Connecticut Reckless Driving
You may get a reckless driving ticket in Connecticut if you speed excessively or drive in an erratic, dangerous manner.
Written by Brenna Swanston
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- How does Connecticut define reckless driving?
- What are the penalties for reckless driving in Connecticut?
- How can I remove a reckless driving charge from my record?
- Will reckless driving make my insurance go up?
- How to find cheap car insurance in Connecticut
- FAQs
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In Connecticut, reckless driving can result in hefty fines, potential jail time, and—of course—sky-high
Connecticut car insurance
rates. On the bright side, you may be able to take defensive driving courses to lessen the blow.Navigating a reckless driving charge is no fun. Fortunately, the car insurance comparison shopping and broker app
Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about Connecticut reckless driving violations.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How does Connecticut define reckless driving?
You may be charged with reckless driving in Connecticut if you
speed excessively
or knowingly drive an unsafe car. The state breaks down reckless driving into four general categories:- Driving at a speed that endangers other people's lives while on a highway, road, or parking area of at least 10 cars
- Driving any faster than 85 mph
- Driving a commercial vehicle downhill with the clutch or gears disengaged
- Knowingly driving a vehicle with a defective mechanism
However, Connecticut does not narrowly define what "reckless" means in this context, so a reckless driving charge depends largely on circumstance. For example, erratic driving due to eating or using a cell phone might qualify as "reckless" in some contexts.
Key Takeaway Driving at a speed greater than 85 mph will definitely lead to a reckless driving charge in Connecticut. Otherwise, the state defines "reckless driving" in relatively broad terms.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Connecticut?
Reckless driving is classified as a “serious traffic violation” in Connecticut, and offenders are subject to one or both of the following:
- Fines: $100 to $300
- Jail time: Up to 30 days
If you have previous convictions, the charge becomes more serious, and you will face one or both of the following:
- Fines: Up to $600
- Jail time: Up to one year
A reckless driving conviction adds
points to your driving record
as well, and those convicted may have their licenses suspended. Though the violation may drop off your driving record in a few years, a reckless driving conviction results in a permanent criminal record.Connecticut doesn't designate a specific number of points for a reckless driving ticket. Traffic violations in the state will lead to one to five points being added to your
driving record
.How can I remove a reckless driving charge from my record?
In Connecticut, the DMV retains a reckless driving violation on your record for three years. The points drop from your license in two years. In the meantime, there are ways to reduce the penalties of this conviction.
In some cases, those with a reckless driving ticket can enroll in the
Operator Retraining Program
to have the violation removed from their record in less time. Not everyone has this option. The court that hears your case can decide whether a defensive driving course is available to you.Contesting a reckless driving charge in Connecticut
The best way to fight your reckless driving conviction is to challenge whether your behavior was actually reckless. A reckless driving lawyer might argue that you corrected your erratic driving quickly or that your speed wasn't properly clocked on a radar.
Key Takeaway A reckless driving conviction stays on your driving record for three years, but because it is a criminal offense, it may leave you with a permanent criminal record.
Will reckless driving make my insurance go up?
With a reckless driving conviction on your record, your insurance rate is likely to increase. In Connecticut, it's likely to increase quite a bit, especially if you are deemed a
high-risk driver
.Insurance companies in Connecticut raise prices by an average of $1,283 per year after a reckless driving conviction. That's 83% higher than the average car insurance rate in the state. This rate increase is 16% more than the national average auto insurance rate increase after a reckless driving ticket.
Keep in mind that car insurance companies rarely look at more than seven years of history when assessing drivers, and in Connecticut, reckless driving should drop off your driving record after three years anyway.
How to find cheap car insurance in Connecticut
If you have points on your record from a reckless driving ticket, the
Jerry
app can help you find the lowest rate available to you. As a licensed broker
, Jerry does all the paperwork for you, and the app even helps you cancel your old policy if you find a better deal elsewhere.“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me toJerry, and their amazing customer service helped me get the lowest insurance rate.” —Christina H.
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FAQs
Can you go to jail for reckless driving in Connecticut?
Yes, you can go to jail for reckless driving in Connecticut for up to 30 days after your first offense and up to one year after your second or subsequent offense.
What is the minimum penalty for reckless driving in Connecticut?
The absolute minimum penalty is a $100 fine. Your penalties may be harsher depending on the circumstances of the event and/or your previous convictions.
What’s the difference between reckless driving and aggressive driving?
Although Connecticut law doesn’t specifically define aggressive driving, this usually refers to road rage or driving in a way that’s intended to intimidate other drivers. Reckless drivers act in a way that could put others at risk, regardless of whether or not they intend to endanger others.
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