Most violations of traffic statutes lead to citations or tickets. Drivers can pay the fine and may not face many other consequences, provided that they don’t receive too many tickets in a short amount of time.
Other traffic violations are significant enough to warrant criminal charges, rather than a simple ticket. Reckless driving allegations can lead to misdemeanor charges that carry fines and even the possibility of up to a year in state custody. What choices in traffic could lead to reckless driving accusations?
1. Unsafe passing
Virginia traffic statutes highlight multiple forms of unsafe passing as examples of reckless driving. Passing on a hill or near a curve could constitute reckless driving. So could passing a school bus with its lights engaged.
2. Excessive speeding
Extreme speeding can warrant reckless driving charges. Especially when people significantly exceed the speed limit in a residential neighborhood, the state might pursue reckless driving charges. Racing on public roads can also lead to reckless driving allegations, even if the speeds themselves may not meet the statutory requirement for a reckless driving charge.
3. Losing control of a vehicle
There are many ways that drivers could endanger themselves and others by failing to maintain control of a vehicle. Driving a vehicle with improperly maintained brakes could be serious enough to warrant reckless driving charges. Drifting or trying to do donuts could also constitute reckless driving.
Those accused of reckless driving may need help protecting themselves from criminal penalties and a lifetime criminal record. Reviewing the allegations with a lawyer could help a motorist plan a defense for pending reckless driving charges.
