How to Deal With Arizona Reckless Driving Charges
Reckless driving is a severe offense in Arizona. Penalties include jail time, fines, and license suspension, and your insurance rates will likely climb.
Written by John Davis
Edited by R.E. Fulton
Penalties for an
Arizona
reckless driving conviction include up to $2,500 in fines, jail time, license suspension, and loss of driving privileges, along with eight points added to your Arizona driving record
. Because reckless driving’s broad definition is open to interpretation by police officers, good driving etiquette is vital to maintaining a clean driving record. - Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor offense in Arizona, while a second offense within 24 months is a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Penalties for a reckless driving traffic violation may include fines, a jail sentence, suspension of your driver’s license, and revocation of your driving privileges.
- If you choose to fight your reckless driving charge, you can contact a criminal defense lawyer.
- Like speeding tickets and DUI cases, a reckless driving charge will cause your insurance rates to climb.
- The best way to find affordable car insurance rates after a traffic violation is to shop around and compare quotes from many companies.
- Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor offense in Arizona, while a second offense within 24 months is a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Penalties for a reckless driving traffic violation may include fines, a jail sentence, suspension of your driver’s license, and revocation of your driving privileges.
- If you choose to fight your reckless driving charge, you can contact a criminal defense lawyer.
- Like speeding tickets and DUI cases, a reckless driving charge will cause your insurance rates to climb.
- The best way to find affordablecar insurancerates after a traffic violation is toshop aroundand compare quotes from many companies.
How Arizona defines reckless driving
Title 28-693 of the Arizona Revised Statutes
(A.R.S 28-693) states that any person who “drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”Based on this broad definition, it’s safe to assume that reckless driving is up to the interpretation of state law enforcement. Here are some examples of behaviors that could land you a reckless driving charge:
- Excessive speeding, well above the speed limit
- Ignoring stop signs and stop lights
- Failing to stop at pedestrian walkways
- Cutting off drivers or swerving in and out of traffic
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Driving distracted
- Driving dangerously in severe weather conditions
Besides the above offenses, some violations carry reckless driving charges in addition to the primary charge. For example, if you’re convicted of vehicular manslaughter in Arizona, the state will also charge you with reckless driving.
Though the legal definition is broad, reckless driving is relatively simple to avoid. Follow all posted signage and traffic laws wherever you are driving and operate your vehicle with
safe driving practices
to avoid charges.Key Takeaway Avoid reckless driving in Arizona by obeying speed limits and traffic signs and using safe driving practices to protect yourself and others on the road.
Penalties for reckless driving in Arizona
Under Arizona law, a reckless driving conviction is typically classified as a class 2 misdemeanor. A first offense may carry the following penalties:
- Fines: Up to $750
- Jail time: Up to four months
- License suspension: Up to 90 days
- Driving privileges suspension: Up to 90 days
If you are convicted of reckless driving, and you have a previous criminal traffic offense—like a
DUI charge
or criminal speeding—on your record within the last 24 months, you will be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor and may face the following penalties:- Fines: Up to $2,500
- Jail time: 20 days to 6 months (drivers convicted of a class 1 misdemeanor for reckless driving must spend at least 20 days in prison to be eligible for release or probation)
- License suspension: Up to one year
- Driving privileges suspension: Mandatory for up to one year
In addition to the above penalties, the state will add eight points to your driving record after a reckless driving conviction. You may also have to attend
Traffic Survival School
(TSS). Key Takeaway Reckless driving is a serious moving violation in Arizona, especially for drivers with previous offenses on their record. Convicted drivers will receive eight points on their record and face fines, jail time, loss of license, and/or loss of driving privileges.
The difference between a suspended license and suspended driving privileges
The main difference between a
suspended driver’s license
and suspended driving privileges is the reinstatement process.Reinstating a suspended license
is fairly simple. When the suspension period is over, you can file an application with the MVD to reinstate your license. There is a $10 reinstatement fee, and you may have to provide an SR-22 form
or proof of future financial responsibility, depending on the court’s conviction.Reinstating suspended driving privileges requires a little bit more work. The court will order specific requirements you’ll have to follow with the MVD after your suspension period. At the very least, you will probably have to submit a certificate of completion (COC) or a driving evaluation to have your suspension lifted.
How to remove a reckless driving charge from your record
Points gained from a reckless driving violation typically stay on your Arizona driving record for at least 12 months with no way to speed up the process.
Arizona is incredibly tough when it comes to reckless driving violations.
Defensive driving courses
(though good for your road skills) will not help to remove these points like they often do in other states. You can always try to appeal the charges in court, but you’ll need a criminal defense attorney. If you choose to fight the charges, you’ll need to seek legal advice from a reckless driving attorney—many law firms will even offer a free consultation before charging you.
If you have to face the charges, contact your
local MVD authorities
for the most accurate information on removing the points from your record.A reckless driving charge can raise your insurance rates
Reckless driving covers a broad range of dangerous and high-risk driving behaviors. A reckless driving charge can cause insurance companies to classify you as a
high-risk driver
.Because of this, a reckless driving case is sure to raise your insurance premium. Arizona drivers with reckless driving tickets pay an average of $928 extra per year—that’s 74% more than the state average on auto insurance rates.
Most insurance companies won’t increase your rates until it’s time to renew, meaning you may have a bit of a buffer zone. However, once they go up, your rates will remain affected until the
points on your driving record
have expired. The only surefire way to avoid a spike in your insurance rates is to keep a clean driving record by practicing safe driving. FAQs
What’s the difference between reckless driving and aggressive driving?
In Arizona, reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of other people or property. Aggressive driving, on the other hand, refers to driving over the speed limit and engaging in aggressive behaviors like unsafe passing, following, or lane changes.
Can I go to jail for reckless driving in Arizona?
Reckless driving in the state of Arizona can result in up to six months of jail time. First-time offenders could face up to four months in jail, but it’s up to the judge. Repeat offenders, on the other hand, face up to six months, but they have to spend at least 20 days in jail before facing probation or release.
What is the minimum penalty for reckless driving in Arizona?
At the very minimum, you will need to pay a fine. The amount will depend on the circumstances of your offense.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
