PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What's the difference between careless and reckless driving?
I’ve read that a reckless driving charge is much more severe than a careless driving charge, but to me, they sound almost identical. What’s the true difference between reckless and careless driving?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The difference between careless and reckless driving is distinct, despite the fact they sound similar. Generally speaking, careless driving is driving without due caution, while reckless driving is driving with wanton disregard for the well-being and property of others.
Moreover, careless drivers are usually
distracted drivers
, whereas reckless drivers are fully aware of their erratic driving behavior.Here’s what I mean: A careless driver may run a red light because they’re fiddling with the radio. Meanwhile, a reckless driver may run the same red light because they’re excessively speeding or racing.
As reckless driving shows a disregard for the safety of others, it’s a misdemeanor charge and carries more severe penalties than careless driving, which is a traffic citation only. Furthermore, reckless driving can be a criminal charge in some states, which stays on your permanent record.
Hopefully, you’re never charged with careless or reckless driving. If you are, expect your car insurance rates to go up as a result. When this happens, call on
Jerry
to shop around for a better-priced policy.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.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies