Reckless Driving

Reckless Driving is a traffic offense that is commonly charged in Bucks County, PA as a result of a car accident.   Reckless Driving is often misapplied by police officers.  Sometimes when a police officer suspects a driver to be driving under the influence (DUI), but cannot prove the DUI case for some reason, the Bucks County police officer will charge the driver with Reckless Driving.

In Pennsylvania the traffic violation of Reckless Driving (75 Pa.C.S. 3736) is defined as “any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” This statute was created by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1990.

Reckless Driving in Pennsylvania is much more of a serious charge than Careless Driving. Reckless Driving requires a higher level of culpability than mere negligence or carelessness.  Pennsylvania courts have stated that in order for the prosecution to prove Reckless Driving, there must be “an element of deliberation or conscious disregard of danger.” This is difficult for the prosecution to prove. 

Pennsylvania courts have ruled that if a person is proven to be driving under the influence (DUI), this fact alone is not sufficient to prove Reckless Driving.

Reckless Driving is a serious charge in Pennsylvania. Your PA car insurance rates will significantly increase if you are convicted of Reckless Driving. Furthermore your Pennsylvania driver’s license will be suspended for six (6) months if you are convicted of Reckless Driving and you will be subject to a $200 fine.

If you are charged with Reckless Driving in Bucks County, PA seek an experienced Bucks County traffic ticket lawyer.  Many times a Reckless Driving case can be won by the defense or negotiated down to a lesser offense such as Careless Driving so that there will be no mandatory Pennsylvania driver’s license suspension