PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What counts as reckless driving in North Carolina?
I recently got charged with reckless driving when I was caught speeding on the highway. I didn’t think my driving was “reckless,” but I don’t even know what that means in my state. What constitutes reckless driving in North Carolina?
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You are not alone with your confusion—nor with your frustration! Reckless driving has a very broad definition in North Carolina but typically includes driving without regard for others or in a way that could be dangerous for others.
While it’s usually up to the discretion of law enforcement, the following offenses can contribute to a reckless driving charge:
- Speeding more than 15 MPH above the speed limit while driving faster than 55 MPH
- Driving any vehicle faster than 80 MPH
- Swerving in and out of traffic
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Driving in a manner that causes an accident or causes drivers to take evasive action to avoid an accident
- Disregarding stoplights and stop signs
Your charges may have been automatically upgraded because the speeding fell into one of the first two categories. Even if there was no one around, an officer could still see this break from
safe driving practices
as having the potential for endangerment.Unfortunately, a reckless driving charge in North Carolina carries some severe penalties if you can’t fight the charges—and you’re likely looking at a
steep increase in your insurance rates
. Jerry
can help you find the most affordable insurance across dozens of providers and finalize the new policy once you make a decision. The average Jerry user saves $887 per year on car insurance.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
