What is the penalty for reckless driving in Ohio?

The penalty for reckless driving in Ohio varies based on the degree of recklessness as well as other circumstances surrounding the incident. Reckless driving penalties can range from a ticket and points on your license all the way up to license suspension and even prison time if your driving caused an accident in which others were injured or killed.

The definition of reckless driving in Ohio is on the vague side, which leaves a great deal open to interpretation by law enforcement.  Technically reckless driving is operating a vehicle "in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property." Examples of reckless driving include:

• Excessive speed
• Drag racing
• Tailgating
• Swerving and darting in and out of traffic
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Failing to signal properly
• Failure to yield the right of way

Penalties for Reckless Driving

Often a first reckless driving offense is ticketed as a minor misdemeanor carrying a $150 fine. If you are pulled over for reckless driving a second time you will get a $250 ticket and could face up to 30 days in jail. A third offense can land you in jail for 60 days and you may have to pay a hefty $500 fine.

Perhaps just as serious is that when you are convicted of reckless driving you will have four points added to your license. In Ohio if you accumulate 12 points on your license it can be suspended, so depending on your driving record even a first reckless driving offense can lead to a license suspension.

Get Legal Help

You should consider fighting your reckless driving charge, because any charge that adds points to your license and can affect the cost of your insurance is worth fighting. Talk to an attorney in Ohio who specializes in traffic law to find out what options are available to you.