Oregon Reckless Driving
Reckless driving penalties in Oregon include a maximum fine of $6,250, up to a year in jail, and license suspensions for repeat offenders.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Oregon
motorists convicted of reckless driving face serious consequences, including a maximum fine of $6,250, up to a year in jail, and increasing mandatory license suspensions for repeat offenders. A reckless driving charge on your Oregon driving record
could drive your car insurance
rates up. 
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How does Oregon define reckless driving?
Oregon courts define reckless driving as “when a person recklessly drives a vehicle upon a highway or other premises in a manner that endangers the safety of persons and property.”
In Oregon, the term “reckless” carries a more explicit meaning—any person who understands that their conduct is risky but proceeds to do it anyway.
What’s the difference between reckless driving and careless driving?
A reckless driving offense can be downgraded to “
careless driving
” if the court determines that the motorist didn’t realize the danger of their driving.What are the penalties for reckless driving in Oregon?
Oregon law values awareness when reviewing reckless driving cases. Punishment for your driving behavior is determined by whether or not you were aware of the potential danger you were causing.
Penalties for reckless driving
If the court determines that you’ve willingly ignored standard safety protocols, you will be convicted of reckless driving. This class A misdemeanor will be accompanied by the following punishments:
Repeat offenders will have to find a different ride around town. If you add on a second or third offense within five years, you will face a license suspicion of one to three years.
Penalties for careless driving
If the court determines that you were driving without knowledge of the danger you were causing, you will be convicted of careless driving. Given the two, this is the much-preferred conviction. The punishments for this class B traffic violation include a fine of $130 at a minimum and $1,000 at maximum.
Key Takeaway: The difference between careless driving and reckless driving is awareness.
How will a reckless driving conviction affect my driving record?
A reckless driving conviction will appear on your driving record for 15 years. During that time, it can cause your
car insurance
rates to climb considerably. Under Oregon law, traffic crime convictions cannot be sealed or expunged unless the charge is ultimately dismissed.
Will reckless driving make my insurance go up?
Car insurance companies may charge you an increased premium for as long as the reckless driving conviction remains on your record.
Oregon raises rates by an annual average of $731 for convicted reckless drivers. This is 52% more expensive than a motorist with a clean record.
Without options to improve your driving record, it’s best to drive safely in order to maintain access to low car insurance rates.
How to find affordable car insurance in Oregon?
In Oregon, the safer you drive, the cheaper your car insurance will be.
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FAQs
Can you go to jail for reckless driving in Oregon?
Yes. A reckless driving conviction will receive a punishment of up to one year in prison.
What is the maximum penalty for reckless driving in Oregon?
A reckless driving conviction can result in a maximum fine of $6,250. There is no minimum fine.
What is the difference between reckless driving and careless driving?
Reckless driving is when you know you are driving dangerously and proceed to do it anyway. Careless driving is when you are driving recklessly but are unaware of the danger you are causing. In Oregon, understanding these terms is very important due to the difference in punishments between the two convictions.
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