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How fast over the speed limit is considered reckless driving?

I got pulled over for speeding, but instead, the officer charged me with reckless driving. I didn’t realize I was speeding that bad. What speed over the speed limit is considered reckless driving?

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Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A lot of drivers might think of speeding as a very absolute charge, so you’re not alone if you’re confused. Excessive speeding is considered reckless driving in 24 states when the driver exceeds the speed limit by 15 to 35 mph or more.
The exact numbers vary state by state, and they often include two numbers:
  • The speed over the posted speed limit that is considered reckless driving
  • The speed that is automatically considered reckless driving regardless of the speed limit
The table below tells you what speeds are considered reckless driving in the states that have such laws:
State
Speed over speed limit (mph)
Maximum speed (in mph)
Arizona
+20
85 and over
Arkansas
+15
N/A
California
N/A
100 or over
Colorado
+25
N/A
Connecticut
N/A
85 or over
D.C.
+30
N/A
Hawaii
+30
80 and over
Illinois
+30
N/A
Iowa
+25
N/A
Kentucky
+26
N/A
Louisiana
+25
N/A
Maine
+30
N/A
Minnesota
N/A
100 and over
Missouri
+20
N/A
New Mexico
+26
N/A
New York
+30
N/A
North Carolina
+15
80 and over
North Dakota
+36
N/A
Oregon
+30
85 and over
Pennsylvania
+30
N/A
South Carolina
+25
N/A
Vermont
+30
N/A
Virginia
+20
Over 80
Wisconsin
+25
N/A
If you’re not fully focused on driving, it’s easy to let that odometer sneak higher and higher, so make sure to avoid charges in the future by
practicing safe driving
. Reckless driving charges can greatly impact your driving record which will definitely
raise your insurance rates
.
If you’re worried about how a reckless driving charge could affect your insurance, give the
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