When does speeding become reckless driving?

Many people speed each and every day, even though they know that they’re violating the law when they do so. While it’s not good to speed, speeding isn’t always necessarily reckless. Going a few miles per hour over the speed limit is not only common but generally not something people are pulled over for.

When you start creeping up to speeds that are 5, 10 or even 15 mph over the speed limit, that’s when you start having problems. If you’re driving fast enough that the officer believes that you’re interfering with the safe use of the roads or are endangering others, then you could be accused of reckless driving.

Reckless driving: What does it take to get convicted?

To be convicted of reckless driving, the prosecution has to show that you were more than negligent when operating your vehicle. Essentially, they have to show that you were disregarding you safety and the safety of those around you because of your reckless behavior.

Speeding is a related offense, because speeding shows that you’re not following the traffic laws to begin with. If you then try to weave in and out of traffic to get around slower vehicles or you tailgate someone who is going slower than you’d like, you could be stopped and accused of reckless behaviors that could have led to a serious accident.

What are the penalties for reckless driving?

Reckless driving offenses have several possible penalties that might include:

• Points on your license and driving record.
• The revocation of your driving privileges.
• Up to 30 days in jail for a first-time offense.
• $300 in fines for a first-time offense.

These and other penalties could be possible, and they become more serious if you have a history of traffic offenses in your past.

You deserve an opportunity to defend yourself against reckless driving charges

When you’re facing a ticket for speeding and citation for reckless driving, you deserve a chance to defend yourself in court. A good defense may help you minimize the penalties, keep your license and reduce the fees that you’ll have to pay. A strong defense could help you avoid jail time, too.