In North Carolina, reckless driving isn't considered a minor traffic violation; it is a criminal misdemeanor. This means that you can receive severe penalties for breaking traffic laws, even if there were no injuries due to your driving. Below is more information about what the courts consider reckless driving and the potential consequences.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

North Carolina law is vague in its definition of reckless driving, stating "Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public area carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others shall be guilty of reckless driving." The broad nature of this description gives law enforcement officers considerable leeway when determining what does and does not count as reckless driving.

Generally, any traffic violation can be considered reckless depending on the circumstances surrounding the violation. For example, excessive speeding, running multiple red lights, or failing to stop at posted intersections can be deemed reckless driving. They can also cite you for reckless driving if you were tailgating other motorists or driving while distracted. As long as a law enforcement officer can construe a behavior as potentially dangerous to people or property, they can charge you with reckless driving.

What Are the Consequences?

A reckless driving traffic violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This means that if the court finds you guilty, they could impose up to 60 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and, in some cases, a driver's license suspension of up to 12 months. License suspension is a common penalty if your speed was excessive or you have had multiple speeding tickets within the prior 12-month period.

After a reckless driving conviction, the court will also add at least four points to your driver's license. The more points you have, the higher your auto insurance premiums will be. Additionally, accumulating 12 points in a three-year period results in an automatic suspension. After reinstatement, this limit is lowered to eight points in a 3-year period.

If police officers charge you with a reckless driving traffic violation, contact Schoch & Shoch in High Point, NC. For over 80 years, this law firm has been fighting for their clients' rights. They work diligently to get charges reduced or dropped so that you can maintain a clean driving record. They also handle auto accident, wrongful death, and business litigation cases. Call (336) 884-4151 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about their practice areas.