You’ve probably heard the term “reckless driving” before, but do you know what kinds of actions constitute reckless driving?
Reckless driving is any kind of driving with wanton disregard for others’ rights and safety. Since this term is so broad, it can cover many kinds of driving behaviors.
What are some examples of reckless driving?
At its core, reckless driving means that you did something that was dangerous or careless and put others, as well as yourself, in danger. For example, some of the most common kinds of reckless driving include:
- Driving 25 mph or more over the speed limit
- Attempting to flee the police
- Racing other vehicles
- Passing in a no-passing zone
The court will look into all kinds of factors to decide if reckless driving has occurred. For instance, it will look at:
- The time of day when the driver was acting recklessly
- If the driver was truly reckless or just negligent
- If others were put in danger because of the driver’s actions
- The weather conditions at the time of the traffic stop
- The individual’s past traffic infractions
These and other factors may play a role in the outcome of a person’s case.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Virginia?
For reckless driving, drivers can expect to face a Class 1 misdemeanor in most cases. However, if the person was operating a vehicle without a license or is guilty of causing the death of another person because of their behavior, then they will face a Class 6 felony.
If you are accused of driving recklessly, it’s worth looking into your options to defend yourself. You may be able to have the charges changed or dropped completely.
