An Overview of Reckless Driving Law

When a person operates a motor vehicle in a dangerous or careless way, he or she could be cited for reckless driving. This is true even if a driver’s actions don’t result in an accident or cause property damage. Examples of reckless driving in North Carolina and most other states include speeding, running a red light or not stopping for a school bus when it is stopped.

Reckless behaviors may also include trying to race another vehicle or trying to evade a police officer. There are a variety of penalties that may be imposed on a person who has been convicted of reckless driving. For example, it is possible to receive points on a license or have a license suspended after being convicted on this charge. It is also possible to pay a fine or spend time in jail after a conviction on a reckless driving charge.

Drivers will likely pay higher insurance premiums and may not be entitled to receive military clearances. Those who drive for a living may have a harder time finding work. In some cases, a person may be allowed to enroll in traffic school to eliminate some of the points on his or her license. This is generally possible when a charge is reduced to careless driving as part of a plea deal.

Drivers in Charlotte may benefit from seeking the assistance of an attorney after being charged with a traffic violation. An attorney may assert that a driver was unaware of the speed limit where he or she was stopped by police. Legal counsel may also point to a lack of a criminal record when negotiating a plea deal or asking for a charge to be dropped.