While we have all heard the charge of reckless driving, many don’t actually know what it is. Rather, NC reckless driving law is defined by statute is North Carolina’s Gen Stat. § 20‑140.
NC Reckless Driving Laws
Under North Carolina law, reckless driving is defined as the following:
“(a) Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others shall be guilty of reckless driving.
(b) Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty.
(f) A person is guilty of the Class 2 misdemeanor of reckless driving if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle carrying a load that is subject to the permit requirements of G.S. 20‑119 upon a highway or any public vehicular area either:
(1) Carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others; or
(2) Without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property.” N. C. Gen Stat. § 20‑140.(2012)
So what does this really mean? Basically you are guilty if you operate a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of others. In addition, if speeding at a high rate of speed that endangers other, you can be arrested.
NC Reckless Driving and Insurance Points
As you might expect, this charge is serious. In addition to high court costs and fines, you should also expect higher insurance rates. So how much higher. Depending on your age, sex, and prior driving history, it can be substantial. In fact, some clients report their rates doubled. Consequently, this is a charge worth fighting in court. Furthermore, it is an aggravator if also arrested for DWI. As a result, slow down, be mindful of others, and get home safely.
If you charged with reckless driving in North Carolina, contact the law offices of Robert J. Reeves P.C. 704-334-7897.