What is the definition of reckless driving?

The term "reckless driving" is a term that is mainly applied in the U.S., and the U.K. counterpart is known as "dangerous driving". Each year, many people are charged with this offence, so it is important to be aware of what is the definition of reckless driving. Before you can assess whether a driver is guilty or reckless driving, you must consider what the definition of the offence actually is. Then, we"ll discuss what the penalties for the offence are and the effects of a reckless driving conviction.

What is the definition of reckless driving within the U.S.?

The reckless driving offence covers a multitude of sins, so to speak. The official definition used in a lot of U.S. state laws indicate that anyone who drives a vehicle carelessly or without regard for other people, their property, without caution and at speed that is likely to endanger people and property will be considered guilty of driving recklessly.

Now you know the answer to "what is the definition of reckless driving", the other important thing you need to be aware of, is the penalty for being convicted of this offence.

What"s the penalty for reckless driving?

"Reckless driving" is a moving vehicle violation which has a number of possible penalties. Drivers convicted of the reckless driving offence could face any of the following (in no particular order of severity): deportation, a fine, revocation of parole, disqualification of driver"s licence. The penalties vary across the U.S., some states have allocated their own speed threshold that constitutes reckless driving speeds e.g. the Indiana police say that 25 over the speed limit is reckless, while in Vermont the police consider 30 over the speed limit is reckless. It depends on how many times the reckless driving charge is applied to a licence as to what the penalties are. Driving recklessly is normally considered a misdemeanor.

What is the definition of reckless driving within the U.K?

"Reckless driving" isn"t a legal term that is widely used in the U.K. Instead, reckless driving is known as "dangerous driving".In 1972, the "reckless driving" offence was added to the RTA (Road Traffic Act). In "91, the term was abolished and "dangerous driving" superceeded it. In the 1971 RTA, reckless driving was defined as driving a vehicle on the road recklessly and indicates that people who do so are guilty of the offence.

Two forms of similar offences to reckless driving exist: careless drivign and dangerous driving, which differ in severity.

What"s the definition of reckless driving within the U.K and what are the attributed penalties?

In the U.K., if you"re convicted of the offence you can be punished in a multitude of ways. The dangerous driving offence carries a number of penalty points that will be placed upon your licence and this could result in your driving priveleges being taken away from you for 12 months or more. You may also get a fine, or imprisonment, depending on whether you"re indicted.

Speeding or using a phone while driving are examples of careless/dangerous driving. The outcome of the incident determines what the conviction is e.g. if you caused death, you"d be guilty of the dangerous driving offence and could get 14 years in jail, a 2 year driving ban or an unlimited fine amount. If you"re caught for speeding, you"ll likely be awarded a smaller fine, and a low number of penalty points and be accused of careless driving.

Knowing what is the definition of reckless driving is invaluable information, it can help you to determine whether you were wrongly accused and what penalty you are likely to recieve if convicted.