but they didn’t go so far as to say it was a criminal charge. Will a reckless driving ticket go on my criminal record?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unless you can plead the ticket down to a lesser charge, reckless driving is a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the incident, a reckless driving ticket may result in a misdemeanor or a felony conviction that stays on your record forever.
Reckless driving is typically defined as intentional disregard for the safety of other people and property. It is often categorized as a misdemeanor, but reckless driving becomes a felony when:
- It leads to a severe injury or death of another motorist
- You are going more than 25 mph to 35 mph over the speed limit (varies by state)
- You injure or kill a worker in a construction zone
Penalties for reckless driving may include jail time and/or fines, in addition to marks on your driving record and criminal record.
If you received a reckless driving ticket for excessive
speeding
, your best bet to beat the charge is to hire an attorney. With the help of a professional, you can often plead the charge down to a driving-only infraction.Regardless, you are likely to see higher car insurance rates after an incident like this. To find better-priced insurance no matter your driving record, shop around with the
Jerry
app.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
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