What is reckless driving in California? According to state law, any driver who recklessly or carelessly disregards the safety of other motorists while operating a vehicle can be ticketed for reckless driving. This is a broad definition, and individuals can receive a reckless driving charge for anything from excessive speeding to texting while driving.
Reckless driving can result in an accident and you may end up badly hurt, or hurting someone else; there have been instances where reckless driving has led to deaths too. You will most likely need a reckless driving lawyer to help with the charges. Needless to say that reckless driving is not something you want to indulge in. Here are some of the most common consequences of the offense.
Consequences of Reckless Driving in California:
Even if you don’t get hurt, there are other repercussions that may arise. Let’s take a look at the 5 main consequences of reckless driving in California:
- Fines: California reckless driving laws allow courts to fine anyone convicted of reckless driving. Fines can easily exceed one thousand dollars, and each county is allowed to set their own fines. To make matters worse, individuals convicted of reckless driving will face higher insurance rates, and many mainstream consumers have been known to deny coverage to drivers convicted of serious traffic violations.
Depending on the damage caused by your irresponsible driving, the fine may run into thousands of dollars too. Fines are not uniform in the State, and may vary from county to county as well. - Penalties: In most cases, two points are added to the record of any motorist convicted of reckless driving. How long the points remain on your record will depend on the severity of your offense. Whether you are fighting a reckless driving case or a hands free ticket, you will certainly want to hire an experienced traffic lawyer. Minors and holders of commercial driving licenses may receive different penalties, however.
- Jail time: Careless driving could also result in jail time. In the state of California, those convicted drivers can end up serving up to three months (90 days) in jail. Those who prior traffic violations can end up serving six months or more. This is because reckless driving, unlike other traffic violations, is a criminal offense.
- Suspension or Revocation of License: Since careless driving is a criminal penalty, it can result in the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. Individuals with prior convictions face the prospect of longer suspensions and the possibility of revocation. The authorities will consider the severity of the offense, whether you’re a first-time or repeat offender and so on and may suspend your license or altogether revoke it. This means that you will have to re-apply for a driver’s license after a certain period has elapsed. With this may be a court-order drivers education. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may be order to attend a defensive driving course before you are able to operate a vehicle again. These courses are not only expensive, but time-consuming as well, and until you successfully pass, you will need to find another mode of transportation.
- Higher Insurance Premium: Once you’ve been charged and convicted with reckless driving California, Insurance companies will naturally consider you to be a high-risk driver and will demand high premiums from you for ensuring your vehicle.
Apart from these obvious consequences, a reckless driving charge may put you at a disadvantage when you apply for a job, loans, housing and so on, as it may paint a picture of you as a careless and ‘unsafe’ person.
A traffic ticket lawyer in California who is well-versed with California traffic laws may help you get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
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If you have been charged with reckless driving, our experienced lawyers will represent you in court and help you get a favorable decision. Contact us now at 1800-248-284. Give us a free, no obligation 5 minute call today and see what our lawyers can do for you. To find courts in your area, simply search for traffic courts near me and contact an attorney today.
